Member and Leadership Engagement Associate

Public administration brings our communities to life. Municipal management, urban planning, city revitalization, county connections, transportation, federal management. Dedicated civil servants do it all. And a large, nationwide (indeed, global) network of researchers and scholars help them do it better. The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) provides the space for all of them to meet, network and learn from each other so our communities can thrive.

We are seeking a strategic, creative, detail-oriented, capable member and leadership engagement associate to join our team and help us and our members advance excellence in public service. Reporting to our executive director and CEO, this team member will help us grow our membership and expand the public administration brand beyond our current base to those who haven’t met us yet and need to!

Who We Are

• What is ASPA? We are the leading professional membership association that supports those who practice, teach, study and research public service.
• What makes us unique? We are the go-to organization that brings together the practitioner and academic communities. In a world of specialization, we are a proud “generalist” organization, which allows our work to touch every aspect of public service.
• Who are our members? Any person, organization or government committed to advancing excellence in public service. They range from federal government executives to township budget analysts, from university presidents and deans to public affairs students. They include governments serving 2.7 million residents; small, public affairs programs at rurally based colleges; and public service organizations located around the world.
• How do we do our work? An annual conference featuring top quality speakers, panels and networking. A robust e-learning series that prepares professionals to do their jobs effectively. Award-winning publications, including the top ranked journal in our field. More than 40 locally based Chapters located around the U.S. A high-profile awards program that celebrates the best and brightest in public service. More than 30 specialized Sections that help members learn more about specific topics.
• What are our values? Accountability and performance, professionalism, ethics and equity.

Who You Are

When reviewing applications (including cover letters), we take a broad look at each applicant’s experience and how your past leads you to us in your future. To fulfill this specific role, we are most likely to be interested in applicants who can demonstrate the following qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree, preferably in government, public policy or administration, or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.
• At least three to five years of experience with a nonprofit organization. Experience with membership and public service associations is preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills, especially writing (original, not AI-generated), listening and critical thinking skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent presentation of self in terms of public speaking and presenting, both in person and virtually.
• Deep and steadfast understanding and appreciation for the role that a strong, committed public service plays in our society.
• Highly organized with excellent time management skills and the ability to excel at multi-tasking and meet deadlines while juggling multiple projects. Strong organizational skills a must.

What You Will Do

• Assist the executive team in engaging with our members for their day-to-day needs, ensuring a strong, connected and expanding network of individual and institutional members.
• Create opportunities and venues for connecting with individual members to ensure ASPA provides the most current, relevant and meaningful benefits and structure for them.
• Support relationships with institutional members by providing responsive and high-quality support and tracking engagement patterns to inform ongoing strategy and resources. Grow ASPA's institutional member footprint in underserved locations through strategic and sustained outreach.
• Work collaboratively with the executive team to establish a robust pipeline of member talent for ASPA leadership positions; provide staff support for the organization’s annual elections process and support the executive director/CEO in the administration of ASPA governance, including board and committee operations.
• Establish mechanisms for the continuous growth of the next generation of public service professionals. Manage the recruitment, selection and programming for ASPA’s flagship professional development program for student members. Work with the executive director and volunteer leadership on fundraising efforts to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

What Else You Need to Know

• We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits and a supportive working environment. For this position, the salary range is $60,000 to $70,000 commensurate with experience. Benefits include employer-paid health, dental, vision, life, and long- and short-term disability insurance; participation in a 403b retirement plan with employer contributions; generous paid annual and sick leave; and opportunities for professional development.
• We work better when we are together. We believe in a collaborative, collegial environment where our success is shared. Employees are expected to work in person at least three days weekly. Our offices are located in downtown Washington, DC, two blocks from Farragut Square.
• We have an engaged leadership and membership. This position requires impeccable interpersonal skills, along with a strong understanding of times when one type of communication is better than another (a phone call instead of an email, for example). Outstanding political and diplomatic skills are a must.
• We are looking for a committed team member interested in a role that will grow with them for several years. While we know “life happens” (for you and for us), we are most interested in a team member who has long-term goals in mind.