The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

Membership Manager
Department: Membership
Reports To: Director of Membership
FLSA Status: Exempt

Direct Oversight of: Senior Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

Position Summary

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) is seeking a Membership Manager to lead strategic program development and operational execution across key membership initiatives, including the Recognition Program and Volunteer Engagement Program. This role plays a critical leadership function within the Membership Department, driving high-impact programs that enhance member value, strengthen professional standards, and expand engagement across the athletic training community.

This position owns and continues to build NATA’s Recognition Program. The Manager of Membership will provide oversight of key staff and volunteer structures, ensuring alignment, consistency, and strategic advancement across all programs.

This role is expected to operate with increasing autonomy and strategic contribution, helping to build future leadership capacity within the Membership function.

Key Responsibilities

Recognition Program Strategy & Leadership

• Own and lead the continued development, implementation, and evolution of NATA’s Recognition Program.
• Identify and assess opportunities for new Recognition offerings aligned with membership strategy and professional needs.
• Design and refine Recognition frameworks, including standards, eligibility criteria, evaluation models, and renewal cycles.
• Ensure Recognition programs are rigorous, defensible, equitable, and aligned with industry best practices.
• Conduct benchmarking and environmental scans across healthcare, education, and association Recognition models.
• Provide oversight to the Senior Volunteer Engagement Coordinator managing the Honors & Awards Program

Program Operations & Oversight

• Oversee end-to-end operations of Recognition programs, including application intake, review, renewal, and compliance.
• Ensure consistency, transparency, and integrity across all Recognition decisions and processes.
• Manage workflows, timelines, documentation, and continuous improvement cycles.
• Coordinate appeals processes and reviewer management (recruitment, training, calibration).

Volunteer Engagement Program Leadership

• Provide direct oversight of the Senior Volunteer Engagement Coordinator.
• Lead the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of NATA’s Volunteer Engagement Program.
• Ensure strong volunteer lifecycle management, including recruitment, onboarding, engagement, and recognition.
• Align volunteer engagement efforts with broader membership strategy and organizational priorities.

Committee & Program Liaison Responsibilities

• Serve as a staff liaison to NATA Committees
• Support committee strategy, planning, and execution in alignment with Board charges and organizational priorities.
• Prepare materials, facilitate meetings, and ensure strong communication between committees and the organization

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in education, health sciences, public administration, business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in program management, Recognition, membership, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex programs with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience leading staff or supervising direct reports.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• CAE (Certified Association Executive) or equivalent.
• Experience within a professional association or healthcare-related organization.
• Familiarity with volunteer governance and committee-driven structures.
• Experience designing standards, frameworks, or evaluation models.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic program leadership and systems thinking
• Cross-functional collaboration and influence
• Stakeholder engagement and facilitation
• Volunteer management and engagement strategy
• Quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Project management and operational execution
• Clear, professional communication

Travel Requirements

May be required to travel to the NATA Convention, committee meetings, site visits, or other events as needed.

About NATA

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association is the professional membership association for athletic trainers and others who support the athletic training profession. Please visit www.nata.org for more information.

NATA offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous PTO and paid holidays; 401(k) retirement and pension plan; flexible work environment; professional development support; and life insurance coverage.

If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume with cover letter and salary requirements to hr@nata.org.

EOE

About National Athletic Trainers' Association

The National Athletic Trainers’ Association is the professional membership association for athletic trainers and others who support the athletic training profession. Please visit www.nata.org for more information.

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