Program Specialist - Clubs

Oak Brook, IL

Full Time

Mid Level

We’re in the business of Good.
Lions International is the largest service club organization in the world. Our 1.4 million members are
serving locally and globally to help take on some of the biggest challenges facing humanity.

Every Lion and club are supported by our international association. More than 300 Lions
International staff members are constantly working on tools and technology to enhance Lions’
service. When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their
community better, it’s an incredible feeling for everyone involved.

Here's how you can help -- we are currently looking for a Program Specialist - Clubs to join our team, rise to the challenge of empowering service, and fill a vital role in our Membership Division. As a Program Specialist, you'll manage a portfolio of club-level membership programs and initiatives designed to help Lions clubs recruit, engage and retain members, strengthen club health and support new and rebuilding clubs.
Serving as both a program owner and relationship manager, this position builds strong relationships with Lions, volunteer leaders and internal partners to understand club needs, provide program consultation and connect clubs with relevant tools, resources and support. You'll also be responsible for managing assigned programs from planning through implementation and evaluation, using data and field feedback to strengthen program effectiveness and expand global reach. You'll also bring programs to life through practical resources, workshops, webinars, presentations and other learning experiences that help Lions apply membership programs within their clubs.

What You’ll Do:

Manages a portfolio of club-level membership programs and initiatives with a high degree of independent ownership and judgment to support recruitment, member engagement and retention, club health, rebuilding and the long-term success of new and existing clubs.
Oversees programs from planning through implementation and evaluation, including schedules, deliverables, budgets and expenses, volunteer coordination, translation, recognition, program materials, records and reporting.
Serves as a relationship manager and primary staff resource for assigned programs, developing trusted relationships with Lions and volunteer leaders to understand club needs, provide proactive consultation and connect clubs with appropriate membership programs, tools and resources.
Responds to inquiries accurately and in a timely manner and maintains assigned shared mailboxes and other communication channels.
Develops and evolves program strategies, resources and implementation approaches by establishing clear audiences, objectives, desired outcomes and measures of success.
Recommend improvements and ensures programs, tools and communications are practical, accurate, globally relevant, and aligned with Membership Division and organizational priorities.
Transforms assigned programs into engaging global learning and outreach opportunities, including workshops, webinars, presentations, training resources and other experiences that help Lions and volunteer leaders understand and apply membership programs.
Develops content and facilitates or supports virtual and in-person learning opportunities at the club, district, regional and international levels.
Leads cross-functional coordination for assigned programs and initiatives, partnering with internal teams to develop, enhance, promote and implement programs, resources and digital member experiences.
Coordinates related projects and meetings, establishes clear next steps and drives timely completion of cross-functional deliverables.
Uses program data, participation trends, regional results and field feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and inform strategic decisions.
Identifies opportunities to increase awareness, adoption and impact, collaborates with internal partners to strengthen data sets, reporting and measurement approaches and recommends improvements based on program results and identified needs.
Maintains accountability and visibility for assigned programs through effective project management and reporting.
Maintains accurate project plans, trackers and program records and provides concise reporting on current deliverables, progress, deadlines, risks, results and areas requiring management support.
Prepares program analysis and reporting for Membership Division leadership and supports information needed for board, administrative officer, executive committee and other organizational reporting.
Represents assigned club-level membership programs and Membership Division priorities in internal and external meetings, learning opportunities and organizational events, including domestic and international events as appropriate.
Builds awareness of assigned programs, identifies opportunities to expand their reach and serves as a knowledgeable representative of Lions International membership programs.
Performs other duties as assigned in support of Membership Division priorities.

We’re Looking for Someone With:

Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
Minimum of 3 years program, project or operational experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
Experience working in a membership association, nonprofit or global organization preferred.
Demonstrated experience independently managing multiple projects or programs from planning through execution.
Demonstrated experience building relationships with internal and external stakeholders and providing consultation or support to customers, members or volunteers.
Experience working effectively with individuals at multiple organizational levels, including senior leaders and volunteer leaders.
Ability to identify risks, competing priorities, and areas requiring management support.
Excellent prioritization skills, characterized by strong independent judgment and organizational skills.
A drive to learn -- to build up in-depth knowledge and expertise of our programs, resources, and all stakeholders.
Experience developing or delivering presentations, workshops, webinars, training or other educational experiences preferred.
Global experience -- working across cultures, regions or global audiences preferred.

Compensation: Exempt: $67,000-72,000

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

Lions International has excellent benefits for you and your family. We believe in a balanced work-life and have programs and benefit plans to support our employees, such as:

Three weeks paid time off
Flexible and hybrid work schedules (2-3 days per week in office).
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans
Flex spending accounts for medical and dependent care
401K with employer match
Reimbursable training
Casual dress

We are committed to fostering an environment where all individuals –regardless of background,
identity, or lived experience – feel welcomed, respected and empowered to serve. Our strength
comes from the diversity of our members and staff, and the inclusive spirit that unites us in service.

Please note: Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to
sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

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