Executive Director for PPACW

Location: Remote (Midwest-based preferred)
Employment Type: Part-time, 30 hours per week.
Travel Required: Yes (including regional travel and national industry events)
Reports to: Board President
Compensation: $40,000 plus yearly bonus package.

About PPACW

PPACW is a dynamic nonprofit trade association serving promotional product professionals across Illinois and Wisconsin. We provide education, networking, and professional development opportunities for suppliers, distributors, and service providers in the region. Our mission is to foster growth and innovation in the promotional products industry through strong community engagement.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is the central administrator and point of contact for PPACW. Reporting to the Board President and working in collaboration with board and committee leaders, the Executive Director is responsible for executing day-to-day operations, managing communications, supporting membership, coordinating events, and maintaining the association’s financial health and operational structure. This role combines leadership, administration, event planning, and member relations into one influential and rewarding position.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Administration

- Serve as the primary contact for members, prospective members, board members, and vendors
- Manage all day-to-day office functions, including email, calls, invoicing, banking, and mailings
- Maintain up-to-date records for contracts, leases, and organizational documents
- Coordinate all board meetings, committee meetings, and member communications
- Maintain the PPACW laptop, files, and event materials in the association’s storage unit

Membership Engagement

- Maintain and update the membership database and outreach list
- Actively promote PPACW to potential members and industry professionals
- Create and distribute monthly newsletters, event invites, and announcements
- Greet and check in members at events; track attendance and feedback

Financial Management

- Manage accounts payable/receivable, invoicing, and bank deposits
- Reconcile checking, credit card, and investment accounts using QuickBooks Online
- Work with the association’s accountant to prepare annual financial statements and 990 filings

Event & Program Coordination

- Assist committee chairs in planning and executing events, including securing sponsors and signage
- Organize and manage virtual and in-person events in IL and WI (e.g., Green Bay, Milwaukee)
- Ensure registration, sponsorship, and promotion processes are smooth and timely
- Attend all PPACW events and board meetings; represent PPACW at industry shows

Technology & Communications

- Manage the PPACW website: post events, upload photos, update pages, and maintain usability
- Use tools such as Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Online, Wild Apricot, Affinipay, and email marketing platforms to perform daily tasks

Industry Travel Requirements

- Attend PPAI Leadership Development Conference (Dallas, TX, October)
- Attend PPAI Expo (Las Vegas, January)
- Attend other regional trade shows and events to represent and promote PPACW

Ideal Candidate Qualifications

- Proven experience in nonprofit, association, or small business management
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- QuickBooks Online proficiency required
- Comfortable with event planning, communications, and membership engagement
- Self-directed, tech-savvy, and able to manage multiple priorities independently
- Familiarity with the promotional products industry a strong plus
- Experience with Wild Apricot or similar member management platforms preferred

How to Apply

To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role to [Bailey at bailey@brbgroup1.com and Tammy at tammyc@cottoncandy.com]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.