Director of Membership & Special Programs

About the American Society for Surgery of the Hand

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) is a prestigious, professional medical society with a membership of more than 5,500 surgeons and healthcare professionals. The mission of ASSH is to advance the science and practice of hand and upper extremity surgery through education, research, and advocacy on behalf of patients and practitioners. ASSH provides educational opportunities for surgeons in the form of webinars, online resources, courses/meetings, textbooks, practice examinations, medical journals, and communities. ASSH also fosters basic science, clinical, and outcomes research grants, and provides hand surgery to underserved communities around the world.

Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid – 2 days per week in office)

Salary Range: $150,000-$160,000

Job Summary

The Director of Membership & Special Programs provides strategic leadership for ASSH’s membership engagement strategy and practice-related initiatives that support surgeons and healthcare professionals.

This role oversees key programs related to practice management, policy, and advocacy while serving as the primary staff liaison to several high-impact committees. The Director partners closely with volunteer leaders, the CEO, and internal teams to strengthen member engagement, enhance the member experience, and advance the Society’s strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

Membership Strategy & Engagement

• Provide strategic leadership for ASSH’s membership engagement efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and evolving member needs
• Partner with staff and volunteer leaders to strengthen recruitment, retention, and engagement across career stages, practice settings, and membership categories, including intentional onboarding and lifecycle design to ensure a strong and consistent member experience.
• Monitor membership trends and data to inform strategy and decision-making
• Support initiatives that enhance member value, inclusivity, and professional connection

Organizational Excellence & Committee Leadership

• Serve as primary staff liaison to the following committees and their subcommittees:
• Membership Development & Relations Committee (MDRC)
• FAIR Committee
• Ethics & Professionalism Committee
• Guide committee leaders in fulfilling their charges, ensuring alignment with ASSH priorities, governance standards, and best practices
• Support committee planning, meeting preparation, documentation, and follow-through
• Provide continuity and institutional knowledge to support effective volunteer leadership transitions

Policy, Practice & Advocacy Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight and direction to the Manager of Policy & Special Programs
• Ensure effective staff support for the following committees and their subcommittees, through the Manager:
• Practice Management
• Quality & Value Care
• Physician Reimbursement & Coding
• Government Affairs
• Support advancement of ASSH’s practice, policy, and advocacy priorities through coordination with external physician and specialty organizations, including AAOS, AMA, and other aligned partners
• Serve as a staff liaison and coordinator for initiatives and collaborative efforts conducted with partner organizations
• Support the development and execution of joint programs, statements, and advocacy initiatives, in partnership with external organizations and under the direction of ASSH leadership
• Ensure alignment between external advocacy activities and ASSH’s membership engagement and practice-support priorities

Staff Leadership & Management

• Directly supervise the Membership Manager and Manager of Policy & Special Programs
• Set priorities, provide coaching, and support professional development for direct reports
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team environment
• Ensure consistent standards and best practices for committee support across areas of responsibility

Strategic Collaboration & Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a member of the management team, contributing to cross-functional planning and execution
• Partner with the CEO and peers to advance strategic initiatives and organizational priorities
• Support implementation of the Society’s strategic plan as it relates to membership, engagement, and organizational excellence
• Identify opportunities to improve and streamline programs, processes, and workflows in ways that enhance member experience, clarity, and organizational effectiveness.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises the Membership Manager and the Manager of Policy & Special Programs, and provides leadership for staff supporting the Membership & Special Programs portfolio

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree or professional credential in association management, healthcare administration, or a related field preferred
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential preferred
• At least 8–12 years of progressive experience in association management, membership, governance, or program leadership, preferably within a medical society or nonprofit organization
• Demonstrated experience working with volunteer leaders and committees in a governance-driven environment
• Strong understanding of membership engagement strategies and best practices in program management and facilitation
• Proven ability to lead staff, manage priorities, and navigate complex organizational dynamics
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong judgment and professionalism

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting practice, policy, or advocacy-related initiatives in a professional society
• Experience using data and analytics to inform engagement and program strategy
• Comfort working cross-functionally with communications, education, research, and operations teams
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and collaboration

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel may be required for training sessions, meetings, other events, or conferences. Travel is typically within the U.S. and is estimated to be up to 5% per year, but travel may also be outside the U.S.

Benefits

• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision employee coverage
• 100% employer paid disability and life insurance policies
• 401(k) retirement plan with an annual employer contribution of 10%
• Hybrid work flexibility
• 41-46 days of annual PTO, including holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal leave
• Paid parental leave for new parents
• $150 monthly home office/technology expense reimbursement

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

ASSH provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Work Authorization

We are unable to offer sponsorship for employment authorization to work in the United States. Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.