Association Manager (RISE)

CropLife America Inc; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) in Arlington, VA seeks a full-time Association Manager to oversee member engagement, events, and administrative operations. You will coordinate programs, sponsorships, and communications with the VP of Public Affairs and the staff team to advance RISE’s five-year strategic plan.

The role requires at least six years in association operations or related work, a bachelor’s degree, and the ability to work independently with cross-functional teams;

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum six years of professional experience in association operations, member engagement, event planning and management, communications, or related public relations, with increasing responsibility.
• Experience in nonprofit, association, or member-driven organizational work.

Responsibilities

• Manage member engagement programs, data, and retention; serve as staff lead to committees and networks.
• Lead planning, production, and delivery of events; manage venues, vendors, and registration.
• Provide administrative and operational support, including board meeting prep and governance tracking.

Skills

Project management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Attention to detail

MS Office

Microsoft Dynamics

Event platforms

Strategic thinking

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Dynamics

Event platforms

Job description

Location: Arlington, Virginia
Position: Operations Manager

Position Type: Full-Time

Travel: Approximately 30%

Reports To: Vice President of Public Affairs

RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a trade association representing the specialty (non-agricultural) pesticide and fertilizer industry located in Arlington, VA, seeks a full-time Association Manager. Based at RISE headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, the Association Manager oversees member engagement programs, executes association events, supports communications efforts, and provides administrative and operational support that advances RISE's mission and industry presence. Under the Vice President of Public Affairs, the Association Manager will use RISE's five-year strategic plan and annual tactical plan to advance organizational goals.

Member Engagement and Development

• Manage RISE's membership development, member data, and retention programs, serving as the first point of contact for member inquiries and support needs.
• Serve as staff lead to the association's Programs and Membership Committee, Young Professionals Network, and other project or work groups, providing regular updates, coordination, and project support.
• Cultivate meaningful member relationships, deepen member involvement, and strengthen connection across the association through responsive support and collaboration.
• Support the staff team’s tactical and strategic advocacy projects and programming.
• Lead program and event sponsorship solicitation and fulfillment, ensure timely outreach and sponsor recognition, and track progress against defined annual sponsorship goals.
• Partner with the association’s communications team to support member-focused projects, outreach, and materials that strengthen member engagement.
• Support member engagement programs, committee participation, and related projects by helping coordinate materials, timelines, and follow-up with members and staff.

Event Production and Execution

• Lead the planning, production, and successful delivery of RISE events.
• Work with leadership and members to identify and secure venues, vendors, and event details that support a great member experience.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all member, vendor, and partner needs at all RISE events.
• Collect and report post-event feedback from sponsors, vendors, and attendees to assess success and identify future improvements.
• Manage event and meeting registration websites and support related collateral development.

Administrative and Operational Support

Support Board meeting preparation, including scheduling support, agenda coordination, uploading materials to the online portal, maintaining Board governance documents, and tracking follow-up items.

Requirements

Education and Work Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of six years of professional experience in association operations, member engagement, event planning and management, communications, or related public relations, with increasing responsibility.
• Experience in nonprofit, association, or member-driven organizational work.

Preferred Skills

• Proven ability to successfully manage and deliver multiple long- and short-term projects, programs, deadlines, and budgets.
• Professional and effective in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.
• Adept in relationship building, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
• Exceptional attention to detail and quality control.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with Microsoft Dynamics, event platforms, and other standard office software systems.
• Strategic thinker who aligns projects and programs with organizational goals.
• Self-starter who can work independently and with cross-functional teams.