Job Abstract

Questions of geography-where, and why there? -lie at the heart of humanity's greatest challenges, from sustainable development to human rights to climate change. The American Association of Geographers (AAG) is a nonprofit scientific and educational society with professional and student members from nearly 100 countries who are at the forefront of academic and applied geography globally. AAG members share interests in the theory, methods, and practice of geography, which they cultivate through the AAG's annual meeting, scholarly journals, and other events and communications, including affinity groups and more than 70 specialty groups. Now in its second century, the AAG is in the midst of a transformation to serve its members more effectively and advance geographical expertise and viewpoints in local, national, and global discussions of public policy, education, urban and transportation planning, environmental monitoring, sustainability, and other fields.

Position: AAG is seeking a Manager of Membership Communities for our Association, who will function as the liaison between the AAG central office and the elected leadership of four AAG communities:

• Specialty Groups
• Affinity Groups
• Regional Divisions
• Community of Practice

This position reports directly to the Chief Strategy Officer and works in collaboration and as a member of the AAG transdisciplinary team.

Location: The AAG is a non-profit membership association located in Washington, DC. We will consider work-from-home candidates throughout the US, but priority will be given to candidates in the DC-metro area.

Essential Job Duties

• Sustain, Support & Evaluate AAG Communities (50%)
  • Support the infrastructure for empowering the four AAG communities' executive leadership in support of their members.
  • Help build and maintain the AAG's membership community by identifying potential growth from geography, allied disciplines and the public.
  • Cultivate relational partnerships, by translating AAG inclusive policies, practices and procedures, and balancing the need for flexibility and responsive problem solving.
  • Embody a customer service-oriented mindset - providing both excellent online and in-person outreach and engagement with members.
  • Proactively identify roles and resources to pinpoint problem solving outcomes through strong project management skills.
  • Work with other international organizations to manage reciprocal membership programs as they relate to the four AAG communities.
  • Explore internal and external opportunities to enhance the four AAG communities' existing member benefits. Explore grant opportunities to fund community programming and develop partnership opportunities. Utilize internal and external teams to source funding.
  • Coordinate and direct on-site registration related to the four AAG communities at the Annual Meeting and other meetings as required. In addition, coordinate AAG representation at the community regional meetings.
  • Support preparation for the AAG annual financial audit as it pertains to the four AAG communities, in collaboration with the AAG Finance Director.

• Technology (30%)
  • Manage SharePoint sites for AAG community leaders, enabling access to quarterly financials and other key documents.
  • Grow and improve the core social units (i.e., networking socials both online and in person) with the AAG with the aim of enhancing member experiences, promoting member retention, satisfaction and sustained growth.
  • Support the integrity of the membership database.
  • Curate a positive experience for AAG communities when engaging with the organization, such as addressing concerns accurately and quickly, overseeing efforts to streamline communications, and proactively identifying / presenting solutions to member challenges.

• Demonstrated Leadership Acumen (20%)
  • Work will multiple internal and external stakeholders to achieve collaboration and growth.
  • Design thoughtful member service strategies to navigate complex personalities and expectations both internally (AAG staff) and externally (partners and potential members).
  • Establish project management cycles and workflows to arrive at efficiencies for AAG communities.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Minimum 5 years of relevant membership management and/or non-profit association experience.
• Minimum 2 years of project management experience, ideally resulting in the development of workflow efficiencies, program roll-out, process development for the communities.
• Ability to review reports and trends, and then develop programs or solutions to address.
• Association management database experience required, MS Dynamics experience a plus.
• SharePoint experience required, able to train community members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required; comfortable communicating in-person, online, via email or the phone.
• Customer service-oriented mindset.
• Demonstrated experience working with multiple internal and external stakeholders to achieve growth and collaboration.
• Solid understanding of AAG is useful, but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills.
• A willing and can-do mindset, with the ability to build productive and professional relationships internally and externally.

Travel: This position would be expected to travel at least one week a year to support the AAG Annual Meeting each spring, as well as regional meetings (typically occurring in fall and winter with travel 2-3 times per month). If the successful candidate is not located in the Washington, DC metro area, then travel to AAG's DC-based office will also be expected at least every 1-2 months.

Salary Range: We anticipate the starting salary range for this position to be $90,000-$100,000 annually, based on relevant experience.

Benefits: The AAG provides a generous and comprehensive employee benefits package, including group health, dental and vision plans, life/AD&D and long-term disability insurance, matching 403(b), flex plans for medical and dependent expenses, commuter Smart Benefits, and paid sick and annual leave.

To Apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume for consideration.

AAG encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented groups such as women, minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as LGBTQ2SI, veterans, and people with disabilities. Applicants from private or public sector and nonprofit organizations are welcome. AAG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.