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By Nick Koerbin
Leading a not-for-profit association comes with its unique set of challenges, and one of the most crucial aspects is having a strong
administration team to keep everything running smoothly. Recently, I had the chance to sit down with our admin staff from Association
Executive Services,
who shared what they believe are the core competencies required for their roles. Here's what I found:
π Masteringng the Microsoft Suite
It's no surprise that proficiency in the Microsoft suite of products is non-negotiable. This includes:
Outlook: For efficient email management and scheduling.
Word: For creating and editing documents.
PowerPoint: To craft compelling presentations.
Excel: For data analysis and financial tracking.
π Website and CRM Management
Admin staff must be tech-savvy, especially when updating the Association's Website and keeping web pages current and relevant.
Manage the Customer Retention System (CRM), ensuring accurate and up-to-date member data.
π Event Management Expertise
Organising events is a big part of the job. Admin staff should be adept at the following:
Planning and Coordinating Events, from small meetings to large conferences, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
π Board Support
Supporting the board is critical. This includes:
Distributing Agendas and Papers
Ensuring board members are well-prepared.
Taking Minutes: Accurately recording meeting discussions and decisions.
π Graphic Design Skills
A touch of creativity goes a long way. Competency in graphic software such as Canva or InDesign for designing marketing materials and
newsletters.
π Financial Software Proficiency
Keeping track of finances is essential, so being able to use:
Xero and MYOB For managing budgets and accounts.
π Google Suite Knowledge
The Google suite is another vital tool, with products such as:
Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive For collaboration and document sharing.
π Social Media Savvy
In today's digital age, the ability to:
Post on Social Media, engage with members and promote association activities.
π Interpersonal Skills
An excellent admin team is one that:
Relates Well with All Team Members
Building strong internal and external relationships.
π Supports the Needs of Members
Providing excellent customer service and member support.
π Touch Typing
And finally, an often-overlooked but handy skill:
Touch Typing at Least 40 Words Per Minute, enhancing productivity and efficiency.
Weβre seeing a growing trend. More and more groups are reaching out to start new associations.
In most cases, the reason is the same: "Our current association isnβt delivering."
That may well be true. Starting a new association is a serious commitment, not just a reaction. Let me be clear:
One of the most common β and often unexpected β challenges faced by association boards and leaders arises when a member develops a grievance against the organisation. In the association sector, this is not unusual. Most grievances begin with a concern or disagreement, but if not handled appropriately, they can escalate into a prolonged and disruptive issue.
Insights from the AES Technology Survey and Special Interest Group Discussion
Artificial Intelligence is now part of daily work for many association professionals.
Association Executive Services (AES) are soon to release its
annual report on technology in Australian Associations and recently facilitated a special interest group discussion on the use of AI in
participants' organisations.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
