Executive Director Chief Executive Officer, ACEC Minnesota

Job Title: Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer

Employer: American Council of Engineering Companies of
Minnesota (ACEC/MN)

Location: St. Paul MN

Salary Range: $150K $190K Salary is commensurate with
experience and negotiable.

Type: Full Time Salaried (Exempt)

Reports to: Board of Directors

About ACEC/MN

ACEC/MN is a statewide trade association affiliated with the national American Council of Engineering Companies. Together these organizations advocate for a vibrant engineering industry by promoting business and legislative interests and by providing tools and resources for professional and organizational growth.

Position Overview

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota (ACEC/MN) is seeking a dynamic experienced and visionary Executive Director to lead the organization in advancing the business interests of consulting engineering firms across Minnesota. As the business voice for over 90 member firms employing more than 8000 professionals and 30 plus affiliate members ACEC/MN provides advocacy business resources and professional development to support its members success.

The Executive Director will oversee day-to-day operations staff consultants and strategic initiatives in alignment with ACEC/MNs mission vision and values. Key responsibilities include legislative advocacy leadership development member recruitment and retention stakeholder engagement financial oversight and program execution. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to implement the organizations strategic priorities.

The role also includes a strong partnership with the Engineering Education Foundation of America (EEFA) a separate 501(c)(3) entity to advance joint efforts in scholarships STEM outreach and workforce development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in business engineering public administration communications or a related field
• Proven experience in nonprofit professional or association management
• Excellent people skills and proven ability to develop and maintain professional relationships
• Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building capabilities
• Experience with government affairs or legislative advocacy (state and/or federal)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational negotiation and time management abilities
• Proficiency in financial management and familiarity with relevant accounting software
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365
• Ability to collaborate with national ACEC and peer state-level organizations
• Commitment to ACEC/MNs mission and strategic goals

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing relationships with state government executive branch leaders state and federal legislators allied organizations and the Minnesota business community
• Prior experience as an Executive Director or in a similar leadership role
• Eligibility to register as a lobbyist in Minnesota
• Knowledge of Minnesotas private and public infrastructure sectors
• Experience organizing large-scale industry events or conferences
• Masters degree in business political science engineering or related field
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance and best management practices
• Familiarity with social media and other engagement tools

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to implement and monitor the strategic plan
• Serve as the primary liaison to EEFA ensuring alignment on shared initiatives
• Represent ACEC/MN at key industry legislative and public forums

Advocacy & External Relations

• Lead the organizations legislative and government relations efforts
• Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers industry stakeholders and partner organizations
• Engage with ACEC National and other state chapters to advance mutual interests

Member Engagement & Growth

• Drive membership growth and retention through relationship-building and service delivery
• Understand and address member needs through consistent engagement and feedback
• Foster a culture of inclusion innovation and collaboration within the organization

Operational & Financial Management

• Oversee all aspects of organizational operations including staff consultants and vendors
• Ensure sound financial management legal compliance and reporting
• Manage communications marketing and event planning to promote ACEC/MNs mission and services

Additional Expectations

• Regular travel within Minnesota and occasional travel nationally
• Regular presence at ACEC/MNs St. Paul office and at key events
• Confidential handling of all applicant information as permitted by law

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter resume and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.