Audience Development Strategies (ADS) is a growing association management and events firm supporting professional and trade associations across the country. Our team handles everything from membership and events to governance, marketing, advocacy coordination and revenue strategy — helping organizations thrive while giving our staff the resources to do their best work.

We’re looking for an Association Executive Director / Account Manager to serve as the strategic lead for one or more client organizations. This is a high-impact, relationship-driven role for someone who enjoys ownership, variety, and working alongside a collaborative team of specialists in events, marketing, finance and membership.

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as the primary point of contact and strategic partner for assigned association clients

• Support boards and committees, including agenda development, meeting facilitation and follow-up

• Oversee membership growth, engagement and retention initiatives

• Lead planning and execution of conferences, webinars and other programs (with support from ADS event staff)

• Manage budgets, financial reporting and revenue strategies alongside our finance team

• Coordinate communications, marketing and sponsorship efforts with ADS specialists

• Help identify opportunities for growth, new programs and improved member value

• Maintain strong relationships with volunteer leaders, partners and industry stakeholders

Who You Are

• Experienced in association management, nonprofit leadership, client services or a similar role

• Comfortable working with volunteer boards and navigating multiple priorities

• Organized, proactive and able to move projects forward independently

• Strong communicator who can build trust quickly

• Strategic thinker who also enjoys rolling up your sleeves

• Energized by variety — no two days at ADS look the same

CAE or CMP credentials are a plus but not required.

What It’s Like to Work at ADS

We’re a close-knit, high-energy team that believes professional work should be meaningful, collaborative and sustainable.

Our Executive Directors don’t work alone — they’re supported by specialists in:

• Events

• Membership

• Marketing, Design & Strategy

• Finance

• Administration

• Sales & sponsorship

• Advocacy/Policy Analysis

We invest in professional development, encourage new ideas and give our team real ownership of their work.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Hybrid work environment with a collaborative office space in Farmington

• Health, dental and vision coverage

• Generous PTO plus company holiday schedule

• Professional development support (including CAE/CMP)

• Opportunities to grow with a rapidly expanding firm

• A positive, drama-free culture that values initiative and humor

Why This Role Matters

At ADS, you’re not just managing tasks — you’re helping industries connect, learn and move forward. Your work directly supports communities, professionals and causes that make a difference.

• 3+ Years Association Experience
• Excellent Communication Skills
• Ability to Work on Site in Farmington, CT 

About Audience Development Strategies

Audience Development Strategies (ADS) is a full-service association management and events firm that partners with professional societies, trade associations and mission-driven organizations to help them grow, innovate and deliver meaningful impact for their members. Based in Connecticut since 2016 and now expanding nationally, ADS blends strategy, operations, marketing, advocacy support and event production into one integrated model. We serve as executive director, staff partner and growth engine for our clients — helping associations strengthen governance, increase revenue, modernize member engagement and deliver exceptional programs. Our portfolio spans industries including infrastructure, construction, healthcare, energy, education and nonprofit leadership. In addition to managing associations, ADS produces proprietary conferences, industry events and media brands that connect communities and move industries forward. We believe association management should be proactive, entrepreneurial and collaborative. Our team operates less like an outsourced vendor and more like an embedded leadership partner. We bring cross-functional expertise — membership, finance, events, communicati...ons, sponsorship sales and policy support — so our clients benefit from the strength of a full organization rather than a single role. At ADS, innovation is expected. New ideas are encouraged. Team members are empowered to build, test and grow programs that create measurable value for associations and their members. ADS is a close-knit, high-energy environment built on trust, flexibility and professional growth. We hire people who are curious, accountable and comfortable wearing multiple hats. Many of our team members serve as executive directors for association clients while collaborating internally with specialists in marketing, finance, events and operations. We value: Ownership and initiative, continuous learning and professional development, strong client relationships; creativity balanced with operational discipline, and a supportive, drama-free workplace where people help each other succeed. Because we are growing, team members have real opportunities to shape programs, develop leadership skills and expand their careers quickly.

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