Executive Director - Bank Insurance & Securities Association

Smithbucklin is seeking an Executive Director to lead the Bank Insurance & Securities Association (BISA). The Executive Director will serve as BISA’s senior association executive, strategic partner to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and a visible ambassador to the financial services industry.

The Executive Director will translate BISA’s strategic priorities into measurable outcomes, member value, and sustainable organizational growth. The role requires an executive who can lead through influence, activate volunteer leaders and committees, mobilize Smithbucklin resources, and bring disciplined accountability to strategy execution.

The successful candidate will understand the evolving needs of Wealth Management Program Leadership teams responsible for growth, governance, operations, compliance, risk management, technology, marketing, and the strategic direction. The role may be located in Smithbucklin’s Chicago or Washington, D.C. office.

Position Mandate

Lead BISA’s strategic transformation and strengthen its position as the premier association serving Program Leadership across bank and credit union wealth management.

About BISA

BISA is the leading financial services industry association serving firms and leaders involved in delivering investment, insurance, advisory, retirement, technology, and related wealth management solutions through banks and credit unions. Its membership includes financial institutions of all sizes, broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, third-party program managers, asset managers, product manufacturers, technology providers, and other strategic partners.

BISA creates value through executive relationships, education, industry thought leadership, events, research, benchmarking, digital content, and opportunities for leaders to collaborate on the issues shaping the future of wealth management.

Executive Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Execution

• Lead execution of BISA’s Strategic Transformation Plan in partnership with the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, committee leadership, and Smithbucklin resources.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear operating plans, milestones, ownership, measurable outcomes, and Board-level reporting.
• Develop and maintain organizational KPIs, scorecards, and dashboards that measure strategic progress, member value, organizational health, operational performance, and financial sustainability.
• Anticipate industry developments and provide forward-looking recommendations that strengthen BISA’s relevance and long-term position.

Governance and Volunteer Leadership

• Advise the Executive Committee and Board of Directors on bylaws, board structure, policies, succession planning, volunteer recruitment, governance practices, and organizational effectiveness.
• Partner with committee chairs to establish clear charters, annual objectives, accountability measures, and work plans aligned with BISA’s strategic priorities.
• Build a culture of engaged, inclusive, and accountable volunteer leadership through effective recruitment, orientation, communication, recognition, and succession planning.
• Ensure Executive Committee, Board materials are concise, consistent, decision-oriented, and delivered with sufficient context and recommendations.

Member Value, Growth, and Industry Positioning

• Position BISA as the premier community for Wealth Program Leadership, with differentiated value for large, midsize, and small financial institutions and their strategic partners.
• Drive membership growth, retention, engagement, sponsorship value, and diversification of organizational revenue.
• Lead the continued evolution of BISA’s Spring Conference, Regulatory & Compliance Summit, education, content, and community offerings to deliver measurable member outcomes.
• Serve as a visible industry ambassador and thought leader, cultivating relationships with senior executives, member firms, industry partners, sponsors, regulators, technology providers, and other stakeholders.

Research, Benchmarking, and Digital Transformation

• Lead the development of BISA’s research, benchmarking, and industry insights capabilities, providing members with actionable data, peer comparisons, emerging trends, and leading practices.
• Champion BISA’s digital transformation, including website strategy, digital content delivery, member data quality, online community capabilities, and technology-enabled member experiences.
• Use member, market, and operating data to identify opportunities, evaluate performance, and inform strategic decisions.

Business and Cross-Functional Team Leadership

• Serve as the business leader of BISA, accountable for strategic growth, member value creation, financial performance, organizational health, and execution of the Board-approved strategy.
• Design and lead the optimal cross-functional team and resource model within the approved budget, with clear roles, expectations, performance standards, and accountability.
• Mobilize Smithbucklin’s capabilities across strategy, membership, marketing, events, technology, finance, research, and operations to deliver an integrated member experience.
• Promote service excellence, resolve issues constructively, develop talent, recognize success, and maintain an effective partnership among staff and volunteer leaders.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• 5–10 years of executive-level management experience, including responsibility for strategy, operations, financial performance, and stakeholder engagement.
• 5+ years in a leadership role within a volunteer-governed association, nonprofit, professional services organization, or comparable member-based enterprise.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and work effectively with senior executives, boards, committees, volunteers, and cross-functional teams.
• Experience establishing performance measures and translating strategy into disciplined execution and measurable outcomes.

Preferred Experience and Credentials

• Experience with bank or credit union wealth management programs, broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, insurance distribution organizations, asset managers, third-party program managers, technology providers, or associations serving these markets.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic transformation, governance modernization, digital strategy, membership growth, research, benchmarking, or organizational performance initiatives.
• Strong business development, executive communication, financial management, and change leadership capabilities.
• Active Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation or comparable executive leadership credential.
• Experience in the professional services or association management industry.

Compensation and Work Environment

The salary for this role will be based on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. The expected base salary range is $175,000–$225,000.

The Executive Director will be an employee of Smithbucklin, BISA’s professional management firm. Smithbucklin has served associations for over 75 years, and Smithbucklin Executive Directors lead some of the country’s most admired trade and professional associations. Working at Smithbucklin offers Executive Directors a large and diverse community of peers, access to unparalleled expertise, and solid infrastructure already in place so you can focus on the mission of the organization you serve.

Smithbucklin’s hybrid environment offers the option of working remotely two days per week. Team members work in the office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with flexibility to work elsewhere on Wednesday and Friday.

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 successful completion of a reference and background investigation based on position.

Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas; candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without limitation.