Client:
Founded in 1899, ASM is the oldest and largest single life science membership organization in the world, totaling 42,000 members worldwide in 25 divisions of microbiological specialization and education. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with the mission of promoting the microbiological sciences and their applications for the common good, the Society is comprised of six Boards – Education and Training, Meetings, Membership, International Affairs, Public and Scientific Affairs, and Publications, plus the American Academy of Microbiology. ASM publishes eleven professional journals as well as Microbe, a monthly journal, and sponsors two large meetings each year. To learn more about ASM, visit their website at: www.asm.org.
Position:
The Director of Membership Services is responsible for the strategic direction and management of membership development, recruitment and retention. The ideal candidate will be a seen as a creative visionary within the association membership community. The Director identifies trends and proactively translates them into successful marketing strategies that encourage membership growth and engagement.
The ASM volunteer leadership recently approved a change in the dues structure. The new three-tier system will become effective in 2013. The Director of Membership Services is responsible for designing and executing a marketing campaign to introduce the new dues structure that will encourage members to join at their appropriate level.
As a strong leader, manager and mentor, the Director is responsible for a $1.4M revenue budget and manages a staff of five including: Manager, Membership Processing/Subscriptions; Manager, Membership Marketing; Membership Coordinator; Program Coordinator, Membership; and Archivist. The Director reports to the Deputy Executive Director.
Responsibilities:
- As ex-officio, serve as senior staff resource for Membership Board and its committees.
- Work closely with Membership Board Chair to set strategic goals, define objectives, establish measures for success, evaluate membership programs, as well as develop strategic coordination between the Membership Board and other ASM Boards.
- Develop strategic marketing campaigns designed to increase membership and encourage member engagement and retention.
- Research and analyze industry trends to develop campaigns, track results, and establish short- and long-range goals.
- Provide strategic direction and financial management of Membership Department as it relates to the Society’s strategic goals.
- Proactively evaluate effectiveness of strategies, such as dues and membership category structures, services, materials, and policies.
- Partner with other departments to identify and develop new member benefits and opportunities.
- Manage and motivate member volunteers to participate in various programs and activities.
- Evaluate and implement new technologies, systems, and procedures for all Membership programs as appropriate.
- Develop and implement a professional development plan, including developing work plans for department staff members.
- Contribute to the development of ASM strategic plan.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or related field required, graduate degree preferred. At least 10 years progressive experience in a membership or marketing position within a professional association, preferably a scientific, engineering or medical society. Must be strategic leader with a proven ability to develop and execute successful marketing plans that positively affect the Society’s bottom line. Must be able to build and foster positive, collaborative relationships with all stakeholders including volunteer leadership, Society staff and external organizations. Must be a problem-solver with a working knowledge of current trends affecting association membership and ability identify future trends. Excellent written and verbal communication and superior customer service skills required. Some travel required.