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Head of Consulting
Smithbucklin
Application
Details
Posted: 24-Jul-25
Location: Chicago
Type: Full Time
Salary: $160,000 to $215,000
Categories:
Other
Additional Information:
Hybrid/Remote is allowed.
Certifications:
CAE
Internal Number: 1771
Smithbucklin is an employee-owned professional services company with over 600 team members and more than 75 years of success serving the association market. We are looking for a Head of Consulting to join our Chicago or Washington, D.C. office. The Head of Consulting is responsible for leading Smithbucklin’s consulting practice, which provides strategic planning and other specialized advisory services to internal and external clients.
About Smithbucklin
Smithbucklin empowers associations, societies, and communities to enrich and move industries, fields, and professions forward. Working together in a network-based organizational structure, we help organizations operate efficiently and effectively, through the right combination of talent, expertise and technology, which enables growth and mission impact.
This role might be a great fit if…
You are an association guru
You believe that associations are a key enabler in today’s business world
You love facilitating groups to uncover new and innovative approaches
You are a broad thinker and future-focused
You thrive on strategic thinking
You approach your work with a “consultant-like” mentality
In this role, you can expect to…
The Head of Consulting is responsible for leading and developing Smithbucklin’s consulting practice. This includes four main areas of responsibility: (1) delivery of consulting services, (2) practice development, (3) business development, and (4) internal consulting support. The Head of Consulting is assisted by a shared support resource, marketing support, and technology support.
Delivery of Consulting Services
Manage a team of internal and external resources to deliver consulting services, which currently includes:
Strategic Planning (majority of services)
Governance
Growth Planning
Membership Analysis & Research
Action Planning
DEI Assessment & Planning (Thriving Community Development)
Executive coaching
Identify and secure suitable talent for each engagement. Maintain a roster of internal & external team members with skills and availability. Play a significant role yourself in engagement design, data collection, content delivery, and session facilitation.
Oversee all preparation, logistics, and delivery considerations
Monitor performance and collect feedback
Overall accountability for quality and client satisfaction with consulting services
Practice Development
Update, refine, and improve existing content & assets
Create new practice areas and assets based on market demand
Stay abreast of the latest developments in association consulting services and the management consulting world in general, including competitors, new models and approaches, and latest trends.
Business Development
Internal (i.e. association management clients)
Maintain a multi-year calendar of services provided by client and conduct proactive outreach for follow-up, refresh, or new services (e.g. strategic planning should occur every 3-5 years)
Actively network in the Executive Director community to promote understanding of capabilities
External (i.e. non-Smithbucklin clients)
Network in the association industry to develop prospects
Develop strategic positioning of consulting services as part of the broad Smithbucklin value proposition
Participate in new business pitches
Coordinate with 360 Live Media (Smithbucklin’s event strategy agency) on positioning of consulting services and potential joint projects
Accountability for achieving annual sales target
Develop and publish thought leadership (articles, speaking engagements, research) to raise awareness and perception of Smithbucklin’s consulting services.
Work with finance team on pricing, contracting, and budgeting/forecasting
Internal Consulting Support
Provide support for internal “consulting-type” efforts for association management clients (typically led by the Smithbucklin Executive Director) that do not warrant a full-blown consulting project.
Consult on approach and process
Identify tools, templates, and facilitation services that would be helpful
Assist with facilitation or delivery of work
In collaboration with association management leadership, develop guidelines for when consulting services require incremental fees to internal clients, vs. what should be included as part of Smithbucklin’s standard association management services.
Required Experience
10+ years of experience in the association industry
5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role
5+ years in a strategic planning role
Experience with different types of associations: trade, professional, healthcare, chapters, SIGs, etc.
Desired Experience
Active Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation
Experience in the professional services industry
Consulting experience for association industry
More About Smithbucklin
Our hybrid environment offers you the option of working from home two days per week. All team members come to the office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, and have the flexibility to work elsewhere on Wednesday and Friday.
The salary for this role will be based on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. The expected pay for this role is $160,000 - $215,000.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of reference and background investigation based on position.
Smithbucklin will not sponsor applicants for work visas and as a precondition of employment, you must be authorized to work in the United States without limitation.
Equal Employment Opportunity
At Smithbucklin, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Applicants are encouraged to confidentially self-identify when applying.
Founded in 1949, Smithbucklin provides full-service association management and services to trade associations, professional societies, technology user groups, corporations, government institutes/agencies and other nonprofit organizations. Smithbucklin’s mission is to drive growth for its client organizations and provide uncompromised stewardship for their long-term prosperity.
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