The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

If you are seeking an exciting opportunity in a dynamic, mission-driven environment alongside a highly collegial network of school leaders, this may be the role for you! NBOA is an inclusive membership association dedicated to serving more than 1,400 independent schools across the U.S. and spanning numerous countries worldwide. With the invaluable support of industry partners and engaged volunteers, our vibrant staff team of approximately 20 professionals is committed to developing, delivering and advocating for best business practices to advance independent schools.

For over 25 years, NBOA has been at the forefront of offering cutting-edge professional development, essential tools and resources, insightful industry research, and meaningful networking opportunities tailored for independent school professionals serving in finance, operations, HR, and broader business leadership roles. Our community, characterized by collaboration and collegiality, is deeply rooted in a mission to support private, nonprofit educational institutions for students in pre-K through 12th grade, in day as well as boarding school settings.

We are a distributed team, living and working in a flexible environment across the U.S and supported by an executive office in Washington, DC. We believe that being able to attract talent from anywhere and encouraging our staff to bring their whole selves to work makes us a stronger, more nimble organization. Collaboration tools and dedicated working hours ensure that we thrive in a primarily remote setting, enhanced by opportunities to connect and grow at in-person member programs and twice-annual staff meetings throughout the year. Minimal, but meaningful travel allows for the best of both worlds, combining the flexibility of remote work with in-person gatherings that cultivate collegiality.

Joining NBOA means more than just becoming part of a cohesive team; it means actively contributing to an innovative environment that fuels the success of independent schools and our association. If you're ready to make a meaningful impact and be part of a dynamic community dedicated to advancing education, we invite you to join us on this rewarding journey.

The Role

The Director of Membership and Marketing develops and leads strategies for membership acquisition and retention that drive measurable growth and dues revenue across membership categories. The role oversees all aspects of member onboarding and renewal processes and designs engagement initiatives that foster community, strengthen member connections, and increase awareness and utilization of NBOA resources. The Director will create personalized member communications and engagement opportunities, and define and track performance metrics for growth, engagement, and retention. The Director will also oversee the NBOA Awards Program and serve as the primary staff liaison to the Awards Selection Committee.

In addition to membership responsibilities, the Director leads the development and execution of integrated marketing strategies that promote NBOA’s programs, resources, and events, driving both dues and non-dues revenue. They will lead efforts to strengthen and promote the NBOA brand, ensuring a clear and compelling value proposition across all channels. This includes creating and managing marketing plans, identifying cross-marketing opportunities, ensuring consistent messaging across digital and print channels, and championing innovation through emerging tools, automation, and AI-driven approaches.

The ideal candidate holds a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (master’s preferred) and has at least five years of experience in association membership and marketing. A CAE designation is required. The candidate has proven expertise in developing and executing membership growth and engagement strategies, along with a strong understanding of nonprofit marketing trends. Technical proficiency is essential, including community platforms, email marketing, social media, and marketing automation tools. The successful candidate is a strategic thinker who uses data-driven insights to inform decisions and improve outcomes. The position is fully remote, with some travel required.

Employee Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance (member of AMHIC)
• Generous 403(b) retirement plan contributions (5% employee contribution with 10% employer match following one year of service)
• Health care FSA and dependent care FSA offerings
• Ample paid time off (vacation, sick, holiday, family leaves) plus five additional vacation days when the office is closed between Christmas and New Year’s annually
• Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day)
• Term life, AD&D, LTD, STD coverages
• Transportation/wellness program

To Apply

Interested professionals should email a cover letter, resume and salary requirements (with the subject line: Director, Membership and Marketing) to NBOA at hr@nboa.org. We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace for all employees.

About NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools

Founded in 1998, NBOA is the only national membership organization focused on the needs of the independent school business office and business operations staff. Its mission is to develop, deliver and promote best business practices to advance independent schools. Through its Annual Meeting, magazine and newsletter, webinars, online courses, research initiatives and websites, NBOA advances business excellence to help independent schools achieve educational excellence. NBOA employs 20 full-time staff and operates an annual budget of $8 million. The association is headquartered in Washington, DC, with staff serving the association from home offices located across the country. Since 1998, NBOA has grown and expanded its membership, programs and services, currently serving over 1,300 member schools in the United States, 130+ corporate members, and more than 110 schools in Canada and across the globe.

Connections working at NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools