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Association Executive Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Association Executive information

See Virginia salary details

$38.2K

$89.2K

$176.5K

How much do association executive jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for association executive in Virginia is $89,206.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $131,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an association executive?

An Association Executive is a professional who manages the operations and administration of a membership-based organization, such as a trade association, nonprofit, or professional society. Their responsibilities typically include strategic planning, financial oversight, member services, event coordination, and advocacy efforts. Association Executives serve as the primary liaison between the board of directors, members, and staff, ensuring the organization achieves its mission and goals. They also oversee daily operations, manage staff, and represent the association at public events and meetings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an association executive?

To thrive as an Association Executive, you need expertise in organizational management, strategic planning, and membership development, often backed by a degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with association management software (AMS), budgeting tools, and event management platforms is typical, and certifications like CAE (Certified Association Executive) are highly valued. Strong leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills help foster collaboration among staff, board members, and stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for driving organizational growth, engaging members, and ensuring effective governance.

What are some common challenges association executives face in managing member engagement, and how can they address them?

Association Executives often encounter challenges in maintaining high levels of member engagement, especially as member needs and expectations evolve. To address this, it's important to regularly solicit feedback through surveys or focus groups, tailor programs and benefits to diverse member interests, and leverage technology to facilitate communication and networking. Collaborating closely with the board, committees, and staff helps ensure that engagement strategies align with the association's mission and goals. Staying proactive and adaptable is key to fostering ongoing member involvement.

What is the difference between Association Executive vs Event Coordinator?

AspectAssociation ExecutiveEvent Coordinator
CredentialsOften requires a bachelor's degree in business, management, or related fields; certifications like CMP or CAE are commonTypically requires a bachelor's degree; certifications like CMP can be beneficial but are not mandatory
Work EnvironmentWorks within associations, nonprofits, or professional organizations, focusing on strategic managementWorks in various settings, including corporate events, nonprofits, and hospitality, focusing on event planning and execution
Employer & IndustryEmployers include professional associations, nonprofits, and industry groupsEmployers include event planning companies, corporations, and nonprofits

While both roles involve organizational skills, an Association Executive focuses on managing the overall operations and strategic direction of associations, whereas an Event Coordinator specializes in planning and executing specific events. The Association Executive typically has broader responsibilities and requires more strategic planning experience, while the Event Coordinator concentrates on event logistics and client coordination.

What are the most commonly searched types of Association jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Association jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Association Executive jobs in Virginia?

For Association Executive jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Association Executive jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Association Executive job openings:

Infographic showing various Association Executive job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,206 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

SG2 Recruiting is conducting a search for an experienced association executive to lead the Education & Meetings function for a nationally recognized medical specialty society.

This executive leadership opportunity is ideal for an experienced association professional who has successfully managed accredited continuing education, complex national conferences, committee governance, and multidisciplinary teams. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will play a critical role in shaping educational strategy, modernizing learning experiences, and delivering exceptional member value through innovative educational programming and world-class meetings.

What You Will Be Doing:

  • Providing strategic and operational leadership for the Society's education and meetings portfolio while serving as a key member of the executive leadership team.
  • Leading the Education & Meetings departments while establishing strategic priorities aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Directing all educational programming, including live, virtual, hybrid, and enduring learning activities.
  • Overseeing planning and execution of the Society's Annual Meeting, Mid-Winter Meetings in addition to other in-person and virtual events.
  • Driving innovation in educational delivery, adult learning strategies, and member engagement.
  • Managing accreditation activities to ensure full compliance with continuing education standards.
  • Developing departmental operating plans, policies, budgets, and performance metrics.
  • Hiring, coaching, mentoring, and developing a high-performing Education & Meetings team members.
  • Partnering with physician leadership, volunteer committees, and Board members to develop educational priorities.
  • Managing vendor selection, contract negotiations, and strategic partnerships.
  • Advising executive leadership on education strategy, conference operations, and industry best practices.
  • Identifying emerging trends that improve member learning experiences and meeting effectiveness.

What You Need:

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within a professional association, medical society, healthcare association, or nonprofit membership organization.
  • Demonstrated success leading both continuing education and large-scale meetings operations.
  • Experience managing complex department budgets.
  • Experience supervising multidisciplinary professional staff.
  • Strong knowledge of continuing education accreditation requirements and compliance standards.
  • Outstanding executive communication and relationship-building skills.
  • Demonstrated strategic planning and organizational leadership experience.
  • Ability to travel approximately six times annually.

It's A Plus If You Have This:

  • CAE (Certified Association Executive)
  • CMP (Certified Meeting Professional)
  • Experience with ACCME accreditation.
  • Medical specialty society experience.
  • Experience managing annual scientific meetings with thousands of attendees.
  • Experience overseeing virtual and hybrid conference platforms.
  • Experience modernizing education strategy through digital learning.
  • Familiarity with nuclear medicine, molecular imaging, radiology, oncology, or other physician specialty organizations.

What's In It For You:

  • Executive leadership position reporting directly to the CEO.
  • Opportunity to influence national physician education strategy.
  • Highly visible role partnering with physician leaders and Board members.
  • Ability to shape the future of educational programming and scientific meetings.
  • Collaborative mission-driven culture.
  • Competitive executive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
  • Professional development opportunities within a nationally respected medical society.

About the Organization

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is the world's leading organization dedicated to advancing molecular imaging and nuclear medicine. Through education, research, advocacy, and scientific collaboration, SNMMI supports physicians, scientists, technologists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving patient care through precision diagnostics and therapy.