Job Opportunity: SEM Collaborative Executive Director

Organization Type: 501(c)(6) Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation

Position: 0.5 FTE (20 hours/week) in 2026, scaling to 0.75+ FTE as membership grows

Compensation: $60,000 annually (2026) based on 0.5 FTE, with planned increases tied to organizational growth and to increased workload

Travel: 10-25%

Reports To: Board of Directors

Fiscal Year: September 1 – August 31

Organization Mission

The Strategic Energy Management Collaborative accelerates adoption of strategic energy management (SEM) and enhances the effectiveness of SEM programs by providing leadership, strategic direction, and innovation to collaboratively develop solutions to support SEM expansion and implementation, as well as to address technical, market, or policy challenges. The SEMC administers the volunteer work supporting the SEM community for approximately 40 corporate members, four regional chapters, and six industry working groups.

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for NASEMC, serving as the chief executive officer responsible for administering the NASEMC and supporting its mission of advancing strategic energy management across North America. This role combines visionary leadership with hands-on management, focusing on membership growth, revenue development, and program excellence. The Executive Director will guide the organization through a critical growth phase, building from a 0.5 FTE foundation toward expanded capacity and impact.

Core Responsibilities

Board Governance & Strategic Leadership

• Board Partnership: Work in constructive partnership with the Board of Directors, serving at their pleasure while providing strategic counsel and operational leadership
• Strategic Planning: Lead development and implementation of multi-year strategic plans aligned with the mission of accelerating SEM adoption
• Board Support: Attend all board meetings, provide comprehensive reports on organizational performance, and ensure board members have information needed for effective governance
• Policy Implementation: Execute board directives and policies while maintaining day-to-day operational authority

Membership Development & Engagement

• Membership Recruitment: Lead comprehensive membership development strategy to grow and diversify the collaborative's membership base, targeting utilities, energy service companies, government agencies, and related organizations
• Member Retention: Develop and implement member engagement programs to ensure high retention rates and maximize member value
• Chapter Development: Oversee growth of regional chapters and coordinate chapter activities to expand NASEMC's geographic reach
• Value Proposition: Continuously refine and communicate the collaborative's value proposition to current and prospective members

Fundraising & Revenue Development

• Diversified Revenue Strategy: Lead fundraising efforts across multiple revenue streams including membership fees ($120K+ annually), sponsorships, certification programs, and event registrations
• Sponsorship Development: Cultivate corporate sponsors for events (e.g., the SEM Summit), research, and other initiatives, growing sponsorship revenue from $5K to $20K+ annually
• Grant Writing: Identify and pursue grant opportunities aligned with SEM advancement and organizational sustainability
• Financial Stewardship: Ensure responsible fiscal management while achieving ambitious growth targets outlined in the three-year budget plan

Advisory Committee & Volunteer Management

• Executive Advisory Group: Select, recruit, and manage volunteer advisory group members who provide subject matter expertise and strategic guidance
• Volunteer Coordination: Develop systems for engaging and coordinating volunteers across various organizational functions (e.g., working groups)
• Committee Structure: Create and oversee advisory groups as authorized by the bylaws, ensuring committees support organizational objectives

Program & Event Management

• SEM Summit: Oversee planning and execution of the SEM Summit, managing both logistics and content to serve member needs
• Regional Events: Prepare and deliver verbal and written remarks to support regional chapter events, workshops, fundraisers, and industry events.
• Certification Programs: Support continued development and launch of SEM certification initiatives, working to achieve a sustainable industry certification.
• Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate collaborative development of SEM solutions, resources, and best practices among members

External Relations & Communications

• Industry Leadership: Serve as a spokesperson for strategic energy management advancement
• Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain relationships with key industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and partner organizations
• Travel & Representation: Travel 10-25% to attend conferences, meet with members and prospects, and represent NASEMC at industry events
• Communications Strategy: Oversee organizational communications, marketing, and public outreach efforts

Operations & Administration

• Day-to-Day Management: Provide general supervision of volunteers – and staff as the organization grows, direct organizational operations as outlined in the bylaws
• Technology & Systems: Oversee information technology infrastructure and systems to support growing membership and programs
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with 501(c)(6) requirements, state regulations, and organizational policies
• Financial Management: Work with Board Treasurer to maintain accurate financial records, prepare budgets, and ensure fiscal responsibility

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Leadership Experience: Minimum 5-7 years of nonprofit or association management experience, preferably in energy, sustainability, or related technical field
• Membership Organizations: Proven track record with membership recruitment, retention, and engagement in association or collaborative environments
• Fundraising Success: Demonstrated experience in diversified revenue development including membership, sponsorships, and grants

Essential Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Experience developing and execute long-term strategic plans while managing immediate operational needs
• Relationship Building: Proven interpersonal skills for working with diverse stakeholders including board members, members, sponsors, and partners
• Communication: Track record of written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities with disparate stakeholder groups
• Financial Acumen: Experience with strong budget management, financial planning, and revenue development capabilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Energy Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with strategic energy management, utility programs, or energy efficiency initiatives
• 501(c)(6) Experience: Previous work with trade associations or mutual benefit corporations
• Collaborative Leadership: Experience building consensus and facilitating cooperation among competing organizations
• Technology Proficiency: Comfort with membership management systems, virtual meeting platforms, and digital communication tools

Working Conditions

• Time Commitment: Part-time (0.5 FTE, ~20 hours/week) in 2026, with planned expansion to 0.75+ FTE as organization grows.
• Time Commitment: General availability during business hours, accommodating most North American time zones
• Location: Remote work acceptable, with preference for accessibility to major transportation hubs
• Travel: 10-25% travel for member meetings, industry conferences, and recruitment activities
• Growth Opportunity: Position designed to scale with organizational growth, offering increased responsibility and compensation over time

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $60,000 annually (2026), with planned increases aligned to organizational growth and increased FTE
• Benefits Package: Health insurance, retirement contributions (5%), paid leave, professional development opportunities
• Performance Reviews: Annual performance evaluation tied to membership growth, revenue targets, and strategic objectives
• Growth Path: Clear trajectory for increased FTE and compensation as outlined in three-year organizational budget

This position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of strategic energy management across North America while building a growing, impactful organization from the ground up.

To Apply

For best consideration, please send all nominations and expressions of interest to:

Anna Kelly, President, 206-970-1744, akelly@sbwconsulting.com