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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.
The Challenge of Prorated Membership and Renewal Cycles
Anyone responsible for membership in an association understands this tension:
Do we renew members on the anniversary of their joining date, or operate on a single annual renewal date?
And if we operate on a single renewal date, how and when should prorated membership apply?
Here is a deeper exploration of each model β with practical examples drawn from real-world association operations.
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When associations discuss upgrading their websites, the conversation often starts with design, branding, and visual appeal.
Business events in Australia contribute over $36B annually and are growing fast!
Check out our latest article for essential tips on venue selection, security, insurance, and moreβplus key stats like $21.4B in traveller
spend and 11% projected growth.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
