Director of Membership, Outreach, and Engagement

The American Educational Research Association (AERA), with approximately 25,000 members, is the largest national professional organization devoted to the scientific study of education and learning. Founded in 1916, AERA advances knowledge about education, encourages scholarly inquiry related to education, and promotes the use of research to improve education and serve the public good. Members include faculty, researchers, practitioners, and graduate students who work at colleges and universities, independent research institutes, federal and state agencies, school systems, and other organizations throughout the United States and internationally.

AERA members conduct research on a broad range of topics including curriculum and instruction, science and mathematics education, language and literacy, reading, education measurement and statistics, equity and opportunity, special education, counseling, social and philosophical foundations of education, education policy, educational leadership and administration, child and human development, higher education, and workforce and adult education. AERA advances discussion and dissemination through its Annual Meeting of more than 15,000 attendees, publication of 7 leading journals, and a books program that shapes future directions of the field. In addition, AERA provides professional development programs, resources, and experiences to build capacity at all career stages as well as undertakes research initiatives, convenings, and public forums that address significant educational issues. As importantly, AERA is a leading voice and advocate for the field of education research and for science policies that support and promote research of the highest quality and integrity.

About this Role

AERA seeks an experienced senior membership professional to serve as Director of Membership, Outreach, and Engagement. The Director will lead AERA’s efforts to provide excellent service and meaningful engagement for members. The Director is responsible for building and executing the Association’s overall membership strategy. This includes developing and implementing strategies to retain existing members and drive membership growth and evaluating and recommending programs and services to meet member needs. Responsibilities for this position also include development work and marketing activities and leading efforts to enhance and articulate AERA’s value to members, donors, and other constituents.

The Director of Membership, Outreach, and Engagement works collaboratively across areas of the association to develop and lead membership engagement, retention, and growth strategies. The Director is also responsible for overseeing research and analysis related to AERA’s membership and uses data to inform membership strategies and decision-making that will enhance member retention, support engagement, and drive membership growth. This director position reports to the Associate Executive Director.

The ideal candidate will bring a track record of accomplishment and innovative approaches to building constituent commitment, participation, and organizational attachment. They will be drawn to the mission and purposes of AERA; bring experience or background in professional scientific or scholarly associations (or equivalent settings); and be energized and motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the important work of the Association, drive membership functions, and lead the work of the Membership team.

Principal Responsibilities

Membership Engagement and Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for membership engagement, retention and growth, grounded in evidence-based and equity-oriented principles
• Design and implement membership recruitment and marketing campaigns using strategic audience segmentation and innovative engagement approaches
• Manage a set of AERA’s development efforts and campaigns, including giving for small and large donors and sponsorship fundraising
• Analyze membership data and trends to identify areas for improvement and potential growth opportunities.
• Evaluate member benefits packages and onboarding and continued engagement protocols, modifying as needed
• Ensure high-quality customer service and support for members, prioritizing prompt and effective resolution of issues
• Specify membership goals and regularly report on progress to senior leadership
• Establish and oversee initiatives to enhance member engagement and satisfaction

Collaboration and Outreach

• Work with departments and internal leadership to enhance member engagement and ensure alignment between membership initiative and organizational goals
• Oversee membership marketing efforts
• Collaborate with the Communications Department team to develop targeted marketing campaigns for member recruitment and retention
• Partner with the Meetings Department team to pursue an effective approach to cultivating sponsorships
• Coordinate and oversee AERA Annual Meeting Exhibit Booth

Leadership, Resource Management, and Analysis

• Lead, manage, and coach membership team members to create a culture of accomplishments and a team model that is effective, mutually supportive, and successfully advances department and association goals
• Develop and manage membership budget, ensuring efficient resource use
• Use data to analyze membership trends, engagement, and program effectiveness
• Implement and manage systems and tools to streamline operations and enhance members experience, assessing their relevance and success
• Provide regular, relevant membership data reports and analysis to senior leadership team to support development of annual strategic priorities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• At least 7 years of experience in membership management, engagement, or related role (preferably in associations)

Competencies

• Demonstrated experience in member management, member engagement, and/or related role.
• Strong commitment to equity and inclusion, as demonstrated by previous work.
• Demonstrated experience in growing membership and strengthening membership retention.
• Demonstrated capacity to solve problems with a diversity of constituents, anticipate needs, determine priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated skill and interest in analyzing data, identifying trends, and using data to inform decision-making.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with membership management software and CRM systems
• Excellent communication (listening, speaking, and writing) and interpersonal skills. Experience writing in a wide range of genres, including analytic reports and promotional materials is very important
• Experience planning, implementing, and completing complex projects in a fast-paced work environment.
• Commitment to excellent member and constituent service. Experience and interest in working with scholars and researchers preferred.
• Strong professional outreach skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external stakeholders -- including a diverse community of students, university faculty, non-profit leaders, and other professionals at all levels
• Strong computer and technical skills including advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and proven capacity to adapt to and understand new membership technology tools.
• Ability to contribute to AERA’s senior management team and to the advancement of the Association’s mission and goals.

Other Requirements

• AERA currently operates on a hybrid schedule with designated 3-5 days per week in AERA’s Washington, DC office and other days remote. This schedule is subject to change.
• Ability to travel to and work at the location of the Annual Meeting
• Ability to travel occasionally

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. AERA has an excellent benefits program and a competitive salary structure. We strive to create and sustain an inclusive employment environment that supports professional and personal thriving.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a resume, letter of interest (addressing your interest in the role and the relevance of your background and experience), and the names of and contact information for three professional references to employment@aera.net. A writing sample will be required prior to interviews.

• The American Educational Research Association is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.