Association Management

At Arden Solutions, all full-service clients have a dedicated Association Executive who will serve as the Executive Director (ED) of their organization. Arden Solutions believes firmly in regular, thoughtful, and honest communication. Board presidents always have regular access to their ED. The ED is the key position between an association’s board and staff. EDs must both advise the board on strategy and then implement the chosen strategic plan.

The Executive Director oversees the organization overall. In a large organization, they are often outward-facing: focusing on long-term strategy and partner alliances. In a small organization, the Executive Director may be responsible for everything from drafting a strategic plan and guiding the board on their mission to physically counting ballots and mailing packages.

Typical Executive Director responsibilities include:

• Guides strategic planning

• Provides vision

• Implements strategic initiatives, programs, and policies

• Ensures bylaws, articles of incorporation, and other legal documents are current

• Manages confidential nominations and elections processes

• Assesses board needs for education and training and provides board development and orientation

• Leads or co-leads Board meetings

• Acts as liaison with other associations

• Develops an annual budget

• Ensures solid financial reporting, state and national filings, timely annual 990 tax filing, compilation, review and/or audit, and other financial and legal requirements

• Implements a succession plan for association leadership

• Provides support to chapters, officers, and committees

• Work with the board to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of board vs. staff

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