POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director (“ED”) for the San Diego Chapter is responsible for driving the strategic growth and value proposition of the Chapter to its members and sponsors. In cooperation with the Chapter’s Board of Directors (“Board”), the ED plans and manages the Chapter’s member-facing activities, including the continuing education programs, identifying market trends to launch high-impact initiatives that enhance members’ professional development. The ED also serves as the lead brand ambassador for the Chapter, ensuring that sponsor partnerships deliver measurable ROI. The ED coordinates all meetings of the Chapter’s Board, participates in regularly scheduled meetings with the Chapter President and will have primary responsibility for organizing all of the Board’s internal activities.
The ACC San Diego Chapter (the “Chapter”) supports in-house counsel with practical educational resources, meaningful connections and service opportunities members need to stay sharp, work more efficiently, and advance their career. Chapter members can participate in more than 50 substantive educational and professional development programs and networking events each year.
**This position is remote but requires that the candidate live in the San Diego area due to frequent in-person meetings and events. Local travel is required across San Diego, ranging from Downtown to North County.**
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions and responsibilities for this position include but are not limited to, the following Key Result Areas (KRAs). Percentages are approximate only and may fluctuate, as necessary.
Chapter Management & Governance (20%)
Budgeting and Finance (8%)
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Work with the Board to develop the annual Chapter budget.
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Manage and execute all accounts payable: Responsible for the full cycle of bill payments, invoice verification, and processing reimbursements, coordinating with the Bookkeeper to ensure accurate ledger entries.
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Monitor finances and provide reports to Treasurer at regular intervals or when requested.
Record Keeping and Administrative Matters (2%)
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Maintain files and records of Chapter activities, including producing reports and follow up action items
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Prepare and/or assist with annual report to ACC
Chapter Management (10%)
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Exercise contracting authority for venues and services; managing all vendor relationships and ensuring strict adherence to documented Chapter approval processes prior to execution.
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Serve as the initial point of contact to respond to inquiries from members and sponsors.
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Manage technology tools and solutions (including Greenrope, Sharepoint, Cvent, Quickbooks) – identify, negotiate agreements, and implement
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Liaison with ACC HQ.
Executive Committee and Board of Directors (10%)
Meetings
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Orchestrate Board communications by providing data-driven status updates and actionable recommendations for Chapter growth.
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Plan and organize all Board meetings and the annual Board retreat
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Coordinate with the Executive Committee and Board, as needed, regarding:
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Status updates of Chapter activities or issues of concern
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Drive operational momentum between Board sessions to ensure strategic projects stay on track and hit milestones
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Respond to requests for assistance from Board members, including, without limitation, producing meeting minutes in the Secretary’s absence.
Manage Special Board Projects
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Governance matters (bylaws, etc.)
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Member and sponsorship surveys
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Support the Nominating Committee by assisting with member selection, coordinating committee meetings, and managing the annual meeting and election
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Scholarship awards
Strategic Content & Marketing Positioning (25%)
General Programming (15%)
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Collaborate with Board leadership to develop and execute a “must-attend” annual curriculum that addresses emerging global legal tends and C-suite priorities.
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Maintain MCLE records and requirements, including filing reports to MCLE Board and process annual renewal
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Review post-event analytics and refine future content strategy to increase member engagement metrics.
Special Events (10%)
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All Day MCLE
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Direct the end-to-end execution of “Marque” events, ensuring they serve as premier networking hubs for San Diego’s in-house legal community.
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Other social events (e.g. sponsor appreciation event and signature event)
Business Development & Strategic Partnerships (15%)
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Design and execute a muti-tier corporate partnership strategy to diversify and increase Chapter revenue.
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Lead a proactive, consultative sales cycle to recruit and retain high-value legal and tech partners.
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Analyze partnership performance data to ensure sponsors meet their business objectives and renew annually.
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Regular sponsor communications
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Organize sponsor appreciation event
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Identify and cultivate new revenue streams by building relationships with non-traditional legal service providers and tech firms.
Member Services and Communications (10%)
Communications
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Write and produce weekly and monthly e-newsletters
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Update content on Chapter website
General Services
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Field questions about services available from ACC or the Chapter, and help members find resources from ACC or other chapter members.
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Develop and implement strategies to increase membership recruitment and retention.
Chapter Initiatives (15%)
Manage and support Chapter and committee initiatives, including:
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Diversity, Leadership & Financial Need Scholarship
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SDCBA Diversity Fellowship
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Pro Bono and Community Service
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Membership
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Advocacy
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Essential
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Minimum of 4–8 years’ experience in a strategic business development, consultative sales, or marketing role, ideally within a corporate or member-driven environment.
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Proven ability to serve as a strategic advisor to Board of Directors and senior executives
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Demonstrated success in revenue generation, budget optimization, and long-term organizational planning.
Desirable
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Experience leading a business unit or non-profit.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This full-time position combines the flexibility of a home-based office with active, in-person community engagement. Candidates should expect a variable schedule to accommodate mandatory on-site support for roughly 42 board and member in-person events per year. While many events take place in the late afternoon, the role also includes occasional lunch meetings, weekend sessions, and two marquee all-day events. Local travel is required across San Diego, ranging from Downtown to North County.
SALARY & BONUS
The base salary for this role ranges from $110,000 to $130,000. This role is eligible for an annual performance bonus of 10%. Please note that this is a non-benefits-eligible position.
