The Director of Membership will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing membership growth, engagement, and retention strategies aligned with AAI's strategic objectives. This position will involve close collaboration with AAI staff, designated committees, and other stakeholders to enhance member benefits and services, ultimately meeting evolving member needs.

The Director of Membership will report directly to the Chief Membership & Engagement Officer (CMEO) and work collaboratively with various internal departments, AAI members, volunteer leaders, external stakeholders, and vendors. Exceptional communication skills and strong leadership capabilities are essential for success in this role.

AAI has a hybrid work schedule.  All staff are required to be in the Rockville office on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the CMEO, staff, and key stakeholders to develop a membership growth plan, outlining strategies for engagement, retention, and recruitment.
• Monitor and analyze membership trends, making necessary adjustments to
• Identify and oversee the implementation of relevant market research efforts to define

the universe of potential members, according to leadership’s membership goals.

• Identify potential target audiences and new avenues for membership
• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing to identify member/audience needs, including market segment assessments.
• Create compelling value propositions that address the needs of current and prospective
• Initiate and manage strategic partnerships to bolster member recruitment and retention
• Work closely with colleagues to enhance existing and develop new membership resources, benefits, opportunities, and pricing structures.
• Partner with the Director of Marketing to devise targeted marketing campaigns and outreach initiatives.
• Collaborate with various departments to implement engagement-enhancing programs based on member research.
• Coordinate with the Director of Marketing and the Director of Communications to craft consistent, member-centric messaging across all channels that improves retention and

• Establish methods to regularly assess and quantify member engagement and satisfaction, allowing for progress measurement and informed strategy
• Supervise and develop the Membership Manager who is a direct report to this
• Utilize data analysis to identify trends and opportunities for enhancing membership engagement and retention.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and maintain the security and confidentiality of member information.
• Promptly and effectively respond to member queries and requests in coordination with the Membership Manager.
• Oversee membership applications, renewals, and
• Provide support for the Membership committee and other relevant AAI
• Under the direction of the CEO and CMEO, keep the AAI Council informed and updated on issues for which this position has Participate in Council meetings, including travel, as required.
• Develop and manage the membership budget in collaboration with AAI's finance
• Manage or liaise with external consultants and vendors as
• Responsible for implementing the transition of AAI’s governance structure and processes as voted upon by the membership Develop and implement policies and procedures in line with new AAI governance framework.
• Monitor effectiveness of AAI governance Continually review all governance related policies and procedures and recommend changes to enhance operational effectiveness and reflect industry standards.

Qualifications and Characteristics:

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or related
• A minimum of seven years of proven experience in growing membership, recruitment, and engagement, preferably within a professional association.
• Five or more years in a director or senior-level administrative management
• Demonstrated pragmatic leadership, strategic thinking and strong business
• Supervisory experience, as well as experience working with contractors and
• Proficiency in using market analysis and indicators to develop new products, programs, or services.
• Familiarity with customer databases, including Association Management Systems (AMS), Content Management Systems (CMS), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, and marketing automation tools.
• Excellent conceptual, analytical and project management
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, including excellent time management; able to appropriately prioritize projects and tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (DEAI) with a strong sense of self-awareness and transparency.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, encompassing both oral and written communication, and an engaging presentation style.

About American Association of Immunologists

AAI is the premier professional organization with a mission to improve global health and well-being by advancing immunology and elevating public understanding about the immune system. We facilitate knowledge sharing and amplify the work of the world’s established and emerging scientists and clinicians across the field of immunology who focus their energy and expertise on harnessing the potential of the immune system to improve global health.

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