Position Summary 

The Leadership Associate, Divisions provides administrative support for APA’s Divisions Council and 20+ professional interest groups, representing functional, geographic or affinity groups within the planning profession (e.g., Transportation, Small Town and Rural, Women and Planning Division, etc.). Daily contact to deliver information, services and resources that enable Division volunteers to successfully deliver value to APA members is a hallmark of this role.

Critical Outcomes  

• All 20+ APA Divisions and Interest Groups receive high-quality administrative support for activities that create meaningful experiences for Division members, and which advance the mission and strategic goals of APA. 
• The activities of the Divisions Council are coordinated to ensure timeliness, consistency, and a positive volunteer experience. 
• A strong network exists among Divisions, and between other parts of APA at the national and component level that stand to benefit from the expertise of Division members.  

Core Responsibilities  

• Deliver advice and support to Division volunteers in their efforts to recruit and retain Division members, including providing monthly access to membership rosters, annual access to membership trend reports, and providing customer service for related inquiries. 
• Daily review of financial transactions for Divisions, with delivery of monthly cash reports. Processing of Divisions Council financial transactions and reporting as needed. 
• Provide logistical and administrative support to Divisions for continuing education delivery via workshops and virtual meetings as needed. 
• Ensure that Division volunteer contact information is continuously updated in APA databases. 
• Support the development and maintenance of Division websites on APA’s web hosting platform. 
• Maintain Divisions Council grants, awards, and performance reporting programs. 
• Handle logistics and meeting support for virtual and in-person meetings of the Divisions Council, its Executive Committee and its volunteer work groups, including scheduling, development of background materials, and development of meeting minutes. 
• Develop and disseminate e-newsletter for Division leaders. 
• Provide guidance and resources to APA members interested in forming new Divisions and Interest Groups. 
• Implement the annual Division election process in a consistent, efficient manner, in cooperation with leaders and staff.  

Core Requirements  

• 4-year degree required. 
• Highly collaborative team member who works effectively with colleagues across the organization to pursue opportunities, overcome challenges and maximize impact. Models and effectively communicates organizational values and priorities. Encourages partnership around shared goals. 
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, adhere to and enforce deadlines, and deliver outcomes. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills. 
• Ability to independently solve problems, execute tasks, and provide personalized service to a variety of people in the staff and volunteer workforce. 
• Friendly, emotionally intelligent, and approachable demeanor. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products required. Experience using customer record databases (CRM or AMS) desired. 

• How do you think your previous professional or educational experiences have prepared you to be organized and ensure deadlines are met for a high volume of volunteer leaders?
• Describe a time you showed strong collaboration skills. 
• Salary expectations

APA COVID-19 Vaccine Policy Disclaimer 

The American Planning Association values the safety of our employees, our members, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job you must show proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. We strongly encourage boosters, as well.  If you are invited to join our team, you must comply with APA COVID-19 Vaccine Policy. 

 APA Dynamic Office Environment 

Beginning April 2022, we’ll be shifting to a dynamic work environment that will bring those of us in the Chicagoland area together in person two days a week, Tuesday and Thursday. We’ll use this time to rekindle relationships, build new ones and connect with each other formally and informally in a way we can’t do online. The other three days can be worked remotely or in the office. 

The American Planning Association exists to elevate and unite a diverse planning profession as it helps communities, their leaders and residents anticipate and meet the needs of a changing world. Learn more at www.planning.org. 
 
APA embraces diversity and equal opportunity in our employment practices. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our impact will be.