Director - Member and Retail Relations

The establishment of the Vision Council Optical Retail Division represents the latest evolution of the organization.  The Vision Council has witnessed a significant transformation since its inception in 2000, and today has over 760 member companies. Since 2004, six different optical industry trade associations have merged into the organization resulting in a significant increase in membership, a wider diversity of members, and an organization that better reflects the whole of the optical industry.  

The Vision Council is seeking a Director of Member and Retail Relations.  The ideal candidate will:

• Possess an entrepreneurial mindset:
  o   Assertiveness;
  o   Ability to work in a fast paced/start up like environment;
  o   Resiliency (the ability to weather the ups and downs);
  o   Long-term vision;
  o   Long-term investment;
• Play a fundamental role in meeting membership growth objectives 
• Be an ambassador to the Optical Retail Division

CORE FUNCTION: Cultivate and Manage The Vision Council Optical Retail Division (ORD)

• In conjunction with TVC EVP of Operations and Member Services and through the support of the various departments/staff, manage all ORD-related activities and operations
• Serve as the main point of contact for all ORD member companies, ensuring  clear exchange of relevant information and ideas important to their trades
• Ensure all ORD member companies understand the benefits/services offered through The Vision Council;
• Recruit new ORD member companies
• Ensure existing ORD members renew their membership in The Vision Council
• Be an authoritative source on issues related to the business of Optical Retail and the realities of today’s operating environment:
  o   Coordinate and proactively address current and new ORD related programs/issues with the division chair and TVC staff for          presentation to the division and its members including but not limited to Market intelligence – assist in the evolution and           promotion of TVC market research to ensure it meets the needs/interests of the ORD member companies
  o   Consumer awareness initiatives – promote TVC consumer awareness programs/opportunities to the ORD members
  o   State and Federal advocacy – help shape TVC government/regulatory affairs programs to meet the business needs of the
        ORD members
  o   Vision Expo opportunities – continuing education, attendee buying programs and networking
• ​Develop annual division goals and objectives in cooperation with the division chair and leadership
• Schedule and attend regular meetings and teleconferences of the division and any of its task forces in support of achieving annual division goals; and
• Prepare meeting and teleconference summaries

Non-Optical Retail Liaison Responsibilities

• Serve as Member Services point of contact
  o   Assist with recruitment and management of onboarding of new members;
  o   Organize and send out membership related communications;
  o   Develop follow-up system to build relationship with new members;
  o   Manage membership retention and benefit programs; and
  o   Proactive outreach to members (expired memberships, upcoming events, updates to contact information, etc.) to support
        membership renewal and registration efforts.
• Manage, schedule and execute membership dues process
• Run monthly dues renewal notices and invoices to ensure communications are sent out within the designated schedule via e-blast and hard mailings; 
• Manage, evaluate and develop current and future non-dues member benefit programs; and
• Serve as the day-to-day liaison with the show and meetings department and the marketing & communications departments.

Skills:

• Strong organization skills.
• Strong interpersonal and judgment skill.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships.
• High level communication and persuasive skills.
• Technical and media savvy.
• Attention to detail.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with 5-7 years of related experience preferred.
• Leadership experience with progressively broader responsibilities, including management of complex projects, cross functional teams and customer relations.
• Experience in financial management.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.
• Industry experience in an optical- or retail- related setting a plus.