ABOUT ACEC CALIFORNIA

The American Council of Engineering Companies of California (ACEC CA) is the leading voice for the engineering and land surveying industry, representing thousands of private consulting firms statewide. ACEC CA’s mission is to advance the business interests of its members through advocacy, education, and engagement, shaping California’s infrastructure and public policy landscape with expertise and innovation.

THE OPPORTUNITY
ACEC California is seeking a strategic and visionary Executive Director to guide the organization into its next chapter of impact and excellence. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of California’s political and business environment to drive industry-wide change, elevate public engagement, and deliver lasting value to members as well as:
•    Oversee and manage all facets of ACEC CA operations, finances, and policy efforts.
•    Advocate for engineering industry priorities through legislative, regulatory, and lobbying initiatives.
•    Strengthen member engagement, delivering valuable programs and services.
•    Represent ACEC CA at local, state, and national levels, positioning the organization as an influential industry leader.

OUR IDEAL LEADER

An Effective Advocate & Spokesperson
The Executive Director represents and advocates for ACEC CA’s position with legislators, government agencies, other engineering and design professions and others. This charismatic communicator will be responsible for:
•    Legislative & Regulatory Leadership: Monitor, analyze, and influence state and federal legislative actions affecting the industry. Develop and execute ACEC CA’s advocacy strategy ensuring the association remains a powerful voice in policymaking.
•    Lobbying & Political Engagement: Cultivate and maintain relationships with lawmakers, regulatory agencies, and industry partners. Lead all lobbying activities including contracted efforts, PAC fundraising, and coalition-building.
•    Public Relations & Media Strategy: Oversee ACEC CA’s external communications, serving as Executive Editor for publications and digital content. Provide oversite on press releases, media engagement strategies, and rapid responses to key legislative developments.
•    Member & Chapter Representation: Provide strategic guidance to ACEC CA chapters, engage with ACEC National, and ensure alignment on legislative priorities.

A Strategic Association Leader
At its core, this role is about strategic direction and disciplined execution. The Executive Director will work in partnership with the Board to define ACEC CA’s vision and then activate that vision through sound policies, measurable goals, and high-performing teams. Responsibilities include:
•    Strategic Planning & Policy Leadership: Shape ACEC CA’s long-term objectives, aligning them with the evolving landscape of engineering and business to enhance public acceptance of the industry.
•    Fiscal & Operational Oversight: Develop and manage ACEC CA’s budget, financial reporting, audits, and compliance initiatives. Oversee risk management and safeguard financial assets.
•    Staff Development & Culture: Lead and mentor a mission-driven team fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment. Establish performance standards and provide guidance and mentorship to ensure staff effectiveness.
•    Board & Committee Engagement: Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Committee and Board ensuring alignment between strategic initiatives, operations, and legislative priorities.

Legislative & Regulatory Leadership
Given ACEC CA’s critical role in shaping industry policies, the Executive Director must be a relentless advocate to navigate government affairs with expertise and strategic influence. Responsibilities include:
•    Government Relations: Maintain effective relationships with government officials, agencies, and industry groups to ensure ACEC CA’s interests are well represented.
•    Legislative Analysis & Advocacy: Monitor, analyze, and respond to state and national legislative proposals. Work closely with the Legislative Committee to shape ACEC CA’s stance on key policies.
•    PAC & Political Activities: Serve as Treasurer of ACEC CA’s PAC and Issues Fund ensuring compliance with California’s campaign finance regulations. Oversee political engagement strategies to strengthen ACEC CA’s advocacy.
•    Regulatory & Policy Coordination: Provide expert guidance on engineering-related regulations ensuring industry voices are heard at every level of policymaking.
•    Public Policy Communication: Respond rapidly to legislative developments, crafting position statements, press releases, and direct messaging for key stakeholders.

An Operational & Financial Steward
The Executive Director will oversee all core operations, ensuring ACEC CA runs efficiently, compliantly, and in alignment with its mission. This includes:
•    Budget & Treasury Oversight: Develop and manage annual financial plans, ensuring fiscal responsibility, compliance, and positive balance sheet performance.
•    Membership Engagement: Lead retention initiatives, program development, and professional growth opportunities for ACEC CA members.
•    Contract & Risk Management: Oversee legal agreements, HR functions, asset protection, and governance compliance.
•    Organizational Infrastructure: Ensure efficient office operations, integrating technology, administrative systems, and staff coordination.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS
The Executive Director operates in a full-time capacity with opportunities for a hybrid schedule. Candidates must reside in the Greater Sacramento area and be available for regional and occasional overnight travel (approximately 10%-15%). Evening and weekend availability for Board meetings and external representation is expected.

Education & Experience
•    Minimum bachelor’s degree in administration/management, Political Science, Organizational Development, Pre-Law, or Engineering. Equivalent experience may be considered. Law degree (JD) is a plus but not required.
•    Proven experience in association leadership, government relations, regulatory affairs, and/or business operations strongly preferred.
•    Legislative & Regulatory Expertise: Deep knowledge of public policy, lobbying strategies, and government relations affecting California’s engineering industry.
•    Strategic & Fiscal Leadership: Ability to develop, execute, and evaluate organizational goals, budgets, and financial plans.
•    Communication Excellence: Strong verbal and written skills to engage diverse stakeholders and represent ACEC CA with integrity and transparency.
•    Decision-Making & Policy Development: Ability to assess complex regulatory challenges, develop policy recommendations, and execute ACEC CA’s legislative priorities.

WHAT WE OFFER
In addition to a robust portfolio of benefits and a hybrid work schedule, our salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $200,000–$250,000 with professional development opportunities that supports a culture of continuous learning. Some highlights include:
•    Employer-Paid Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision fully covered for employees; 75% employer-paid coverage for dependents.
•    Retirement:  401(k) with employer contributions and opportunity for employee matching.
•    A generous time-off policy that promotes work/life balance including the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
•    Additional Perks: Paid parking, cell phone/internet reimbursement.

View link for a comprehensive job description: ACEC CA Executive Director

HOW TO APPLY
If you are excited about this opportunity, please provide a cover letter and resume including salary expectations. Within your cover letter or resume, please be sure to provide your qualifications as they relate to the responsibilities of the role. Submissions will be accepted until 5 p.m. PST, Monday, July 14th. Submissions should be sent to danybourjollysmith@asaecenter.org with the subject line: ACEC CA Executive Director:

• Please attach cover letter, titled as: Last Name – First Name ACEC CA Cover Letter
• Please attach resume, titled as: Last Name – First Name ACEC CA Resume
• Please attach additional materials for consideration, titled as: Last Name – First Name ACEC CA Additional

At ACEC CA, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
 

About ACEC California

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