The Director of Marketing and Membership is a senior leadership role responsible for stewarding AACE International’s narrative in the market and owning the full membership lifecycle. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and CEO, this role builds and executes an integrated marketing and membership strategy that supports AACE’s overall growth, relevance, and long-term sustainability.

This is a hands-on, player-coach position suited for a leader who blends strategic thinking with direct execution. The Director is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and serves as the primary voice of the member in organizational decision-making, ensuring that AACE’s programs, messaging, and outreach align with member needs and the evolving professional landscape.

This position reports to the Executive Director and CEO and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Core Responsibilities

• Serve as the organizational owner of AACE’s member narrative and value proposition.
• Ensure consistent, clear, and compelling messaging that articulates AACE’s relevance, impact, and standards-based leadership.
• Align organizational storytelling and positioning across membership, education, certification, standards, events, and publications.
• Bring the voice of the members into executive-level strategy and decision-making.
• Design and execute integrated marketing campaigns focused on membership growth, retention, and engagement.
• Develop and manage campaign calendars, content strategies, and coordinate outreach across digital channels.
• Actively engage in day-to-day campaign execution using AACE’s AMS, email platforms, Higher Logic, and social media tools.
• Support the marketing of certification, education, events, publications, and standards initiatives in coordination with other directors.
• Own and manage the full membership lifecycle, including recruitment, onboarding, engagement, renewal, and re-engagement.
• Develop and implement strategies that strengthen member value across career stages, sectors, and professional interests.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure cohesive, high-quality member experience.
• Use lifecycle insights to inform marketing strategy, messaging, and campaign design.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of direct reports, including hiring, performance management, and professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and results-oriented team culture.
• Recommend organizational and structural improvements to strengthen the marketing and membership function over time.
• Ensure staff leadership and support for the Membership Advisory Committee.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Women in Project Controls Committee.
• Support volunteer leaders with data, insights, and strategic guidance related to marketing and membership growth.
• Operate within AACE’s OKR framework, translating organizational priorities into annual and quarterly objectives.
• Use data and analytics to inform decisions, test assumptions, and refine strategies.
• Manage the marketing and membership budget and oversee relationships with marketing and communications vendors.

Qualifications and Professional Profile

• Approximately 8–12 years of progressive experience in marketing, membership, or growth-related roles, including at least 4–5 years of experience leading teams, programs, or complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Ability to operate at an executive leadership level, contributing to organizational strategy, decision-making, and cross-functional alignment.
• Strong understanding of brand positioning, storytelling, and the full membership lifecycle.
• Hands-on experience with AMS platforms, email marketing systems, online communities, and social media.
• Collaborative leadership style, data-informed judgment, and comfort with thoughtful experimentation.
• Experience in trade associations, professional societies, or mission-driven organizations preferred.

About AACE International, Inc.

AACE International is a global association, celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2026. We serve cost engineering and project controls professionals in over 90 countries who develop major complex assets. We are a modern, virtual office organization dedicated to growth, innovation, and enhancing our global impact through technical guidance, education, and certification. Our team values initiative, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and we provide an environment where professionals can build meaningful, long-term careers. An extensive benefits package enhances our commitment to our team's success. The benefits package includes: - Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance provided - Robust retirement planning: 403(b) plan available - Financial security: Life and disability insurance for added protection - Flexible financial options: Health savings and flexible spending accounts are offered - Well-being and work-life balance: Paid time off, compressed work schedule option, and fully remote work format

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