The Opportunity
The Peak Load Management Alliance (PLMA) seeks a dynamic and visionary Executive Director & CEO (ED) to lead an industry association which supports a community of energy load management specialists, all dedicated to a more sustainable world through the advancement of grid reliability, resiliency and technological innovation.
This position is remote based anywhere within the continental United States with regular travel expected.
About PLMA
Founded in 1999, PLMA is at the forefront of flexible load management—a critical component in maintaining grid resilience and supporting the evolving energy landscape. With over 200 member associations, PLMA serves as the leading association for load management experts, specialists, and vendors to share best practices, hands-on experiences, technology advances, training, leadership opportunities, and mentorship, all with a focus on demand response, distributed energy resources (DERs), and managed charging. PLMA is a member-led 501(c)(6) nonprofit with a full-time staff of 3 and an average annual revenue of approximately $2M.
The Executive Director & CEO Role
The Executive Director & CEO (ED) is the chief executive responsible for overseeing the administration, operations, financial health and strategic direction of the association. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and members to ensure the success and sustainability of the association, furthering its mission, and maintaining strong relationships with members and energy industry stakeholders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership/Governance
- Lead the development and implementation of the association’s strategic goals and objectives, including:
- Guide the association’s development and implementation of strategic goals and objectives.
- Ensure the association develops and delivers on strategic goals in alignment with member needs.
- Execute strategic-decision-making in alignment with the association’s strategic plans.
- Provide vision and leadership, including to staff, to ensure that the association fulfills its mission and vision.
- Act as a primary spokesperson for the association, representing it at public events, with stakeholders, and in the media.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and innovation within the association and the membership.
External Relations
- Cultivate relationships with external stakeholders, including government entities and other non-profits.
- Advocate for the mission of the association, representing the association’s interests in relevant public forums.
- Strengthen partnerships and collaborative efforts with other associations to enhance the association’s impact and advancement of the industry.
Contribute to Member and Associational Success
- Work with staff on membership recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies to grow and maintain a diverse, active member base.
- Working with staff, develop and execute programs, services, and initiatives that provide value to members.
- Working with staff, build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective members, addressing their needs and concerns.
- Lead and/or contribute to efforts to gather feedback from members and use it to inform decision-making and improve programs and services.
Management/Administration
- Supervise staff, providing leadership, mentorship, and performance management.
- Develop and manage the association’s finances including the annual budget, ensuring the association’s financial health and sustainability.
- Provide collaborative leadership in the development and execution of effective policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
- Oversee revenue generation, including from membership dues, corporate sponsorships, event registrations, etc.
- Oversee creation and execution of PLMA Events—Conferences, Symposiums, etc.
Required Skills, Experience, and Desired Qualifications
- 10 years of experience and progressive leadership in non-profit management, or association management with a focus on membership associations, or industry representation. Alternative—15 years of leadership experience in flexible load management with demonstrated skills indicating ability to lead a volunteer-governed association.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Proven track record in leading successful teams, managing budgets, and achieving associational goals.
- A forward-thinking leader able to help the association navigate future industry challenges, including technological ones (i.e., artificial intelligence) and increased competition in the energy association space.
- A deep commitment to the mission of the association and its strong emphasis on opportunity and connectivity for the communities it serves to support a sustainable energy transition for everyone.
- Knowledge of non-profit management, membership engagement, and governance.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans.
- Demonstrated effective financial management.
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a highly collaborative approach and strong emotional intelligence, enabling the ability to engage and inspire staff, board members, volunteers and a diverse group of stakeholders.
- Ability to travel locally and nationally as needed.
- Ability to attend and lead meetings, workshops, and events, sometimes outside of regular office hours both in-person and virtually.
Compensation
A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate.
