The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) is seeking a dynamic and strategic, Director of Membership, to lead, to develop and execute strategies that drive membership growth, retention, and engagement throughout the member lifecycle. Using membership data, market trends, and member insights, the Director will identify growth opportunities, strengthen recruitment and onboarding, enhance the member experience, and increase participation in MDS programs and leadership opportunities. The role also serves as a key resource on dental practice, insurance, ethics, and regulatory issues, ensuring members understand the value of MDS membership.
Essential Job Functions, Responsibilities, and Expectations:
Leadership and Organizational Strategy
- Lead, manage, and motivate direct reports by providing clear direction, guidance, coaching, and performance feedback.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of a comprehensive, integrated marketing and membership plan that supports the Society’s strategic priorities.
- Collaborate across departments and lead cross-functional teams to align organizational activities with membership goals and advance the Society’s strategic plan.
- Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with oral health, medical, regulatory, and other key stakeholders to advance the mission and priorities of the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS).
Dental Practice and Regulatory Affairs
- Serve as a key staff resource responsible for keeping members, staff, and leadership informed about dental practice, insurance, and regulatory developments affecting the profession.
- Oversee the Member Assistance Center and train staff to respond effectively to questions regarding dental insurance, dental benefits, practice matters, and related regulations.
- Provide assistance with escalated member inquiries and track service volume, trends, outcomes, and other relevant statistics.
- Monitor the activities of major dental insurance companies, third-party payers, and regulatory agencies, including BORID, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Health, the Division of Insurance, and MassHealth.
- Assess the potential impact of regulatory and payer developments on dental practices and prepare timely informational advisories and resources for members.
- Provide guidance to staff and members regarding ethics and peer-review matters.
- Serve as staff liaison to relevant member committees.
- Provide leadership and content expertise for member communications related to dental practice, insurance, and regulatory matters, including eNews, the Journal, and Dental Insights.
Membership Strategy and Growth
- Develop and implement the Society’s overall membership growth and engagement strategy.
- Analyze membership trends, demographics, behaviors, and market conditions to identify opportunities and areas of concern.
- Identify new markets, audiences, partnerships, and opportunities for membership growth.
- Develop strategic membership initiatives and programs aligned with the Society’s goals.
- Establish annual membership goals, key performance indicators, and reporting measures.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of membership initiatives and recommend adjustments based on performance data and member feedback.
Member Recruitment
- Develop and execute targeted membership recruitment campaigns.
- Build relationships with dental students and support their transition to active membership.
- Lead resident and new-dentist recruitment and engagement initiatives.
- Develop outreach strategies for dental service organizations, group practices, and other practice settings.
- Create initiatives to re-engage lapsed and former members.
- Develop and promote member-referral programs and other recruitment opportunities.
Member Retention and Engagement
- Develop and implement strategies that strengthen member engagement, satisfaction, and long-term retention.
- Plan and execute annual membership renewal campaigns.
- Analyze member satisfaction, engagement, and retention data to identify trends and opportunities.
- Develop member lifecycle strategies that address the needs of members at different career stages.
- Identify and conduct targeted outreach to members who may be at risk of not renewing.
- Oversee new-member onboarding and early engagement initiatives.
- Develop retention programs tailored to students, new dentists, established practitioners, and other member segments.
- Create opportunities that encourage members to participate in Society programs, committees, leadership, and volunteer activities.
- Member Value and Communications
Collaborate with the Communications team to ensure that members understand, value, and use their benefits by:
- Developing clear and compelling member-value messaging.
- Promoting membership benefits, programs, services, and resources.
- Supporting the strategic direction of the Journal and other member publications.
- Coordinating membership-focused communications across appropriate channels.
- Develop campaigns that highlight the value of MDS advocacy, education, professional resources, and member services.
- Ensuring membership communications is consistent, timely, audience-focused, and aligned with the Society’s strategic priorities.
Success Measures
- Net Membership growth
- Retention and renewal rates
- Early career dentist conversion
- Lapsed member reactivation
- Member engagement
- Development of measurable membership strategies
Travel and On-Site Requirements
- Annually, during the last week of January, travel to Boston and work on-site at the Yankee Dental Congress for a minimum of four days and three nights.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license and be willing and able to drive to in-state and out-of-state meetings as required.
- Evenings and weekend responsibilities, occasionally.
- Travel requirements, state and national.
Supervisory / Management Responsibilities:
- Directly supervise assigned staff and provide clear direction, guidance, coaching, and ongoing performance feedback.
- Manage staff performance, workload, professional development, and accountability.
- Conduct regular individual and team meetings to monitor progress, address challenges, and promote effective communication.
- Support the recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of departmental staff.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and work environment.
Experience:
- 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in membership, business development, sales, customer/member engagement, association management or a related field, including management experience. and relationship-building experience.
- Staff management experience.
- Membership association experience and Membership recruitment experience preferred.
Education:
Minimum Technical Skills and Experience:
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
- Experience using email marketing platforms and content management systems to develop, distribute, and manage member communications.
- Working knowledge of Salesforce or a comparable customer relationship management or association management system; experience generating reports and analyzing membership data is preferred.
- Ability to learn and effectively use new software, digital platforms, and organizational systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and translate findings into actionable strategies.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically and introduce innovative ideas, concepts, programs, and solutions.
- Experience managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex practice, regulatory, and membership information clearly to different audiences.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and use technology to support project coordination, member engagement, and organizational goals.
Ideal Soft Skills:
- Highly motivated self-starter who can work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Strict attention to detail and the ability to work with tight deadlines.
- Well organized, able to prioritize work, manage time effectively, adapt to changing priorities, manage projects autonomously, and follow through on commitments.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to contribute to a strong team-based environment.
- Detail oriented with proven sales and networking skills.
Pay: $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Southborough, MA
