Chapter Relations Manager

The Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) is the oldest and most widely recognized professional organization for surgical technologists. With more than 60,000 members and representing the interests of over 80,000 practitioners nationwide, AST’s mission is to ensure that surgical technologists possess the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver the highest quality patient care.

AST’s Chapter Relations Manager is responsible for developing, supporting, and strengthening relationships between the association and its affiliated chapters. This position serves as a resource and primary staff liaison to chapter leaders, providing guidance, resources, and strategic support to help chapters achieve their goals while advancing the mission and objectives of the association.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative relationship builder with experience in association management, volunteer engagement, and program development. AST is seeking someone who is highly organized, customer-service oriented, and passionate about helping volunteer leaders succeed. This position is a great opportunity to help shape the future of AST’s chapters and chapter leaders.

Key Responsibilities

Chapter Support & Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for affiliated chapters and chapter leaders.
• Build strong relationships with volunteer leadership through regular communication and consultation.
• Provide guidance on chapter governance, policies, bylaws, and operational best practices.
• Develop modernized tools, resources, and training programs to strengthen chapter leadership and effectiveness.
• In coordination with other staff, facilitate onboarding and orientation for new chapter officers and volunteers.

Volunteer Leadership Development

• Engage and work with volunteer leaders.
• Coordinate leadership development programs, webinars, and annual training events.
• Recognize and celebrate chapter achievements and volunteer contributions.
• Foster collaboration and the sharing of best practices among chapters.

Chapter Operations

• Monitor chapter compliance with association policies, reporting requirements, and affiliation standards.
• Support chapter event planning and provide operational guidance as needed.
• Maintain accurate chapter records and documentation within the association management system (AMS).

Communication & Collaboration

• Develop and distribute regular resource materials for chapter leaders.
• Partner with internal departments including Membership, Education, and Communications to ensure coordinated support for chapters.
• Collect and analyze chapter performance data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for association leadership.

Preferred

• Experience supporting component organizations, chapters, or volunteer-led organizations.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance and board operations.
• Experience with virtual meeting platforms and online collaboration tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, virtual communication platforms and association management software (AMS) or CRM platforms.

Key Competencies

• Relationship building
• Volunteer engagement
• Customer service excellence
• Strategic thinking
• Problem solving
• Organizational and project management
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Adaptability and change management
• Attention to detail

Working Conditions

• Full-time position with a hybrid schedule opportunity after a probationary period and completion of successful onboarding to be determined by the hiring manager.
• Occasional evening and weekend work to support chapter meetings and association events.
• Travel (approximately 15–25%) for occasional chapter meeting and AST’s national conference.

Salary

$65-$70K depending on experience.

• Generous PTO and sick leave policy
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Employer-paid health and dental insurance options
• Annual bonus eligibility
• SEP (retirement) contribution after 3 years of service
• Professional development support