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Association Executive Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Etherio Group

Association Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

# **ASSOCIATION MANAGER****GENERAL SUMMARY**The Association Manager is a key member of the Etherio ... Board and Governance Support*** Assist Executive Director with Board Communications • Prepare and ...

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Robert Half

Executive Assistant

Bethesda, MD · On-site

$75K - $86K/yr

Trade Association $90k Executive Assistant Bethesda, MD, great benefits, plus bonus, free parking My client is Trade Association with Headquarters in the Washington, D.C. area with a need for an ...

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Association Executive information

See Washington salary details

$43.6K

$101.9K

$201.6K

How much do association executive jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for association executive in Washington is $101,908.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $150,100.00 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Association jobs in Washington are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Association Executive jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Association Executive jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Association Executive jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Association Executive job openings:

Association Executive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Association Executive job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,908 per year, or $49 per hour.

Chief Executive Officer

Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA)

Washington, DC • On-site

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Overview


The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) in executing its strategic plan while partnering with the Board of Directors, staff, legal counsel, and members to advance the solid waste and resource management profession. The CEO will strengthen SWANA's impact through advocacy, professional development, conferences, chapter engagement, technical divisions, and member services while serving as a trusted advisor on governance and organizational leadership.


Key Responsibilities


Strategic Leadership

  • Collaborate with the Board to develop and execute SWANA's strategic vision centered on four priorities:
  • Prioritizing safety across the waste collection industry.
  • Advancing sustainability through advocacy, research, and education.
  • Expanding professional development and workforce growth.
  • Delivering exceptional value through conferences, networking, research, and member resources.
  • Develop operational and business plans aligned with strategic goals.
  • Identify growth opportunities and emerging challenges while recommending actions to the Board.
  • Secure grants, sponsorships, and funding from government, nonprofit, foundation, and private-sector partners.
  • Build collaborative partnerships with industry, government, and related organizations.
  • Execute contracts and organizational commitments authorized by the Board.
  • Support Young Professional initiatives, leadership development, and member retention.
  • Serve as SWANA's spokesperson and engage subject matter experts as appropriate.


Governance

  • Partner with the Board on governance, mission, vision, and strategy as a non-voting ex-officio member.
  • Support Board committees, technical divisions, chapters, and volunteers.
  • Work with Board leadership on meeting agendas, governance activities, and leadership development.
  • Advise on nonprofit governance, legal compliance, and financial reporting requirements for a 501(c)(3).
  • Keep the Board informed through regular updates on organizational performance, operations, and emerging issues.


Organizational Leadership

  • Lead day-to-day operations while ensuring organizational effectiveness and fiscal sustainability.
  • Develop and manage the annual budget and operating plan.
  • Maintain financial integrity, legal compliance, and sound risk management.
  • Recruit, develop, and empower staff while fostering collaboration, accountability, transparency, integrity, results, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
  • Improve operational efficiency and ensure timely, high-quality program delivery.
  • Engage members to understand needs, increase satisfaction, and strengthen organizational performance.

Membership & Chapter Engagement

  • Grow membership through recruitment, retention, engagement, and enhanced member value.
  • Strengthen communication with chapters and respond to member concerns.
  • Encourage volunteer leadership and committee participation.
  • Align chapter, regional, and technical division strategies with SWANA's mission.


Public Affairs & Industry Leadership

  • Increase SWANA's visibility among industry leaders, government officials, regulators, media, and stakeholders.
  • Promote industry best practices, innovation, circular economy initiatives, and climate resilience.
  • Lead legislative and regulatory advocacy while monitoring government affairs across the U.S. and Canada.
  • Build strategic partnerships with industry, government, and regulatory organizations.
  • Position SWANA as the leading source of expertise in waste management, resource recovery, education, and safety.
  • Oversee marketing and communications across digital, print, social media, trade publications, and news outlets.


Qualifications


Experience

  • 10+ years of senior executive leadership in a professional association and/or the solid waste/resource management industry.
  • Experience leading a highly visible nonprofit organization.
  • Expertise in finance, budgeting, marketing, governance, and hybrid workforce leadership.
  • Proven success in strategic planning, execution, accountability, membership growth, recruitment, retention, and engagement.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with experience maximizing organizational impact.
  • Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation and/or industry knowledge is preferred.
  • Please include a cover letter with your application. Applications without a cover letter may not be considered.


Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Visionary, collaborative leadership that translates strategy into results.
  • Strong problem-solving, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Commitment to diversity and engagement of staff, volunteers, and young professionals.
  • Exceptional written, verbal, public speaking, and listening skills.
  • Ability to build relationships, inspire stakeholders, and communicate organizational value.
  • Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and effective decision-making.
  • High emotional intelligence with a coaching and people-focused leadership style.


First-Year Success Measures


Within the first year, the CEO is expected to:

  • Successfully transition into leadership while building strong relationships with the Board, staff, and members.
  • Review the strategic plan with the Board and establish measurable performance metrics.
  • Foster a transparent, inclusive, and member-focused organizational culture.
  • Improve staff engagement, effectiveness, and employee survey results.


About SWANA


The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is a member-based association dedicated to advancing solid waste and resource management through education, advocacy, research, certifications, conferences, technical training, and professional development. For more than 60 years, SWANA has supported public and private sector professionals through 47 chapters across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean and serves as the U.S. National Member of the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA).


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