Manager, Affiliate Relations

Do you have a strong background in governance, change management, and project management, with experience managing multiple state operations? Are you skilled at overseeing complex, multi-group operations and guiding Boards of Directors through strategic governance and change initiatives? If so, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has the perfect opportunity for you.

As the Manager of Affiliate Relations, you will be responsible for overseeing the operations of multiple state affiliates, guiding their Boards of Directors through effective governance, change management, and project execution. This role is crucial to ensuring the success of the Academy's state affiliate program by driving strategic alignment, enhancing member engagement, and ensuring operational excellence for the affiliates.

Key Responsibilities

• Governance: Lead and manage governance structures for multiple state affiliates, ensuring alignment with the Academy's overall strategic goals. Work closely with state affiliate Boards of Directors to ensure that all activities comply with legal, financial, and procedural standards. Provide expert guidance on governance best practices, policy development, and procedural adherence to ensure each state affiliate operates efficiently and effectively.
• Change Management: Encourage, implement, and manage change initiatives for affiliates. Ensure consistent application of new policies, systems, and processes for each affiliate while providing support and resources to help state affiliate leaders manage transitions smoothly. Lead efforts to achieve stakeholder buy-in and minimize disruptions across affiliates during times of change.
• Project Management: Oversee the execution of key projects across multiple state affiliates, including budgeting, financial audits, contract negotiations, and program development. Create and monitor project plans and timelines for each state affiliate, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget. Manage the full range of ongoing state-specific projects to ensure compliance and achievement of goals.
• Strategic Planning: Work with state affiliate Boards of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans that are tailored to the unique needs of each state while maintaining alignment with the Academy’s national goals. Help prioritize state initiatives and projects, ensuring they contribute to overall programmatic and financial growth.
• Operational Support and Collaboration: Provide ongoing operational support to multiple state Affiliates, assisting with the management of key functions such as member benefits, financial reporting, and contract management.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
• 3-5 years of relevant job experience required. Ideal candidate will have experience working as an Executive Administrator, Association Manager, Volunteer or Project Manager from an association or non-profit or working with an Association Management Company. 
• Demonstrated understanding of professional association environments and general business practices with a customer service/member first approach.
• Good listening skills and the ability to lead, motivate and instill confidence in Affiliate volunteer leaders.
• Strong communication, leadership and judgement skills, demonstrated change management skills and the ability to instill trust and confidence in others are necessary
• Some travel required

About Us:

The Academy offers a competitive starting salary range from $72,000 to $75,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience, as well as an excellent benefit package, including medical, dental, vision, LTD, tuition reimbursement and 401k match with IMMEDIATE VESTING! 

We offer a comprehensive paid leave policy to support your work-life balance. Academy employees are eligible for paid sick and vacation time that accrues over time and can be carried over at the end of the year in accordance with Academy policy.  Additional leave options may be available for holidays, family emergencies, or other personal needs.

The Academy promotes a friendly, professional, and challenging team-based work environment with the ability to work remotely.  Also, the Academy’s office is conveniently located near public transportation:  two major Metra train stations (Union and Ogilvie), CTA lines and major bus routes are all within a few blocks

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.