Director of Membership, Community, and Events

The Director of Membership, Community, and Events is a senior leadership role responsible for driving global membership growth and engagement as well as shaping the strategy for TESOL’s events portfolio. This position plays a central role in how TESOL engages its global community and generates value for members.

This role is ideal for a leader who has successfully grown international membership and understands how events, especially large-scale conferences and conventions, serve as a significant driver of engagement, value, and revenue.

The director leads a team of three: Membership & Engagement Associate, Events Associate, and the Member Services Associate.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director leads an integrated portfolio spanning membership, community, and events, ensuring these areas work together to deliver a cohesive and compelling member experience aligned with TESOL’s mission and long-term sustainability. 

Key Responsibilities

Membership Growth and Strategy

• Lead and execute a comprehensive global membership strategy, including recruitment, retention, engagement, and value proposition
• Define and implement segmentation strategies tailored to diverse international audiences
• Use data and performance insights to guide strategy, identify growth opportunities, and drive measurable outcomes
• Partner with marketing and operations to ensure alignment between strategy, systems, and execution
• Provide regular reporting and analysis of membership performance

Event Strategy and Portfolio Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership for TESOL’s events portfolio, including the annual convention and other in-person, hybrid, and virtual events
• Develop and implement strategies to increase attendance, engagement, and revenue
• Align event strategy with membership, professional learning, and organizational goals
• Oversee financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and post-event analysis
• Manage external vendor relationships and ensure operational excellence

Community Engagement

• Lead a cohesive community engagement strategy that supports member connection and retention
• Oversee volunteer engagement, affiliate relationships, and recognition programs
• Ensure community initiatives reflect TESOL’s global reach and commitment to equity and inclusion
• Use engagement data and insights to inform broader membership strategy

Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead and develop a collaborative, high-performing team
• Foster cross-functional alignment and shared ownership across departments
• Contribute to organizational strategy and decision-making as a member of the senior leadership team
• Manage departmental budget and ensure financial accountability