Posted on October 31, 2009

print  e-mail

Director Membership Development and Services

The National Head Start Association (NHSA), a private not-for-profit membership organization dedicated exclusively to meeting the needs of Head Start children and their families, is seeking an experienced, energetic, and reform-minded leader to serve as its Director Membership Development and Services.

NHSA represents more than 1 million children, 200,000 staff and 2,600 Head Start programs. Created in 1965, Head Start is the most successful, longest-running, national school readiness program in the United States. It provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Nearly 25 million pre-school aged children have benefited from Head Start.

JOB SUMMARY: The Director reports to the Deputy Director and is responsible for (1) the strategic direction and management of membership development, recruitment, and retention programs for program and individual members; 2) member engagement in programs, including advocacy, professional development conferences, and fund raising and recognition activities; 3) development and administration of membership services and benefits, including professional development activities and online community, knowledge networks, periodic newsletters, affinity programs, etc.; and 4) management and maintenance of the membership data base.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops strategic plan for membership development with input from key stakeholders in the Head Start community and NHSA management team; develops, monitors, and evaluates annual budget and plan for membership recruitment, retention, and services.
• Develops, monitors, and evaluates strategies, materials, and programs to recruit and retain individual and program members, including writing and design of promotional materials, conducting direct mail campaigns; and creating and maintaining Web site content.
• Develops and manages all membership services and benefits, including the Web site with knowledge center and online community.
• Identifies individual members and other Head Start alumni for prospect research for special events, conference programs, board and major donor cultivation, and other leadership needs.
• Develops customer service procedures and processes for NHSA and monitors compliance and member satisfaction.
• Manages and maintains membership database to ensure integrity and accuracy of membership information.
• Serves as a liaison and resource to the Board of Directors, including the Chair of the Resource Development and Member Services Committee.

EXPERIENCE, COMPETENCIES, AND EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's degree and minimum of five years professional experience with Head Start programs.
• General knowledge of practices and principles of non-profits, public relations, customer service, management practices, and membership databases.
• Strong planning, organizational, and implementation skills.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate thoughts, ideas and concepts into understandable, executable written plans.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to write promotional copy, business correspondence, reports.
• Proficient in MS Office and database systems, significant experience with Excel, PowerPoint, FrontPage, and Publisher is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail, including organizing a multitude of activities and ensuring complete follow-through.
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation and coalition-building skills.

NHSA offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package.

Review of nominations and applications will begin immediately, and will continue until the position is filled. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter detailing how applicant's experience provides a match for the requirements of the position. Salary requirements must be included. Submit applications to

Carolyn Stennett
Deputy Director and General Counsel
E-mail: cstennett@hnsa.org

Find out more by visiting the organization's web site»

Job Type: Development/Fundraising
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organizations