Career Center

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Membership & Communication

RELATIONSHIPS: This position assists and works closely with the Membership Team.

The Components Relations Manager (CRM) at the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) serves as the primary support and key liaison for the AAO’s growing 10 Sections, 13 Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and 17 active US and international Chapters. The AAO’s components engage a thriving membership base of more than 6,400 Fellows, comprised of members worldwide. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Sections and Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

• Serve as liaison to the Section and SIG Committees.
• Provide customer service and support to each Section and SIG, as well as members interested in participating in Section/SIG programs. 
• Coordinate the annual meeting planning process for all events, meetings, and programs in conjunction with Event Operations.
• Coordinate with Education Team to ensure Symposium Committee needs are communicated. 
• Build annual budgets for each component in conjunction with Event Operations, Corporate Support, and Finance.
• Guide marketing and communications efforts within components to create and distribute Section/SIG newsletters, develop content for annual publications, annual meeting promotional materials, and other collateral. 
• Manage and monitor the online community platform to encourage usage, engagement, and regular content updates in conjunction with IT. 
• Oversee the Section’s Diplomate Application process and Diplomate Renewal Program. 
• Coordinate Diplomate recognition on-site during the annual meeting through signage, presentation materials for the Academy Honors special event, and through digital media. 
• Support promotion of Diplomate Preparatory Courses.
• Ensure compliance with Section and SIG policy manual. 

Chapters

• Serve as liaison to the Chapters Committee.
• Guide Fellows interested in forming a new Chapter ensuring all requirements are met for Board review and approval.
• Facilitate the annual maintenance of Chapter status with the collection of annual dues, annual reports, member lists, and other documentation. 
• Coordinate promotion of Chapter events and programs on the Academy website, email channels, and social media.
• Attend periodic Chapters Committee meetings virtually (1-2 per year on average) and in person at the annual meeting.

International Committee

• Serve as staff liaison to the International Committee.
• Attend International Committee calls virtually throughout the year (bimonthly) and in person at the annual meeting.
• Organize and promote the International Reception at the annual meeting. 
• Support committee efforts to promote and grow international members within the Academy. 

All other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience in component relations or community management
• Flexibility for evening and weekend calls to accommodate component meetings, online continuing education webinar support, and similar programs
• Travel required 2-3 times per year
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Nimble AMS (or similar AMS programs), Thinkific/LMS managers. 

About American Academy of Optometry

The American Academy of Optometry is an association of optometric professionals who strive to stay at the top of their field. The Academy’s membership is comprised of optometrists, vision scientists, and other qualified professionals who have committed themselves to the rigorous process required to achieve its prestigious designation, Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO). For more than a century, the Academy has provided Fellows access to the best minds in optometry, vision science, research, and more. Today’s Fellows welcome the opportunity to attend the Academy’s premiere event, its annual meeting. Other members include students, residents, and Candidates for Fellowship. Each fall attendees from around the world gather for thousands of hours of continuing education and exposure to the most recent research, networking, and latest products and services. Fellows particularly value the opportunity to connect with colleagues and mentors while enjoying an exceptional level of camaraderie.

Connections working at American Academy of Optometry