1. Cover Slide Notes The staff orientation PowerPoint was created originally by Dave Nielsen, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Portland. Adaptations by Bob Harris, CEO, NonProfitCenter.com Provided as a model for developing association or chamber staff orientation.

2. Staff Orientation Working for an Association!

3. Orientation will help you… Understand the nature of associations: how they function similarly and differently from for-profit companies Know why the association exists Learn how to work effectively in an association environment Be prepared for the association-staff culture and expectations Be aware of the resources, training and education to help you grow

4. What makes an Association Environment unique? “Non-profit” somewhat of a misnomer – what it really means “Member-owned” Direction and budget set by Board Shared nature of decision making Involvement of volunteers/members Shared passion for industry-profession

5. How is an Association environment similar? Staff environment Customers – but who are they? Budget driven (but challenges because…) Internal management Strategic planning

6. What Do We Do Here? Protect, promote and advance the Association’s mission and goals Serve our primary audience - the members. Service the secondary audiences - the community and the customers Promote value and social responsibility

7. How Do We Get It Done? Government & Political Affairs: regulatory efforts, political relations, issue positions, legislative efforts, advocacy Events: Annual meeting, trade show, regional education, convention, local meetings Membership Services: Networking events, education, councils, recruitment, member retention.

8. How Do We Get It Done? Finance & Admin: Front Desk/Customer Service support, Operations Backbone PR & Communications: Internal member communications, external marketing and publicity, charitable efforts Executive: Leadership development, strategic planning, leadership organization, staff functions, facility resources

9. Roles of Boards & Committees Board –Sets overall vision/direction/goals –Approves major policies –Approves budget and ensures adequate resources –Responsible for overall financial health of assn –Represents industry and helps engage it –Monitors performance of assn

10. Roles of Boards & Committees Committees (three types/roles) –Standing: support major programs/function areas in conjunction w/ staff (e.g. Membership, Finance) –Event: provide event direction/support, including sponsor engagement and onsite help –Steering: help set policy/direction and monitor performance of major sub-areas within assn

11. Roles of Staff & Management Staff Roles/Functions –Implement Board policies, especially in relation to annual goals and objectives –Handle day-to-day operations –Provide guidance to Board/Committees on policy and direction –Help ensure continuity and appropriateness in work done by Board/Committees

12. Roles of Staff & Management CEO/Management Team Roles/Functions –CEO… Is the only employee hired by the Board and who reports to the Board Ultimately is responsible for all staffing and operations decisions Works with the Board, Executive Committee and Officers to ensure adequate resources and support are in place –Management Team… Helps oversee operations Provides leadership to create an effective working staff environment

13. The Acronym Game Organizations: Events: Industry:

14. Specific Training Areas MEMBERSHIP (separate presentation) COMMUNICATIONS (separate presentation) COMMITTEES (separate presentation)

15. Challenge Scenario #1 Members calling with specific requests that may not be direction set by association, may be a problem they created, or may be unrelated to our work –Wants support for charity cause –Wants help solving issue (but may be at fault) –Has problem with another member

16. Challenge Scenario #2 Committee or subcommittee wants action or makes decision that may be wrong, inconsistent with Board directive, or might cause problems –Changing date of an event –Setting an event policy –Support for candidate or legislative issue –Budget expenditure

17. Staff Commitments Good Communication –Keep people in loop where appropriate General: sponsors; members; general ideas Job related: one-on-one; staff meetings; dept meetings Front Desk: schedule; meetings; catering; incoming call areas Mutual Respect –Deadlines, especially those that impact others ability to do their jobs Communications; financial; reports –Resolve differences/challenges professionally One-on-one; dept mgr; Fin/Admin Dir.; CEO –Focus on what I can do to excel – not others jobs

18. Staff Commitments (cont.) Trust –Follow through on commitments made to others –Support decision-making Teamwork –Help in others areas when needs arise Service & Attitude

19. Ways We Supports You To assist you in developing member connections that will help you in your job – staff are welcome at member events and should use them to develop relationships, recruit volunteers and gain other support To help you learn more about the housing industry – we hold periodic “field trips” to member companies To develop a good staff working environment – periodic staff events, event help, cross-training, etc. To continue your professional growth – publications, credentialing, business mgmt, career networking, assn training To keep you – compensation, insurance benefits, 401k, time off, bonuses, employee services

20. Final Thoughts… Where is association and the industry or profession headed? (Environmental scan discussion.) What we do now may not be what we do 5 years from now, so always think, ask, propose. Questions?