Shape the future of electrical and medical imaging standards at NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA is the leading trade association and ANSI-accredited standards developing organization representing manufacturers of safe, reliable, and increasingly intelligent electrical and medical imaging technologies. As the electroindustry becomes more connected, digital, and dynamic, NEMA plays a critical role—setting standards, advancing policy, and providing decision-grade insights that help our members compete and innovate.
NEMA is seeking a Managing Director, Standards to provide strategic, operational, and technical leadership for one of the association’s most mission-critical functions. This is a highly visible senior leadership role for a standards expert who wants to influence the direction of industry, guide complex technical programs, and work at the intersection of technology, policy, and market transformation.
The Role
The Managing Director, Standards leads NEMA’s standards strategy, compliance, and operations. This leader ensures that NEMA’s standards and technical programs deliver value to members, reflect market and regulatory realities, and strengthen the global competitiveness of the electroindustry.
Working collaboratively across a matrix organization, the Managing Director oversees the full lifecycle of NEMA standards—from strategic planning and development through publication, promotion, and continuous improvement. The role also serves as NEMA’s primary senior representative to key domestic and international standards bodies, bringing technical rigor, credibility, and diplomacy to complex stakeholder environments.
What you’ll do
Lead NEMA’s standards strategy and execution
Serve as NEMA’s senior authority on standards and technical activities, with deep expertise in standards development, electrical equipment, performance and safety standards, and building codes
Set and execute a forward-looking standards strategy aligned with industry needs, market trends, sector strategies, and NEMA’s organizational goals
Oversee the development, maintenance, approval, and promotion of all NEMA standards and technical processes
Ensure successful delivery of the annual Standards Publication Plan, with clear accountability and performance tracking
Lead ANSI accreditation and audit activities, ensuring compliance and continuous process improvement
Drive digital transformation of standards development, including workflow automation, system modernization, and application of AI-enabled tools
Provide executive oversight of technical committees and contribute strategic input to Board-level technology governance
Lead, mentor, and develop staff while managing budgets, priorities, and performance expectations
Build and strengthen standards capabilities across NEMA staff and member company representatives
Represent and elevate NEMA externally
Act as a visible and credible champion for NEMA standards and the electroindustry
Lead coordinated promotion of NEMA’s technical publications in collaboration with Marketing and Communications
Strengthen strategic partnerships and alliances that advance NEMA’s standards leadership and influence
Serve as NEMA’s senior representative to ANSI, ULSE, SES, NFPA, ICC, and other key standards organizations
Advance NEMA policy and technical positions through trusted relationships and effective advocacy
Represent NEMA as a speaker and thought leader at conferences and industry events
Provide organizational leadership and member engagement
Serve as an active member of NEMA’s Leadership Team, contributing to the association’s strategy and cross-functional collaboration
Ensure strong engagement between technical staff and members, helping members understand and maximize the value of NEMA’s standards activities
Proactively assess and address member satisfaction within technical committees and connect standards work to broader NEMA value streams
What we’re looking for
Bachelor’s degree in a technical field, or a non-technical degree with equivalent technical experience
At least 10 years of experience in standards, codes, conformity assessment, or technical program leadership
Deep knowledge of ANSI and other standards development and approval processes; SES CSP certification expected
Demonstrated leadership within domestic and/or international standards and code-making organizations (e.g., ULSE, NFPA, ICC, IEC)
Proven experience leading digital transformation of standards processes, systems, or tools, including AI applications
Strong strategic, operational, and people leadership skills, with the ability to manage complexity and competing priorities
Executive-level communication and diplomacy skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
Strong technology fluency and proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint, Teams)
Ability to resolve conflict with fairness, judgment, and organizational awareness
A leadership style that reflects NEMA’s core values: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Leadership, and Agility
We Make the Future Electric
At NEMA, we connect people, communities, and industries to what’s possible.
We represent the companies that power America’s future: from the technologies lighting our homes, to the systems securing our grids, to the manufacturing capacity that keeps our nation competitive.
For 100 years, we’ve helped build the electrical backbone of the United States.
Today, that work matters more than ever.
