Association Management, Reimagined

Association management is more than just administration. It is a professional service that provides the leadership, staff, and systems that help associations thrive. By partnering with an Association Management Company (AMC), boards gain the strength of experienced staff, proven systems, and shared resources that make sustainability possible.

At Parthenon Management Group, we know that associations are built on passion, mission, and the commitment of volunteers. Our role is to protect that legacy while easing the weight of day-to-day operations. Whether your organization is preparing for a leadership transition or feeling the strain of rising overhead, we help you preserve institutional knowledge, ensure continuity, and position your board to focus on strategy, impact, and member value.

Is Association Management Right for You?

Running an association means juggling members, meetings, finances, communications, and more. Partnering with an association management company (AMC) like PMG provides the staffing, infrastructure, and expertise to handle daily operations so your board can focus on governance and strategy. 

FAQS

What is association management and what services are included?

It’s a partnership where an AMC like PMG provides staffing, systems, and expertise to manage operations — finance, membership, meetings, marketing, communications, certification, advocacy, fundraising and grants development, and governance — all tailored to your mission and size. 

When should we consider outsourcing to an AMC?

Consider it when administrative tasks overwhelm volunteers, when you need skills your board doesn’t have, or when growth demands more infrastructure than you can support internally.

What if our nonprofit needs more staff than we can afford, or our Executive Director is retiring?

These are ideal times to explore an AMC. You gain access to a full team of professionals without the overhead of hiring full-time staff. During leadership transitions, AMCs provide continuity, stability, and experience that keeps your mission moving forward. 

Do we have to use the full suite of services, or can we choose à la carte support?

No, you don’t have to adopt every service. Some organizations start with a focused area — such as meeting management, strategic planning facilitation, financial oversight, or marketing support — and expand as needs evolve. PMG builds flexible solutions that match your priorities. 

What are the benefits and costs?

AMCs offer scalability, reduced overhead, experienced staff, and continuity during board transitions. Pricing varies by size and scope, but the shared-services model is typically more cost-effective than building full-time in-house capacity.

How do we choose and get started with an AMC?

Look for firms with sector experience, transparent pricing, and cultural fit. Onboarding includes knowledge transfer, finance setup, technology integration, and governance alignment. Success is measured through member satisfaction, financial health, event outcomes, and progress on strategic goals. 

Interested in a career in Association Management?

Association management is a mission-driven career where you work closely with nonprofit leaders, boards, and members to ensure organizations reach their goals. Whether you love planning events, organizing operations, or helping members connect, there’s a place for you. 

Check out our Careers page for more information.