Manager of Membership and Events

Mandate of the Organization

The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) is a global association of arts management leaders, who come together with the shared goal of strengthening the arts internationally by building leadership ability; recognizing and discussing field-wide trends and new developments, and deepening global exchange through the arts. We achieve this through professional congresses, professional development programs, resource sharing, and online exchange.

Position and Responsibilities

Reporting to the CEO, the Manager of Membership and Events is responsible for all member services including development and retention. This position is the front-line in responding to a diverse and growing membership. A key component of membership services are ISPA events primarily although not exclusively, as manifested through two annual congresses. The role will also involve the strategic development of new membership services. In this multifaceted position, the incumbent will also be responsible for managing information technology as well as working with the CEO in developing strategic initiatives. Specific responsibilities will include:

Membership

ISPA has a diverse membership of 500 individuals representing some 50 different nations. Ongoing and effective communications with this membership is a critical aspect of this position .

• Nurture and strengthen relationship with members, including understanding of sector-wide needs and priorities
• Develop an annual strategy to meet membership revenue and participation goals
• Maintain and strengthen member benefits program
• Develop such materials (virtual and hard) as may be effective in promoting ISPA membership
• Produce weekly membership dashboards and quarterly membership reports for CEO/Board review
• Work with the CEO in developing new strategies for membership development and structure as needed
• Facilitate the Membership Committee working closely with the Committee Chair to ensure an effective and productive working relationship

Event Management

ISPA holds an annual Congress in January in New York and a mid-year Congress in the period April - July. Working with the CEO, this position is key to the logistical implementation of the January Congress and provides important support and liaison to the mid-year Congress hosts:

• Manage all registration activities including the development of the registration interface, on site materials, and all front of house functions on site
• Participate in planning meetings and facilitate overall production
• Liaise with venue and supply partners
• Create RFPs and recommend vendors and supply partners; manage relationships
• Coordinate production of the printed program, solicit advertisers
• Respond to special needs for Congress attendees as well as speakers and guests
• Develop and maintain a timeline for effective Congress planning

Communications and Information Technology

With a geographically dispersed membership, information technology (IT) plays a key role in ISPA’s effective communications and management. This position oversees all aspects of IT and communications management including:

• Provide strategy and oversight for all external communications
• All website design, content, and activity in coordination with the - Communications and Events Lead (CEL)
• Management of the CRM and introduction of capability improvements in coordination with CEL.

Administration

Working in a team environment, this position plays a key role in the effective and smooth operations of the organization:

• Oversee the day to day management of the organization in the absence of the CEO
• Manage the marketing of the organization including the development and placement of such materials, advertisements and other promotions that may effectively benefit the organization and its members
• Development and maintenance of applicable operating procedures to effectively and accurately ensure smooth operations
• Oversee one full-time staff position (Communications and Events Lead) and interns as applicable

Requirements

Requisite Skills
A diploma or related university degree
Four years experience in this or a related role
A demonstrated appreciation and knowledge of the performing arts in a global environment
Well organized, self-starter, creative, idea generator
Experience organizing events
Work well in a team environment where a very small staff are responsible for a variety of tasks and initiatives
Ability to work on many initiatives for different groups at the same time
Excellent verbal and written communications skills
Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Facility with technology, managing website, databases and Office programs (i.e. html, Access, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign etc.) including IT best practices
Strong presentation, organizational and interpersonal skills
Ability to work well in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and creative environment
A willingness and desire to travel
A mastery of English and preferentially be bi-lingual

Terms

Full-Time,1 year contract with expectation to renew, competitive salary with benefits
Start Date: TBD but ideally early November, 2021
Location: Manhattan with some international travel. Applicants must be authorized to work lawfully in the United States.

ISPA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

How to Apply / Contact
Submit your resume with a cover letter, including salary expectations in a single PDF:

https://ispa.submittable.com/submit/87b183b1-6630-42b3-847c-46247117df5d/call-for-applications-ispa-manager-of-membership-and-events

The application deadline is Friday, October 1, 2021 at 5:00pm EST. ISPA thanks, in advance, all applicants but only those considered for an interview will be contacted. ISPA welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. No phone calls, emails or personal visits to the ISPA office please.