About the World Affairs Councils of America (WACA)

Based in Washington, DC, the World Affairs Councils of America is a nonpartisan nonprofit membership organization that supports, strengthens, and represents a national network of 90 nonpartisan organizations working to deepen their communities’ global perspective.

Learn more at www.worldaffairscouncils.org.

Role Description
The membership manager leads the development, coordination, and implementation of WACA’s membership programs and Council engagement efforts, supporting relationships across a nationwide network of member Councils and individual and organizational donors. This role is central to sustaining and strengthening WACA’s national network, ensuring that Councils and members are effectively supported, connected to one another, and engaged in the full range of WACA’s programs and opportunities.

This full-time, primarily in-person position is based in Washington, DC, and reports to the chief executive officer. It is well-suited for an early- to mid-career professional seeking to grow as a nonprofit leader with significant responsibility across membership operations, relationship management, and program development. This is not an entry-level role. It offers significant opportunity for growth in responsibility and leadership over time.

The membership manager oversees a portfolio of membership and Council initiatives, including CRM administration, member outreach and engagement, dues tracking, and professional development programming. The role also collaborates across the organization to support webinars, national events, and leadership convenings, while identifying opportunities to strengthen participation across the network.

Job Functions

Member Recruitment, Recognition, Retention, and Records Management (50%)

• Administer member directory (CRM), ensuring usable, accurate, current records 
• Maintain regular communication and serve as the national office’s first point of contact for member Councils, 1918 Society donors, and organizational stakeholders
• Develop and manage systems for member and donor onboarding, benefits, recognition, and retention
• Identify and remedy gaps in membership processes
• Work with the marketing and communications manager to keep marketing materials, newsletters, and relevant website sections up to date
• Track and ensure prompt collection, recognition, and benefits of membership dues, donations, and sponsorships
• Track membership trends and support strategic thinking to grow the Council network and expand individual and organizational engagement with WACA 
• Develop and support 1918 Society communication, offerings, and engagement 
• Identify mentoring opportunities and assist new and continuing Councils to find their place in the WACA national network 
• Provide general customer service to Councils and individual and organizational stakeholders

Council Resource and Program Management and Development (35%)

• Catalogue and evaluate existing Council resources 
• Plan, evolve, and implement Council resources, including how-to guides, orientations, best-practice calls, and other digital resources
• Support the events manager to select content for WACA webinars and ensure adequate preparation for volunteer leaders
• Provide content for and support planning, implementation, and development of virtual and in-person trainings and summits, including WACA 101, Leadership Day at the National Conference, and the annual Council Leadership Meeting 
• Lead development, implementation, and evaluation of additional professional development opportunities for Council leaders and volunteers

Additional Responsibilities (15%)

• Supervise one or more university interns 
• Support event execution, including opening/closing or moderating virtual events, as required
• Support planning and implementation of WACA signature events such as Academic WorldQuest and the National Conference 
• Attend Board and committee meetings as required and assist in the coordination of Board committees as determined by the chief executive officer 
• Seek out and participate in ongoing professional development related to this position 
• Other related duties as assigned; special projects as required 

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, international studies, or other related field 
• Four years’ closely related professional experience; a desire to grow as a nonprofit professional and global community member 
• Demonstrated experience in customer service, stakeholder engagement, or relationship management; a warm and welcoming demeanor
• Ability to work as part of a small, cross-functional team and take ownership of projects to drive them from concept to completion 
• Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of world affairs, global current events, and the mission of the World Affairs Councils network 
• Developed cross-cultural competence, evidenced by prior work, study, or travel 
• Strong communication skills in English, including copywriting and one-on-one conversation, evidenced by application materials and interview 
• Proven time and project management, dependability, efficiency, organization, attention to detail, research skills, and team skills 
• Creativity and the ability to solve problems with diplomacy, flexibility, and good judgment
• Professionalism and integrity, particularly with personal or confidential information

Preferred:

• Experience with membership, chapter, or association-based organizations
• Familiarity with hosting meetings on the Zoom platform 
• Experience with CRM/database software and manipulating spreadsheets 
• Experience with grant processes, applications, and evaluation 
• Fluency in languages other than English 
• Basic familiarity with HTML and WordPress

Environment and Other Expectations

The WACA office is located in downtown Washington, DC, with easy access to Metro and bus lines. WACA staff work in a fast-paced environment and should be prepared to balance multiple priorities and deadlines, take ownership of their projects, and work independently, as part of a team, and with a variety of interns, volunteers, board members, and other organizations. While this position will be primarily onsite, limited remote work on a consistent weekly schedule to be identified with the individual is permitted after an initial onboarding and team-building period. Applicants should reside in the greater Washington, DC, metropolitan area or be willing to relocate. This position involves primarily daytime, weekday hours on a consistent schedule to be identified with the individual. A limited amount of domestic travel is required for this role.

WACA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, service in the military, or any characteristic protected by applicable law. WACA is committed to building and fostering a culture where all employees, members, volunteers, and interns have an opportunity to contribute to the mission and success of the organization and are valued for their unique perspectives and the experiences they bring to the table.

Compensation

The salary range identified for this position is $33.65/hour to $37.50/hour ($69,992 to $78,000 per year), commensurate with education and experience and with potential for growth based on performance and organizational development. Additional benefits include paid health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, employer contribution to a 401(k) retirement plan, opportunities for professional development, and paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter, resume, writing sample of no more than 500 words, and a list of three professional references to Matthew Hughes at mhughes@worldaffairscouncils.org with “Membership Manager Application” as the subject. Please send all attachments as a single, combined PDF file. Accepting applications through Friday, July 10, 2026.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, international studies, or other related field 
• Four years’ closely related professional experience; a desire to grow as a nonprofit professional and global community member 
• Demonstrated experience in customer service, stakeholder engagement, or relationship management; a warm and welcoming demeanor
• Ability to work as part of a small, cross-functional team and take ownership of projects to drive them from concept to completion 
• Demonstrated passion for and knowledge of world affairs, global current events, and the mission of the World Affairs Councils network 
• Developed cross-cultural competence, evidenced by prior work, study, or travel 
• Strong communication skills in English, including copywriting and one-on-one conversation, evidenced by application materials and interview 
• Proven time and project management, dependability, efficiency, organization, attention to detail, research skills, and team skills 
• Creativity and the ability to solve problems with diplomacy, flexibility, and good judgment
• Professionalism and integrity, particularly with personal or confidential information

Preferred:

• Experience with membership, chapter, or association-based organizations
• Familiarity with hosting meetings on the Zoom platform 
• Experience with CRM/database software and manipulating spreadsheets 
• Experience with grant processes, applications, and evaluation 
• Fluency in languages other than English 
• Basic familiarity with HTML and WordPress