The Chapter Development Manager plays a pivotal role in expanding and sustaining the American Business Women’s Association’s (ABWA) national chapter network. This position is responsible for recruiting, supporting, and guiding new chapter formations—from the initial inquiry stage through successful charter installation, then beyond.

This is a relationship-driven sales and outreach role that combines prospect cultivation with hands-on support. Utilizing inbound leads, introductions from members, and leads the Chapter Development Manager will help contacts start a new chapter – guiding and supporting them through the process.  Then working with existing chapters to ensure almost every chapter receives at least the minimum level of “Best Practices” accreditation.    Additionally, this position is responsible for the annual certification program for chapters called “Best Practices” – reviewing and judging submissions, ensuring that chapters are keeping up with the standard required of ABWA.

Goals for this position include, a minimum of ten chapters installed per year, and all previous year installed chapters receiving a minimum achievement of “Striving” Best Practices.

This is a part-time position with 24 hours per week expected work. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Chapter Development & Recruitment

• Identify, recruit, and cultivate potential new formation leaders.
• Manage the full lifecycle of chapter formation—from initial inquiry through chartering and installation.
• Maintain a dynamic pipeline of prospective chapters and report on progress toward development goals.
• Respond promptly and professionally to inbound inquiries regarding new formations.
• Conduct proactive outreach to recruit and inspire new chapter leaders.
• Support formation groups through each development milestone, including:
• Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
• Recruiting a minimum of 30 members.
• Completing all required documentation.
• Establishing chapter group pages within the Association Management System (AMS) and on social media.
• Advising on meeting planning, operations, and member engagement.
• Guide newly approved formations through the installation process and ensure all requirements are met for successful chartering.
• Support existing chapters who are exhibiting signs of distress to turn around their program, and increase their membership numbers and once again, become a thriving chapter.
• Develop a system for keeping up with the chapters who are at risk, when to connect with them and what tools to share with them to best support them.
• Lead the ABWA “Best Practices” program, by setting annual guidelines, review ways to streamline the application process, encourage chapters to participate, then review all submissions and provide the appropriate designation.

Engagement & Collaboration

• Build and sustain positive relationships with chapter leaders, members, and ABWA Ambassadors to strengthen recruitment and retention efforts.
• Promote participation in ABWA’s national programs, events, and leadership development opportunities.
• Collaborate with national staff and departments to align chapter development strategies with organizational goals.
• Partner with the ABWA National Board of Directors to support recruitment, mentoring, and sustainability of new chapters.
• With support of NBOD and Ambassadors Committee, use their knowledge and resources to help chapters with the tools they need to succeed.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of all inquiries, formation statuses, and chapter installation documents utilizing Salesforce.
• Prepare and deliver monthly reports on chapter development and growth to the Executive Director and ABWA National Board of Directors.
• Monitor trends and recommend improvements to recruitment strategies, resources, and engagement tactics.
• Support communication and promotion of new chapter formations through ABWA’s member platforms, website, and social media channels.
• Provide annual reporting numbers from Best Practices program – including, but not limited to, how many participated, how many reached what level, track increase or decrease in levels year over year.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
• Demonstrated experience in sales, recruitment, community engagement, or membership development (association experience preferred).
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple formations simultaneously.

About American Business Women's Association

Big Red M is one of the most respected and successful business development companies in the non-profit industry. Well-established within the Washington, DC association market the company sells membership, sponsorship, trade show exhibits and advertising as well as provides consulting and strategic planning. Headquartered in Falls Church, VA, Big Red M is an entrepreneurial company focused on becoming the nation’s #1 association business development organization.

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