ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

As an employee of the American Optometric Association (“AOA”), you’ll be part of an organization dedicated to driving the success and serving as a voice for over 50,000 optometric professionals, including the doctors and students of optometry and paraoptometric team members who deliver more than two-thirds of primary eye care in the United States. Since 1898, the AOA has been focused on providing innovative educational opportunities, tools, and practice resources. Learn more online at https://www.aoa.org

AOA is seeking an experienced and driven Associate Director, Membership Growth & Partnerships to work collaboratively across the organization in driving revenue growth, retention and engagement through employer-sponsored, corporate and institutional membership programs. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Membership & Data Insights, this role will partner closely with a wide range of internal and external constituents to expand AOA’s presence in healthcare systems, corporate groups, and academia, and creating customized solutions to maximize membership adoption and participation.

YOUR MISSION AS ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP GROWTH & PARTNERSHIPS

• LEAD GROUP MEMBERSHIP GROWTH STRATEGY – As part of AOA’s Membership Team, develop and lead a national strategy aimed at driving growth in group memberships, with a focus on expanding employer-sponsored memberships, cultivating corporate partnerships and establishing institutional memberships with key sectors such as academic institutions, healthcare systems, and large employers. Leverage market insights and cross-functional collaboration to identify new opportunities, craft compelling value propositions and implement outreach initiatives. Continuously evaluate program performance, optimize engagement tactics and build long-term relationships that contribute to sustainable membership expansion and organizational impact.

• GROUP MEMBERSHIP MANAGEMENT & ENGAGEMENT – Serve as the primary member liaison for group members, creating a personalized and meaningful connection with AOA from their first interaction through membership renewal. Create customized onboarding experiences and benefit packages tailored to the needs of group members. Integrate AOA’s values and benefits into every stage of the group member journey, from initial engagement to ongoing participation, ensuring a consistent and meaningful experience that reflects the organization’s mission. Partner with internal teams to ensure that the AOA’s group value proposition is clearly communicated and optimized. Generate new ideas for programs, services and content that meet the specific needs of group members. Actively seek feedback to improve the group member experience and create a strong sense of community by facilitating connections among group members to encourage knowledge sharing, professional development and collaboration.

• DRIVE MEMBERSHIP SUCCESS –Leverage data from event participation, renewal trends, social media, and direct feedback to gain insights into group member needs and expectations and evaluate the overall effectiveness of group membership initiatives. Monitor and evaluate group membership performance, including acquisition, retention, engagement and revenue impact, to inform data-driven decisions and support ongoing improvement. Provide insights and regular reporting to leadership and internal and external stakeholders.

IS THIS A MATCH FOR YOU?

• You are passionate about AOA’s mission and are eager to contribute to the advancement of the optometric profession, by supporting students and doctors of optometry through advocacy, professional development, practice management tools, and meaningful community connections.

• You have gained 5-7+ years of experience in driving group membership growth, cultivating corporate partnerships or leading business development efforts, ideally in an association, healthcare organization or nonprofit.

• You bring experience driving membership sales and revenue growth strategies, including contract negotiations, pricing models, and employer benefit design.

• You are data driven and results-oriented with a strong ability to leverage insights to inform business development strategies and demonstrate value to stakeholders.

• You are comfortable working in a metrics-driven environment with proven experience setting and reaching goals related to membership growth, conversation and engagement.

• You have excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to interact and work well across all levels of the organization.

• You have superior organization and project management skills with an ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.

• Solid technology and computer skills including proficiency with MS Office, sales tracking and reporting tools and CRM systems. Familiarity with marketing automation a plus.

• Ability and willingness to travel for major AOA meetings and related events. Estimated at 15-25%.

• A four-year college degree in business, sales, marketing, communications, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience in the healthcare or optometry sector, particularly in membership, sales, or partnerships may be considered in place of a degree.

WHY JOIN AOA?

• WE ARE MISSION DRIVEN – As a member-centric organization, we are dedicated to advocating for the optometry profession and to providing our member base with access to the very best clinical resources, continuing education, practice management and career development tools as well as engaging events and experiences.

• YOU THRIVE ON CONNECTING PEOPLE TO RESOURCES – You genuinely love to network. You are passionate about building relationships and facilitating connections that make a lasting impact. You are skilled at identifying and enhancing key value propositions that drive value for members.

• WE ARE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION – We are committed to enhancing the diversity of the profession of optometry and fostering a staff culture that embraces the value of diversity and inclusion through ongoing training and collective efforts aimed at reinforcing the importance of a diverse and inclusive team.

• COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PACKAGE – AOA offers a competitive base salary as well as a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances; 401(k); HSAS/FSA; paid time off; volunteer time; parental leave; health and wellness reimbursement; and employee assistance program.

LOCATION & TRAVEL

There is a strong preference for this person to be based in St. Louis, Missouri and is a hybrid position with an onsite expectation of 3 days/week. Occasional travel to AOA meetings and events will be required (estimated: 15-25%). Applicants located in AR, ID, IL, KS, NC, OH, TN and VA and willing to travel to St. Louis regularly will be considered.

READY TO APPLY?

Take the next step and share your resume with Occhio Search & Recruitment. To apply, visit www.occhiosearch.com and or apply online via LinkedIn. For questions, contact Angie Akerman at angie@occhiosearch.com, or Elly Richards at elly@occhiosearch.com. All resumes, referrals and general inquiries will be held strictly confidential. No direct inquiries with AOA, please. We ask that you direct all questions, referrals, and applications to our retained search consultants at Occhio.

AOA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome differences in form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and veteran status. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply and we look forward to hearing from you!