Membership Program Specialist

The Optical Society (OSA) is recruiting for a Membership Program Specialist. The Membership Program Specialist will assist with the development, coordination, and support of operations associated with OSA programming, member support and developing/implementing tailored strategies that deliver value and effectively recruit new members to the organization. This is a full-time position with overall responsibility for development and enhancement of member relations and engagement. The Specialist will have a comprehensive understanding of the OSA’s programs and benefits (both domestic and international), as well as issues facing our members, and will be charged with communicating our value proposition in order to increase member engagement and grow the membership overall.

While working under the supervision of the Director of Membership Program Development, this position’s duties include planning international and regional meeting activities, recruitment and retention of local sections, and the introduction of new member programs and benefits to OSA. The work involves problem-solving, complex assignments, and conceptual thinking. This position requires an individual who can demonstrate initiative and reliability, provide superior team and project management skills, and explore and execute new ideas that will benefit the team’s effectiveness while juggling competing priorities.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Works with the Director to develop, create and implement six (6) signature member programs annually at international and regional meetings, organizes additional workshops and events, and coordinates volunteers. The overall member program portfolio will have approximately 12 to 14 programs between the Director and this position.
2. Responsible for launching 6-8 webinars per year tailored to assigned program area.
3. Assists the Director in the creation and implementation of new programs for individual industry and engineer members.
4. Responsible for developing and implementing a sponsorship and grants program for revenue growth to support existing and new programming. 
5. Designing, writing and editing the marketing about OSA events and programs, member news, and other relevant items of interest for our membership
6. Identifies potential new member benefits and works with the Membership team on implementation.
7. Works closely with local section leadership to support local-level membership and engagement plans; Assists local section development and growth worldwide.
8. Works with the Director to help develop education topics in response to member needs for programs including networking and mentoring programs
9. Analyzes the competitor landscape as it relates to member programs and benefits to ensure that OSA is aware of and acting on events, trends, etc., that affect OSA Membership and its work.
10. Identifies trends, gaps and needs of OSA Members and potential members to develop distinct, segmented strategies that serve the needs of a diverse constituency.
11. Collaborates with stakeholders to develop a strategy to improve the student to emeritus member experience continuum.
12. Under the guidance of the Director, assesses and evaluates member programs and activities.

Education and Experience

• Four-year college degree required; study should be in a science-based discipline (Physics preferred)
• At least five years relevant service in a membership or scientific society—must have experience in program development and project management and working with volunteers/committees

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication and proofreading skills
• Strong project management and problem solving skills
• Design and marketing skills and software applications such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, etc.
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail; ability to work independently and multi-task to meet multiple deadlines; and ability to organize and maintain a sophisticated tracking system
• Skill in building and establishing relationships with member volunteers, partner societies and external vendors, and ability to facilitate project activities with each audience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications—with minimum intermediate capabilities in Excel, and database applications (NetForum and Foundant experience preferred)
• Ability to travel approximately 10 percent annually—domestic and international

OSA offers a competitive salary and benefits. Please send your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to resumes@osa.org.