The Association for association professionals in Chicagoland

VAI is seeking an experienced Database Administration Manager to lead our association management system (AMS) and elevate enterprise-wide data integrity, governance, and analytics. You’ll own our AMS operations, guide policies and training, manage integrations with key platforms, and partner closely with data stakeholders to ensure accurate, accessible, and strategically aligned data.

What You’ll Do:

• Own day-to-day AMS administration and ensure we use the platform to its full potential.
• Maintain data integrity through audits, cleanup, record merges, and continuous process improvements.
• Develop and enforce AMS policies, procedures, SOPs, and user guides; deliver staff training and onboarding.
• Design, run, and validate queries, exports, and reports; monitor accuracy and performance.
• Configure security groups and user permissions; regularly review access rights and settings.
• Implement and manage Microsoft Power Automate workflows within the AMS.
• Manage and troubleshoot data integrations with platforms such as:
  • Real Magnet/Informz (email)
  • Blue Sky (LMS)
  • Map Your Show (exhibitor registration)
  • Maritz (show registration)
  • CMS and other third-party systems

• Serve as a cross-department data steward to standardize definitions and governance.
• Collaborate align AMS architecture with VAI’s data platform, BI dashboards, KPIs, forecasting, and analytics.
• Support ingestion and integration of external datasets (safety, fleet, regulatory, market, international membership).
• Contribute to enterprise data governance (taxonomies, metadata, data dictionaries).
• Ensure AMS data is optimized for BI tools (e.g., Power BI); reconcile discrepancies and drive continuous reporting improvements.
• Maintain documentation for API endpoints, integrations, and system data flows; monitor and troubleshoot API-based transfers.
• Support membership initiatives and other special projects as assigned.

What You’ll Bring:

• 5–7 years working with an AMS; at least 3 years as a database/AMS administrator in a membership context.
• Strong understanding of membership database strategies and operations.
• Hands-on experience with SQL and HTML.
• Experience testing/reviewing APIs (e.g., Postman or similar tools).
• Familiarity with Higher Logic (or similar email platform), Maritz (or similar registration system), Blue Sky (or similar LMS), and CMS/AMS integrations.
• Advanced proficiency with Excel and Microsoft Office.
• 5+ years of experience in a non-profit environment with increasing responsibilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting; excellent organization and time management.
• Strategic mindset with strong leadership skills; delivers data-driven short- and long-term results.
• Creative, curious, resourceful, and detail-oriented; able to work both independently and collaboratively.

Why Join VAI:

• Impact: Shape the data backbone that powers member services and industry initiatives.
• Collaboration: Work cross-functionally with leadership and data teams on high-visibility projects.
• Growth: Lead modernization across AMS, integrations, automation, and analytics.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision plans where we pay 100% of the employee premiums. A retirement plan with a generous match, tuition reimbursement, and the ability to work remotely.

About Vertical Aviation International

VAI is the professional trade association for the international Vertical Take-off & Landing (VTOL) industry and represents more than 1,100 companies and over 16,000 industry professionals in more than 65 countries. Each year, VAI members safely operate more than 3,700 helicopters and remotely piloted aircraft approximately 2.9 million hours. VAI is committed to being the global leader in leveraging, innovating, advocating, and expanding the unique operational capabilities of vertical flight on behalf of our members and for the benefit of society. Our mission is to be the leading global voice in promoting safety, community compatibility, professionalism, innovation, and the economic viability of the industry. VAI is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and proudly offers competitive benefits.

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