This role offers a hybrid work schedule: 2 days in our Miami, FL office and 3 days from home.

Position Summary 

The Program Manager, Sections and Student Chapters, acts as the strategic operator and brand steward for AWS’s distributed network of local units. This role oversees the performance, alignment, and sustainability of Sections and Student Chapters, ensuring each operates with a consistent, high-quality experience that reflects the Society’s standards and values. Serving as the central liaison and advocate for grassroots leadership, the Manager equips volunteer leaders with the tools, training, and frameworks needed to deliver impactful programming, drive member engagement, and uphold organizational excellence.

By applying a franchise-style approach to governance, support, and growth, the Manager will implement scalable systems that foster innovation while maintaining brand integrity. This role is critical to expanding AWS’s reach, cultivating leadership pipelines, and strengthening the overall health and cohesion of its local presence.

Essential Duties

• Administer the AWS Section and Student Chapter Annual Reporting process and maintain activity logs.
• Conduct monthly Section Solutions Calls to inform and educate grassroots leadership.
• Process requests for communication submitted by District, Section, and Student Chapter leaders, including acknowledging incoming requests, preparing communication for distribution, and distributing to the intended audience(s) as well as scheduling and facilitation of online meetings.
• Updating Section and Student Chapter Officer information in CRM.
• Conduct ongoing research and implementation of contemporary communication styles to enhance engagement of target audiences.
• Coordinate monthly newsletters and webinars.
• Collaborate in the development of the Leadership Symposium program.
• Provide timely, helpful, professional, and accurate customer service, including email, telephone, and written communications.
• Other duties as needed or required.

Supervision Exercised

• None

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of CRM software, preferably Microsoft Dynamics, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Ability to build rapport and credibility with multiple stakeholders across the organization and external stakeholders at every level.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (verbal and written), project management, and leadership skills will be critical.
• High-level of organizational skills and ability to prioritize multifaceted projects/tasks required.
• Strong creative and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to design enhanced meeting attendee experiences.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field.
• 3 years minimum of association experience or related work experience, with direct employee supervision experience.
• 1-3 years of experience in meeting planning and management required; experience in project management preferred.
• Experience supporting volunteer leaders is also strongly desired.

Competencies Required:

• Collaboration
• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Drives Results

Special Requirements, Licenses, or Certifications

• None

About American Welding Society

We Move Welding Forward Founded in 1919, the American Welding Society is a nonprofit organization with a global mission: to advance the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes worldwide, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. By fostering knowledge, embracing change, and providing real-world opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and workforce development, AWS provides the tools to help members succeed—and to inspire future generations of welding professionals.

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