Never stop learning. Say yes to opportunity. Stay curious.

At Association Headquarters (AH), career growth in nonprofits is not defined by a straight path. It is built through continuous learning, shared experiences, and a community that supports you along the way. Association management offers a unique environment where professionals can develop leadership skills, gain cross-functional expertise, and grow alongside mission-driven organizations.

In celebration of Women's History Month, AH team members share early career advice for women in association management, with insights designed to help the next generation build meaningful, flexible, and impactful careers.

What Does Career Growth in Nonprofits Look Like?

Career growth in nonprofits, especially in association management, is rarely linear. Rather than following a rigid ladder, professionals expand their impact by gaining experience across:

• Membership and engagement
• Meetings and events
• Governance and leadership
• Marketing and communications
• Finance and operations

This kind of broad exposure develops professionals who understand not just their own role, but the entire organization.

Key insight: Career growth in nonprofits comes from continuous learning and real-world experience.

Say Yes to Experiences, Not Just Titles

Jodi Araujo, Chief Delivery Officer

"Say yes to experiences, not just titles."

Early in a career, it is easy to focus on defined roles. But in association management, growth happens when you step beyond them.

Taking on work in meetings, membership, governance, and finance may feel like filling gaps. In practice, it builds a deep understanding of how associations operate, and that breadth becomes a long-term advantage.

Early career advice:

• Raise your hand for new projects
• Sit in on meetings outside your role
• Seek exposure across functions

"The more you understand the ecosystem, the more valuable you become."

Don't Wait to Feel Ready to Lead

Kristy Cohen, Managing Director of Client Services

"Don't wait to feel ready. Raise your hand, share your ideas, and take up space."

One of the most common barriers for women in association management is waiting for confidence before taking action. Leadership is built through doing, not waiting.

Early career advice:

• Share ideas, even if they are not fully formed
• Ask questions and stay engaged
• Lean on mentors and peers

"Your perspective matters earlier than you think."

Why Non-Linear Careers Lead to Stronger Leaders

Beth Mauro, Senior Director of Learning and Development

"Say yes to the 'fly-the-plane-while-building-it' projects."

A career in association management is built on flexibility and integrity. Growth comes from stepping into unfamiliar situations, supporting industries you are still learning, and contributing where you are needed most.

Early career advice:

• Get comfortable with ambiguity
• Step into new environments
• Build credibility through action

"Today's opportunity becomes tomorrow's association leadership."

How to Grow in Association Management: Focus on Relationships

Jenny Faucher, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships

"Learn how to manage up and not just manage tasks."

Association management is relationship driven. Success comes from helping volunteer leaders, boards, and stakeholders make informed decisions.

Early career advice:

• Bring solutions, not just problems
• Communicate clearly and proactively
• Make it easy for leaders to say "yes"

"The most effective professionals make others more effective."

Stay Curious to Accelerate Career Growth in Nonprofits

Jessica Hayes, Meeting Manager

"Absorb everything you can, every element is interconnected."

Association management touches every part of an organization. The more you learn, the more value you bring. And alongside that learning, relationships matter just as much.

Early career advice:

• Ask questions consistently
• Learn across departments
• Invest in professional relationships

"Curiosity drives growth. Relationships sustain it."

What Is the Best Early Career Advice for Women in Association Management?

If there is one theme across these insights, it is this: career growth in nonprofits is built through continuous learning, not certainty.

• Say yes before you feel ready
• Build experience across functions
• Invest in relationships
• Stay curious and adaptable

Women in association management do not need a perfect path. They need opportunities, community, and the willingness to keep learning.

Final Advice from the Women at Association Headquarters

Mirlande Wilson, Executive Assistant to the President

"Never stop learning. Association management offers many opportunities for professional development and life skills that can take you to the next level in your career. If you are looking for professional development, stability, flexibility, and a community you can relate to, association management is the way to go."

In a field defined by growth and change, continuous learning is what turns early experiences into long-term leadership. Association management provides not only a career path, but a community where professionals can evolve, contribute, and build something meaningful together.

Why Association Management Careers Matter

At Association Headquarters, careers are built with purpose. Association management brings together professional development, flexibility, and mission-driven work, creating an environment where individuals grow while helping organizations advance their industries.

That is the foundation of AH's Red Chair philosophy: enabling organizations, and the people behind them, to achieve meaningful success.

For women entering the field, the path forward is not about having all the answers. It is about staying curious, continuing to learn, and stepping into opportunities that shape both your career and the impact you make. And whether the advice comes from someone in senior leadership, meetings and events, sales, learning and development, or an administrative role, the message is remarkably consistent: invest in people, keep learning, and do not wait for permission to lead.

Interested in a career in association management? 

Find out more about working at Association Headquarters and review open listings. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a career in association management?

A career in association management involves supporting nonprofit organizations such as trade associations and professional societies. Professionals manage membership, events, governance, marketing, and operations to help organizations achieve their missions.

How can women grow in association management careers?

Women in association management can grow by gaining cross-functional experience, building strong professional relationships, seeking mentorship, and continuing to learn throughout their careers.

What skills are needed for career growth in nonprofits?

Key skills include:
•    Communication and relationship management
•    Strategic thinking and problem-solving
•    Adaptability and flexibility
•    Project and operational management

What is the best early career advice for women in nonprofits?

The best advice is to never stop learning, say yes to new opportunities, build relationships, and take initiative early in your career.
Why is association management a strong career path?

Association management offers professional development, flexibility, stability, and the opportunity to be part of a mission-driven community that creates meaningful impact.