Harrington Strategic Communications

Join Our Team! Executive Director of Boston-based Corporate Real Estate Association

Fields Advisory Services (FAS) is a dynamic, fast-paced company specializing in association management and event planning services for professional development and networking nonprofits. We’re a collaborative team driven by a shared mission: helping our clients grow their membership, deliver sponsor value, and support volunteer leadership through expert management and memorable events. Our core values—empowerment, integrity, collaboration, and excellence—guide everything we do.

We’re currently seeking a polished, experienced professional to join our team and support one of our priority accounts as executive director. 

The Executive Director will serve as the association’s chief strategist, relationship builder, revenue engine, and public ambassador, balancing long-term goals with operational excellence, while increasing value to, and engagement with, members, sponsors, and volunteers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: develop and execute the organization’s strategic vision in partnership with the association Board of Directors
• Membership & Sponsorship Growth & Engagement: drive membership and sponsorship acquisition, retention, and stakeholder satisfaction
• Industry Leadership & External Relations: serve as the primary spokesperson and representative of the association at industry events, and cultivate corporate partnerships and relationships
• Board Governance: serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, establish strategic priorities, and ensure governance best practices and Chapter by-laws are upheld
• Financial Oversight: in collaboration with the Board of Directors, develop and oversee the Chapter’s operating budget, financial forecasts, and revenue development

If you’re an experienced business development and/or operations executive with CRE knowledge, and love making a difference in the nonprofit space, we’d love to hear from you!

Strategic Leadership & Chapter Growth

• Identify emerging trends in corporate real estate, association best practices, and events to ensure that the Chapter remains competitive and forward-looking
• In close collaboration with the Board of Directors, establish annual goals, KPIs, and long-term growth strategies
• Develop annual programs and services that deliver measurable value to corporate real estate professionals and ensure a highly engaged volunteer network
• Build relationships with annual sponsors and prospects, executive leaders, and strategic partners
• Lead Chapter change and innovation initiatives

Board Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and oversee Chapter staff to ensure close support of Board initiatives, meeting planning, and ongoing operations
• Prepare Board reports, meeting agendas, strategic planning sessions, presentations, minutes and meeting takeaways and deliverables
• Ensure compliance with Chapter by-laws, governance standards and best practices, and that ongoing operations are aligned with the Chapter’s long-term strategic vision
• Expand relationships with corporate end users, service providers and strategic partners
• Cultivate strategic partnerships that expand the Chapter’s reach and market influence

Communication & Marketing Management

• Oversee member communications, public relations, social media, and external communications to ensure they’re aligned with the Chapter’s brand and voice
• Ensure consistent messaging that reinforces the Chapter’s mission and value proposition
• Serve as a central contact to ensure that all internal, external, and committee communications are compelling and serve to engage target stakeholders

Event Planning: Special Events & Monthly Programs

• Manage Chapter staff to ensure all event planning and logistics are flawlessly executed on time and on budget
• Collaborate with Committee Chairs to develop event budgets 
• Serve as the final line of oversight and approval for  contract negotiations with vendors (venues, catering, etc.)
• Facilitate sponsor involvement and ensure benefit fulfillment
• Reconcile event expenses and support post-event thank-you communications to donors and sponsors

Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent professional experience
• 10+ years of experience in business development and/or operations
• Experience planning both small and large-scale meetings and events with familiarity e in negotiating vendor contracts and terms
• Exceptional organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Strong customer service orientation with both internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and set priorities effectively
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Experience with registration and learning management systems (e.g., Cvent, Captivate Prime)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

• Creative problem-solver with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset