The Vice-President of Membership provides executive and strategic leadership to a broad suite of high profile and complex programs requiring daily interaction with the ACS senior leadership, governance and membership. The Vice President must move the programs forward in a manner that accomplishes the overall strategic goals of the ACS and maximizes revenues while minimizing costs. A critical dimension of the position is to be prepared to respond to queries and developments in a timely fashion including those that might arise unexpectedly, and to direct the unit in a manner that demonstrates efficiency and a results orientation. In addition to leading one of the world’s largest membership programs, the Vice President’s portfolio is broadly constituted to require collaborate with other ACS divisions operating PPS that directly affect the quality of the ACS’ reputation and member value proposition. In carrying out this role, the Vice President must also set strategic direction for the Society’s role globally and influence not only a domestic audience but the entire world. A strong hand is also required in making business decisions that affect the bottom line of the ACS.
The Division operates in a business sense given its pivotal role in the ACS to maintain, increase and be responsible for members while operating in a not-for-profit environment. The Vice President oversees a division that is critical to the entire success of the ACS. Thus, the Vice President must exercise leadership support to the Board of Directors, other Governance units and be a critical advisor to the COO and CEO in shaping the overall programmatic and financial direction of the Society. The Vice President reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.
In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, the ACS Board of Directors, and the ACS Executive leadership team, develops the overall strategic vision and direction for the Society’s membership growth, retention, and engagement, executing the implementation of the vision and setting and ensuring revenue targets.
Works cooperatively with Society-wide executive leadership particularly Publications, CAS and Society Programs to advance the ACS brand globally including growing ACS membership in emerging markets. Ensures effective and efficient coordination between Membership and the other ACS units.
Oversees and sets the outcome expectations for the work of the Division Directors and Assistant Directors in carrying out their responsibilities.
Serves as the Society’s senior expert on membership programs, services, activities, and revenues.
Provides sound policy and strategic direction to the COO on all aspects of the Society’s member programs.
Collaborates to create new programs and services to be responsive to members’ needs and enhance revenue generation for the Society. Also works to increase non-dues based income for the Society through the implementation of innovative products, programs, and services.
Advises and assists the Board of Directors by working closely with the Board Committees on Professional and Member Relations and Planning. Serves as staff liaison to the Committee on Professional and Member Relations.
Oversees preparation of budgets and assures adherence to authorized budgets and to financial objectives set by the Chief Executive Officer and the CFO.
Ensures a highly effective, team-oriented staff that is motivated to exceed the goals and objectives set for the Division. Creates an environment that encourages mutual respect, entrepreneurship, diversity, and high performance.
Develops a strategic business approach throughout the unit that emphasizes high quality offerings that also produce new Society revenues while minimizing staff costs and keeping pricing at level acceptable to member engagement.
Desired skills and experience: Master’s degree or CAE preferred or equivalent experience; a science degree or experience with the scientific community is desirable. Strong in strategy planning and execution; demonstrated ability to develop impactful programs, products and services; excellent interpersonal, analytical, written and oral communication and organizational skills are required. 10+ years of experience with a membership organization. Occasional travel, including weekends and international, will be required (approximately 8-10 trips per year).
This position will be based in the Washington D.C. office. ACS employees work a hybrid work schedule, consisting of working onsite, three days per week. ACS employees are in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday with the third in-office day scheduled in consultation with the manager. New employees are immediately eligible for this hybrid work arrangement. ACS offers relocation assistance, if applicable.
Founded in 1876 and chartered by the U.S. Congress, we are the world’s largest scientific society. Our mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and its people. Our vision is to improve people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.
