Society Relations Director, China

The Director, Society Relations, China is responsible for leading and advancing CFA Institute’s strategic relationship with CFA member societies across mainland China. The role serves as the senior CFA Institute relationship manager and strategic advisor to society volunteer and staff leaders, ensuring alignment between society activities and CFA Institute’s mission, strategy, and operating standards. As CFA Institute's senior in-market authority on society strategy and engagement in China, the Director serves as the accountable leader for the health, performance, and strategic development of the mainland China society network.

Operating with a high degree of independence and visibility across a sophisticated and relationship-driven market, the Director builds and sustains trusted relationships with society boards, staff, and key local stakeholders – including employers, universities, regulators, and institutional partners. Through these relationships, the Director strengthens the influence of CFA Institute and the CFA charter across China and drives measurable society contributions to member value, demand generation, and organizational strategy.

The Director works in close coordination with the Membership Director, China to ensure cohesive value delivery to charterholders – both those affiliated with societies and unaffiliated and charter-pending populations. The role also contributes to and leads strategic projects that advance broader institutional goals in the China market, in collaboration with regional and global colleagues.  

This position requires deep understanding of CFA Institute’s strategic objectives, strong knowledge of the China regulatory and cultural environment, and the ability to represent and advance CFA Institute’s interests directly and through society partnerships.

The position is based in Beijing and reports to the Country Head, China, with matrixed oversight from the Head, Global Society Relations.
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Society Relationship Management

• Serve as the lead CFA Institute relationship manager for mainland China societies, providing strategic consultation on governance, business planning, funding, service standards, and member value delivery.
• Build and sustain trusted, high-quality partnerships with society boards, staff, and volunteer leaders; facilitate effective governance and strategic alignment with CFA Institute priorities.
• Conduct consistent and effective society consultations to surface insights, gather structured feedback, and ensure society perspectives are incorporated into CFA Institute planning and decision-making.
• Monitor and evaluate society performance against defined service standards and success metrics; develop and execute plans to address gaps and recognize achievement.
• Serve as the internal escalation point for complex society matters requiring China market expertise, partnering with the Country Head, China and global colleagues to resolve issues and strengthen the society partnership model.
• Support compliance with local laws and regulations relevant to society operations and CFA Institute activities in China, working closely with the Country Head, China and legal/compliance colleagues as needed.
• Advocate for society-funded projects and initiatives, including budget planning, leveraging internal resources, and advising leadership on investment decisions.
• If required, serve as mediator in conflict resolution situations involving society leadership or stakeholders.

Market Representation and Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent CFA Institute to a broad range of external stakeholders in China – including employers, universities, regulators, and institutional partners – to advance the mission of CFA Institute and strengthen the credibility and reach of the CFA charter.
• Develop and maintain a strong working knowledge of CFA Institute’s products, services, and strategic initiatives to conduct society trainings, exchanges, and presentations that drive society engagement and network contribution.
• Understand and navigate the local regulatory, political, and cultural environment, providing guidance to societies and internal colleagues as appropriate.
• Build society capacity to engage local stakeholders effectively, supporting society-led efforts that promote the CFA charter, educational offerings, and the CFA Institute mission.

• Strategic Initiative Leadership
• Lead or contribute to China-focused strategic initiatives that involve society collaboration and advance shared goals across the society network and CFA Institute strategy.
• Partner with the Membership Director, China to ensure integrated, cohesive delivery of member value and coordinated execution of market priorities.
• Collaborate with regional and global colleagues – including Marketing, Education, Membership, Advocacy, and Society Relations – to design and implement solutions tailored to the China market while advancing global objectives.
• Contribute to the Society Leadership Conference and training strategy, enhancing partnership confidence and fostering alignment between CFA societies and CFA Institute.
• Lead or support cross-functional projects that strengthen the society network’s contributions to CFA Institute’s mission and strategic priorities in China.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in a professional association, not-for-profit, membership organization, investment industry, or strategic consulting role.
• Demonstrated experience managing senior-level stakeholder relationships with strong judgement, diplomacy, and the ability to build trust with volunteer leaders and investment professionals.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance and board management principles and best practices.
• Self-starter with the ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to a dynamic environment.
• Experience in project management, with skills necessary to interpret what is needed for the success of a project and to create appropriate schedules for timely delivery.
• Experience leading or contributing to complex, cross-functional projects in a global organization.
• Excellent communication skills  – written, verbal, and presentation—with demonstrated comfort engaging senior and external audiences.
• Fluency in Mandarin and English required
• Ability to use standard office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) to a high standard; familiarity with Salesforce CRM preferred.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees, including health coverage, generous time off, competitive retirement plans, flexible work options, and wellbeing and development programs. You can learn more on our careers site: Working at CFA Institute | Comprehensive Benefits

About CFA Institute

CFA Institute is the global leader in investment excellence and ethics. With nearly 200,000 charterholders across 160 markets, we promote professional growth, uphold ethical standards, and help advance better financial markets. Join a global organization committed to putting investors first.

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Important Message: Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements as CFA Institute cannot make assumptions about your education, experience, or location. We thank all those who apply.

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