REPORTS TO:           VP, Membership & Communications

MAIN PURPOSE:  Manage the membership life cycle of members from recruitment to retention across all member types.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

General Membership

• Develop yearly membership strategy to include goals, objectives and tactics for implementation and tracking throughout the year on all membership related initiatives.
• Serves as first line customer service for all membership inquiries. Handles all incoming emails to the membership email inbox.
• Develop, maintain and update Academy membership communications, print, and online materials and webpages for recruitment and retention, in conjunction with marketing/graphic design.

Annual Meeting

• Organize the Academy Membership Booth at the Academy annual meeting to promote becoming a Fellow. Recruit and train volunteers to represent the Academy at the booth.
• Plan and oversee the annual meeting membership events including the Fellowship Information Sessions, Case Report Workshop, and other member recruitment and informational programs.
• Coordinate the Residency and Graduate Program Fair at the annual meeting.
• Management of the Admittance oral exam process including planning and on-site coordination.
• Organize the New Fellows Reception to celebrate the incoming class of New Fellows.
• Develop new Fellow recognition in conjunction with marketing/graphic design.
• Organize and attend committee meetings and events during the annual meeting.

Fellows and Candidates

• Manage the dues renewal process for all members including account updates, organizing email/print notifications, processing payments, and addressing any questions or concerns. Work with the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board to facilitate exemptions and other requests.
• Manage the Candidate for Fellowship application portal including customer service to committee members and candidates, as well as management of on-site and virtual Admittance processes.
• Support new mentorship initiatives implemented by the Mentorship Subcommittee.
• Provide support and maintain the Maintenance of Fellowship renewal process with the Maintenance of Fellowship Committee.
• Work with the Membership Committee to increase recruitment and develop strategies to reach new audiences.
• Serve as staff liaison for the Admittance Committee, Membership Committee, Mentorship Subcommittee, and Maintenance of Fellowship Committee.

Students and Residents

• Oversee the 100% Student Membership program to enroll the incoming class of OD students as Student Members in coordination with school faculty liaisons.
• Manage the student and resident membership application sign up and update process.
• Develop and manage the Student Fellowship program during the Academy annual meeting. Responsible for promoting the program, processing and reviewing all applications, and supervising the delivery of certificates, pins, and complimentary registration materials to all students and school liaisons. Explore opportunities for year-round engagement for Student Fellowship with the Fellowship Engagement Committee.
• Develop and implement the Conversion of Students to Candidates program at each school to encourage Fellowship among the graduating OD class.
• Develop and launch the Candidate Bootcamp program in conjunction with the SFE Committee.
• Manage the Student Community text messaging platform.
• Serve as Staff Liaison for the Faculty Student Liaison Committee and Fellowship Engagement Committee.

MINIMUM SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of five to ten years in association membership management experience.
• Must have advanced knowledge of and experience with web site management, the Microsoft Office Suite, desktop publishing, and social media.
• Experience with social media and familiarity with social platforms and how to best utilize them to achieve goals.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with HTML are preferred but not required.
• Demonstrated experience with creation, production and distribution of printed materials.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of organization, planning, marketing, records management, research, and general administration.
• Website editing, broadcast email production and distribution processes.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent written, oral communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Previous association or non-profit program management experience, including annual meeting experience or exposure is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• MBA and/or CAE certification preferred.

About American Academy of Optometry

The American Academy of Optometry is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship. Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

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