Position Summary: The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) oversees over 50 state chapters. The Senior Manager of Component Services is responsible for developing and executing strategies to grow, engage, and retain members, while enhancing relationships with members at the local level. This role involves managing membership programs, offering support to component leaders, and ensuring alignment with CEC’s mission and strategic goals.

NOTE: CEC offers a hybrid work environment. The position is based in Arlington, VA, at CEC’s headquarters and is eligible for telework up to two days per week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supporting All Components (50%):

• Provide best practices for association management and resources.
• Host town halls and training sessions for volunteer leaders.
• Strengthen relationships with State Chapters and CEC.
• Oversee requests for events, proactively identifying needs and ensuring all requirements are met.
• Regularly update the Component Resources website with new resources.
• Assist in planning and presenting at the annual CEC Leadership Institute, a two-day in-person training for volunteer leaders.
• Manage quarterly updates of component volunteer leaders, ensuring all key roles are properly represented in the database.
• Create a monthly membership report tracking component membership data.
• Oversee the collection of routine compliance and assurance information from components.
• Track monthly data and trends.
• Assist the Director of Component Services with other component activities.
• Provide excellent customer service to CEC members and volunteer leaders.

Chapter Advancement Program (50%):

• Support up to three chapters (rotating annually) with guidance, leadership, and assistance during their year of enhanced support. This includes:
• Supporting membership and retention campaigns
• Building volunteer capacity and succession planning.
• Supporting State Chapters in expanding professional development offerings.

Skills/Abilities:

The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating positive volunteer experiences and the desire to collaborate with colleagues to build a high-performing component program that supports and grows all CEC components. Key skills and abilities include:

• Proven ability to develop and implement strategies for increasing membership recruitment, retention, and engagement.
• Expertise in creating membership marketing campaigns, materials, and outreach programs.
• Ability to develop and deliver training, resources, and best practices for volunteer leaders.
• Experience organizing and facilitating leadership training, workshops, and webinars for components.
• Promote component growth and engagement through mentorship and sharing best practices.
• Capable of planning and executing membership engagement events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Ability to work closely with components to support local and regional events, ensuring alignment with national goals.
• Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting skills to measure program success and drive decision-making.
• Prepare reports for leadership on component membership trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Effective project management skills, including communication of progress, meeting deadlines, and managing team activities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal, diplomacy, and collaboration skills to work effectively with volunteers, leaders, and staff.

Qualifications:  

• Education/Experience: A bachelor’s degree and five or more years of experience in membership management, chapter relations, or association leadership are required. A CAE certification (or working towards one) is preferred. A successful track record in leading committees, collaborating with volunteers, association membership, online community management, and developing relationships with current and prospective members is essential. A background check will be required. Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills are a must.
• Technology: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Monday.com, and association management software such as NOAH. Experience with Informz and Higher Logic (or other online community platforms) is preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have any direct reports

Workplace Requirements: CEC maintains a hybrid work environment, allowing telework up to two days per week. This position will also require occasional travel outside the DC Metro area (1-2 times per year) for events and the annual convention.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

About Council for Exceptional Children

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. CEC is known as THE source for information, resources, and professional development for special educators.

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