Primary Purpose:

We are seeking an experienced individual to join our team and support the CDS member engagement strategy and management, with a focus on promoting the value of CDS membership and event engagement within the local branches, the Chicago Midwinter Meeting and generating excitement within our dental students and early career professionals. 

The Member Engagement and Event Manager is responsible for the implementation of our strategic plan to foster and increase member and volunteer engagement and experience at all levels of the association. Manage a multi-channel approach to support our members, volunteers, students, and local branch leaders to effectively deliver membership value to all CDS constituents. This includes strategic leadership for existing volunteer leaders and the development of initiatives and engagement strategy associated with our annual Midwinter Meeting to increase student, volunteer, and member involvement at all levels of CDS.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• In collaboration with our Communications and Membership teams, develops and manages a comprehensive member and volunteer engagement plan that includes multi-channel communication strategies to drive engagement with CDS student and volunteer opportunities and increase the awareness of CDS member benefits and value for our members.
• Identifies and proposes new member benefit opportunities and/or enhancements to existing benefits for consideration. Leads implementation efforts for new benefits across the membership community.
• Oversees the process for CDS calls for volunteers, including opportunity requests, application collection and review in coordination with group staff liaisons, and engagement tracking. Reviews the process annually to recommend and implement improvements.
• Manages the relationship between CDS and its’ State and Branch Leaders to foster effective engagement of existing volunteers and support their work engaging all members.
• Oversees the transition of branch board members in and out of board leadership as branch liaisons in partnership with the CDS Office.
• Oversee annual compliance processes for the branch societies and the Finance Team to ensure timely distribution of assessments and successful collection of required documentation.
• Supports volunteer effectiveness and management competency through the development of volunteer management tools, materials, and training based on identified needs and branch feedback.
• Oversees the training of local and branch volunteers virtually, in-person, and during the Midwinter Meeting.
• Annually, monitors the success of current events and engagement programs, identifies opportunities for improvement, and provides periodic reporting insights to the team. (Mentorship program, student program, new dentist programs, etc.)
• Assists with the annual CDS Experience Booth design and setup. Collaborates with the Director of Communications and works across multiple divisions to ensure consistency in theme, setup, and focus.
• Oversees the maintenance of engagement technology (i.e., branch and volunteer communications) and engagement presence on our website and recommends changes based on needs and future strategy.
• Collaborates with the Education and Events team members to manage events and volunteers for the Midwinter Meeting.
• Leads team members in a manner consistent with the association’s culture statement and emphasizes the mission, vision, and values of the organizatio
• Displays a high level of accountability, taking responsibility for individual actions and the impact on the organization Views oneself as a reflection of the organization by following through on commitments and accepting ownership.
• Performs additional related duties as required or assigned.

Education and/or Experience Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of related experience and ability to develop strategic creative solutions for nonprofit, association, issue advocacy organizations and/or for-profit organizations with similar complexity and revenue profiles.
• Organizational experience in membership, events or community engagement.
• Exceptional written, verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong project management skills and proven ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with various internal teams and work independently.

• Ability to delegate, mentor and motivate assigned staff.
• Team-oriented

• Ability to prioritize multiple and varied tasks within established deadlines.

• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Suite of Products

• Ability to interface with staff, BODs, and external relationships in a professional manner.