JOB OVERVIEW

Membership in the American Dental Association operates on a tripartite level – dentists are members of the American Dental Association, their state dental association and their local dental society, or component. In Wisconsin, the WDA works with 24 components throughout the state to support and serve local dentists. The component relations specialist is responsible for developing and implementing programs and services designed to maintain an active network of local dental societies, as well as collaborating with the state membership team on projects and activities that support the overall WDA membership development plan.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide staff support to local dental societies

• Serve as staff liaison between WDA, local dental societies and regional trustees
• Support local dental society officers in effectively running business matters, including coordinating with WDA legal team to maintain accurate bylaws, corporate and tax status
• Assist local dental society officers in planning and promoting meetings and activities
• Coordinate production of meeting programs, handouts, invitations and other materials
• Issue continuing education certificates for program attendees as requested
• Facilitate quarterly component officer conference calls and annual breakfast meeting
• Maintain database of information, speakers and other resources to help local dental societies plan activities
• Maintain member lists, calendar of events and other content on WDA’s website for local dental societies
• Assist with new component officer onboarding
• Prepare and maintain operations manual and other resources for local component leaders
• Research/identify components struggling with member retention and other issues; assist in growing member engagement as needed

Build and sustain an active and effective network of WDA local dental societies

• Develop and create budgets for annual local society development plan
• Review and monitor membership demographics to recommend structures and boundaries for local societies to maximize member value
• Maintain communications with local dental society officers to determine members’ local needs and interests
• Advise and disseminate information on best practice methods and procedures for local dental societies
• Coordinate events involving multiple local dental societies as needed
• Identify active members to serve on committees and in leadership positions
• Work with WDA communications team to promote local dental society activities and topics

 Schedule and coordinate meetings between WDA leadership and local dental societies (i.e. President’s visits)

• Prepare meeting materials, invitations, pre-visit surveys, dental society research and follow-up messages
• Help WDA president prepare for local meetings and conversations
• Attend president’s visits on occasion (in-state travel, 1-2 times/year)

Support WDA member services and recruitment/retention efforts

• Support new member onboarding process in concert with membership team
• Collect dues rate information from components for annual billing/renewal campaign
• Coordinate grassroots membership renewal activities with component leaders
• Assist with in-state member transfers between components

Miscellaneous

• Participate in WDA Membership Development Committee meetings as appropriate
• Keep abreast of ADA developments and component trends in other states through ADA and ASCE (Association of Component Society Executives of the American Dental Association) communications and meetings

Perform other assignments as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS 

• Advanced general business knowledge, consistent with completion of a bachelor’s degree in a general business curriculum
• At least two years of relevant professional experience
• Solid written and verbal communication skills
• Strong commitment to exceptional member service and stewardship
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously
• Knowledge and experience in meeting and special event planning
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Experience with supporting technologies such as but not limited to MailChimp, Survey Monkey and Salesforce preferred but not required
• Ability to think creatively and strategically
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a dynamic team
• Ability to present a polished, professional image while working with diverse groups

About Wisconsin Dental Association

The Wisconsin Dental Association, with over 3,100 members, is the leading voice for dentistry in the Badger State. WDA members are committed to promoting professional excellence and quality oral health care. Established in 1870, the WDA is headquartered in West Allis in suburban Milwaukee and has a legislative office in Madison. The WDA is affiliated with the American Dental Association, the largest and oldest national dental association in the world.

Connections working at Wisconsin Dental Association