The Batten Group, a premier executive search and consulting firm specializing in nonprofit, healthcare, higher education, and mission-based philanthropy, has been retained by the Association for Proposal Management Professionals to conduct a global search to identify strong talent to lead the organization as Chief Executive Officer. 

About APMP

The Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) is the worldwide authority for professionals dedicated to the process of winning business through proposals, bids, tenders, and presentations. With a mission to be the trusted leader serving a global community of bid and proposal development life cycle professionals, APMP promotes the professional growth of its members by advancing the arts, sciences, and technologies of winning business. The organization offers the industry’s only certification program for proposal management professionals, providing a global standard for developing and demonstrating bid, proposal, and capture competency.

Over its 35-year history, APMP has grown to over 14,000 members across 79 countries, organized into 25 chapters. The Association provides a variety of resources to its members, including access to the APMP Body of Knowledge, networking opportunities, and education events such as the Bid & Proposal Conference (BPC), the world’s largest in-person conference for bid, proposal, tender, capture, business development, and graphics professionals.

APMP’s vision is to be the internationally accepted authority serving and educating those who win business to drive revenue for their organization, positioning itself as the industry that serves all industries.

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be a strategic visionary and dynamic person capable of leading APMP into its next phase of growth and impact. Reporting to and working collaboratively with the APMP Board of Directors, the CEO will define the vision and strategic objectives of the organization, ensuring APMP remains the premier authority in bid and proposal management.

As the external face of the organization, the CEO will engage with members, chapters, vendors, and industry stakeholders to enhance APMP’s global presence and create an unparalleled membership experience. This leader will be responsible for fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and advancing professional development initiatives that provide tangible value to APMP members worldwide.

Internally, the CEO will lead and manage APMP HQ staff in a remote work environment, ensuring operational excellence, financial sustainability, and strategic alignment with the organization’s mission. The CEO will be accountable for cultivating a member-focused culture that prioritizes professional growth, education, and advocacy.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Board Governance and Relations

The CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors, ensuring strong governance practices, compliance with bylaws, and effective engagement with the Board and its committees. As a trusted partner to the board, the CEO will provide strategic guidance, data-driven insights, and timely reports on financial, operational, and membership growth metrics. Serving as the principal liaison between the Board and APMP’s leadership team, the CEO will facilitate transparent and productive communication while supporting Board committees with strategic direction and administrative resources.

Strategic Development

The CEO will drive the execution of APMP’s long-term strategic plan, identifying key partnerships and sponsorships to enhance the organization’s reach and impact. This includes expanding APMP’s certification programs, educational initiatives, and industry recognition efforts while strengthening its presence in international markets. The CEO will implement innovative programs that support professional development, mentorship, and career advancement for members worldwide, ensuring that APMP remains the leader in its field.

Mission and Membership Impact

The CEO will ensure that APMP delivers high-quality programs, training, resources, and events that provide exceptional value to its membership. By expanding and improving member engagement initiatives, the CEO will enhance retention, satisfaction, and the overall membership experience. The CEO will advocate for the proposal management profession by elevating its recognition in the business community and overseeing efforts that provide data-driven insights to members and stakeholders. A strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within APMP’s programs and leadership initiatives is essential.

Organizational Management

From an operational perspective, the CEO will oversee APMP’s financial health, including budgeting, financial planning, and revenue generation. The CEO will be responsible for leading a high-performing HQ staff, ensuring that the organization operates efficiently and effectively in alignment with its mission. Additionally, the CEO will implement best practices, leverage digital transformation and technology to enhance member experiences, and ensure compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory standards.

Position Requirements

• Understanding of the ecosystem of APMP’s membership and mission, including current certification or the ability to achieve certification within two years of hire.
• Charismatic leadership combined with comprehensive management ability.
• Relevant understanding of the membership and association industry and interacting with diverse constituents and boards.
• Extensive senior strategic leadership experience in the management of organizations of comparable size.
• Excellent ability to communicate including public speaking. Ability to earn the confidence and respect of stakeholders.
• A track record of building collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and partners. Experience in developing partnerships and building teams.
• Experience in revenue generation and increasing support through innovative initiatives.
• The intellectual horsepower and curiosity necessary to explore new ideas and innovative approaches to goal management and problem resolution.
• Unimpeachable integrity; a strong work ethic and sense of accountability; managerial courage and strong decision-making skills.  

Candidate Qualifications

• Outstanding presentation and communication skills and the experience and proclivity to be an engaging spokesperson, relationship builder, and member advocate.
• A financially savvy and politically astute leader with the ability to set clear priorities, delegate, and guide investment in people and systems; keen analytic, organization, and problem-solving skills which support and enable sound decision-making.
• Excellent coalition-building skills with an ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders; a persuasive negotiator able to achieve consensus among differing opinions. Significant board development, revenue generation, marketing and branding, and fiscal management experience.
• A strong commitment to the professional development of staff; successful track record of development and retaining a diverse team.
• Minimum 15 years of professional experience, with at least 7 years in executive leadership roles. Minimum 3 years working in a leadership position in a nonprofit, association, or membership organization.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, ideally with an MBA, or related advanced degree.
• Ability to travel up to 25% with an expected 2-4 international trips per year.  

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

The Batten Group and Association of Proposal Management Professionals are equal opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against based on age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.

About Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP)

The Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) is the worldwide authority for professionals dedicated to the process of winning business through proposals, bids, tenders, and presentations. With a mission to be the trusted leader serving a global community of bid and proposal development life cycle professionals, APMP promotes the professional growth of its members by advancing the arts, sciences, and technologies of winning business. The organization offers the industry’s only certification program for proposal management professionals, providing a global standard for developing and demonstrating bid, proposal, and capture competency.

Connections working at Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP)