Lead the voice of Illinois dentistry
For more than a century, the Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) has represented the dentists of Illinois. It advocates for the profession in Springfield, supports members at every stage of their careers, and works to advance oral health across the state. ISDS is now looking for its next Executive Director: an experienced association leader who can build on that foundation and position the Society for its next chapter.
The opportunity
The Executive Director is the Society's chief staff executive and works closely with the President, officers, and Board of Trustees. The Board sets the direction. You turn that direction into results through advocacy that moves policy, programs members value, a sound financial base, and a staff team that does its best work.
You'll lead a 12-person team with four director-level direct reports: Director of Finance, Director of Administration, Director of Governmental Relations, and Director of Communications. You'll also be a visible representative of ISDS to the ADA, component societies, dental schools, legislators, regulators, and partners statewide.
What you'll do
•Partner with the Board. Act as a trusted advisor to volunteer leadership, bring forward emerging issues and opportunities, and keep the line between governance and operations clear.
•Lead the team. Build and keep a professional, collaborative, accountable, member-focused culture. Recruit, develop, and hold staff to clear expectations.
•Steward the finances. Build the annual budget, oversee financial performance and reserves, and grow and diversify revenue, including non-dues sources.
•Grow member value. Drive recruitment, retention, and engagement among dental students, new dentists, and established practitioners, guided by member data and feedback.
•Advance advocacy. Oversee the Society's legislative, regulatory, and grassroots work, and coordinate with DENT-IL-PAC within the required legal boundaries.
•Oversee programs and communications. Make sure continuing education, the Annual Session, publications, and member services stay relevant, high-quality, and innovative.
•Run a sound organization. Oversee operations, compliance, technology, contracts, risk (including cybersecurity), and business continuity.
Required qualifications
Candidates must meet all of the following to be considered:
•Education. A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; an advanced degree is preferred.
•Leadership experience. Significant senior-level leadership experience, including directing staff and managers and being accountable for organizational results.
•Membership organization experience. Experience working in a professional or trade association, professional society, or membership-based nonprofit.
•Financial and business acumen. Demonstrated responsibility for developing and managing an operating budget, reporting financial results to a board or finance committee, and making sound business and resource decisions.
•Springfield-area residency. Live within daily commuting distance of the ISDS office in Springfield, Illinois, or be willing to relocate before the start date.
Preferred qualifications
•Experience as an executive director, CEO, or deputy in an association or membership organization.
•A proven record of partnering with a volunteer board of directors.
•Experience in government relations, advocacy, healthcare, or organized dentistry.
•Sound judgment, integrity, and discretion, plus the political awareness to handle differing views and build consensus.
•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Travel
The role involves about 20% travel, including approximately 30 overnights for about 10 key meetings a year. These include the CDS Midwinter Meeting, the ISDS Annual Session, and the ADA House of Delegates. It also includes travel to component events and occasional evening virtual committee meetings.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications, including an annual performance bonus and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental and life insurance, 401k, car allowance and cell phone reimbursement.
How to apply
This search is being conducted by Always On Consulting LLC on behalf of the ISDS Board of Trustees. Please submit a cover letter, a professional resume, and three professional references in confidence to debbie@alwaysonconsulting.com by Monday, November 9, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is strongly encouraged.
All inquiries will be handled with discretion, and references will not be contacted without the candidate's prior permission.
ISDS is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.