Membership Manager

Smithbucklin
, a 650-person, employee-owned professional services company with more than 70 years of success serving the association market, with primary offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., is looking for a Membership Manager to join our team in our Chicago office and serve our association management client organization International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT).

The International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading (ISTAT) is the leading global association serving the global aviation trading and finance industry. With more than 6,000 members worldwide, ISTAT connects professionals through conferences, networking, education, and thought leadership while advancing the long-term success of the aviation industry. ISTAT is seeking a collaborative, innovative, results-oriented Membership Manager to lead ISTAT's membership function and help shape the member experience across the organization.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager will facilitate the development and implementation of ISTAT's membership strategy while leading the team, systems, and operational initiatives that deliver an exceptional membership experience.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys transforming ideas into action. Working closely with the Executive Director, volunteer leaders, and colleagues across the organization, the Manager will develop recommendations, build implementation plans, improve operational processes, and lead initiatives that strengthen member value, engagement, and long-term growth. Leading a lean, high-performing membership team, the Manager will balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution while partnering closely with volunteers and colleagues across the organization to achieve ISTAT's membership goals.

The successful candidate is equally comfortable thinking strategically, developing recommendations, managing projects, improving operational processes, and translating ideas into action.

At Smithbucklin, we embody a culture driven by optimism, ambition, expertise, and thoughtfulness
, where every team member is empowered to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results for our clients. Join us in shaping the future of association management, where our values serve as the cornerstone of our success.

• Translate strategic priorities into practical initiatives, implementation plans, and measurable outcomes.
• Facilitate the development and implementation of ISTAT's membership strategy in partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and volunteer leadership.
• Develop practical recommendations that improve the member experience, operational efficiency, and overall membership value.
• Continuously evaluate membership programs, processes, and services to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare discussion papers, business cases, presentations, and recommendations for committees, leadership, and the Board of Directors.

• Serve as the business owner for ISTAT's Association Management System (AMS).
• Partner with Information Technology, vendors, and internal stakeholders to improve system functionality, integration, and business processes.
• Ensure membership data is accurate, well-governed, and supports informed decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools to improve productivity, operational efficiency, and the member experience.

• Lead the continuous improvement of the member value proposition and member experience throughout the membership lifecycle.
• Partner with Marketing, Events, Education, and other departments to ensure a consistent and engaging member experience.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of ISTAT's…