Executive Director - Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP)

Overview

Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) - Executive Director

Smithbucklin, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market. The Executive Director will lead these efforts by driving strategic initiatives, fostering innovation, and leveraging collaborative partnerships to advance the mission of Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals (FICP) within a dynamic, member-driven professional association. In this highly visible leadership role, the Executive Director will guide the organization with vision and resourcefulness, ensuring continued growth, member engagement, and impact across the financial and insurance conference planning community.

At Smithbucklin, we embody a culture driven by optimism, ambition, expertise, and thoughtfulness, where every team member is empowered to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success.

FICP provides access to education, experience-sharing, and networking opportunities to help meeting professionals and hospitality partners in the financial services and insurance industry excel. With a strong community and year-round programming, FICP builds strategic partnerships, drives professional growth, and strengthens the visibility of meetings and events as critical business drivers.

As Executive Director , you will provide strategic, financial, and operational leadership for FICP. In collaboration with the FICP Board of Directors and Executive Committee, you will manage the association’s business operations, drive its mission forward, and ensure organizational excellence across programs, membership, education, and industry engagement. Your leadership will support FICP’s continued growth, enhance its reputation, and expand its value for members and hospitality partners alike.

What You’ll Do

Responsibilities

• General Administration – develop and execute the annual operations plan based on the strategic plan; establish and monitor key performance indicators to ensure alignment with strategic goals and continuous improvement.
• Maintain and update governing documents, including bylaws, policies, and best practices manuals.
• Identify and pursue additional revenue opportunities.
• Represent FICP within the industry, ensuring visibility and integrity.
• Sign and manage all association contracts according to the board-approved policy.
• Lead a highly effective staff team and function as a liaison between the staff and Board where needed.
• Leadership & Culture – foster a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and excellence; support FICP’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity; identify emerging trends and technologies to keep FICP relevant and forward-thinking.
• Board of Directors & Governance – ensure effective governance practices with the Board; coordinate Board meetings (agenda development, materials distribution, minute-taking); support the Chairperson with committee appointments; manage volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition; track and report progress on the strategic plan and drive innovation.
• Membership – develop and execute strategies to grow and diversify FICP’s membership base in partnership with the Board; assess member needs and oversee recruitment and retention; manage the annual dues process and the membership database (including the online Membership Roster); serve as a spokesperson for FICP on association and industry issues.
• Education & Events – oversee site selection and contracts for the Annual Conference; partner with leadership and event teams to deliver the Annual Conference, Education Forum, and other key events; secure hospitality partner sponsorship and participation; evaluate the impact and quality of FICP programs.
• Finance – monitor financial performance and prepare monthly financial statements; develop annual budgets and pricing strategies; oversee investments and annual audits; ensure financial stability and accountability; identify and mitigate financial risks while ensuring regulatory and legal compliance.
• Technology & Communication – oversee content strategy, maintenance, and enhancements of the FICP website; develop and execute a comprehensive digital strategy (social media, email campaigns, content marketing, and AI adoption) to amplify visibility and engagement.
• Sponsorships & Industry Relationships – build and sustain strong relationships with hospitality partners; lead sponsorship development, ensuring contracts, invoicing, and deliverables are executed; use data analytics to evaluate sponsorship impact and identify growth opportunities; strengthen FICP’s role as an industry thought leader and partner; seek opportunities to partner with other organizations. Include speaking opportunities for FICP representation and partnership opportunities to build membership; build relationships with other leaders to stay ahead of industry trends.

Basic Qualifications

Key Leadership Skills

Where Do You Fit?

Working at Smithbucklin will offer you countless opportunities to develop transferable skills, acquire meaningful knowledge, and gain rich experiences at an accelerated pace. By working collaboratively with smart, ambitious, multi-talented, genuine, and hardworking colleagues, you will build meaningful, deep, and enduring relationships that will serve you well throughout your career, regardless of your chosen path. In addition, as a 100 percent employee-owned company, Smithbucklin offers all of our people – regardless of position or compensation – an equal chance to experience fulfillment and reap the benefits of ownership. As owners, our employees control the destiny of Smithbucklin and are unified in the goal of building a great, enduring company.

Our hybrid environment offers you the option of working from home two days per week. Employees will work a standard 40-hour week, with the possibility of additional hours based on project deadlines.

The salary range for this role is $150,000 to $200,000, plus performance-based bonuses, depending on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and relevant experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Smithbucklin, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state, or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on the position.

Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas and as a precondition of employment, you must be authorized to work in the United States permanently.

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