Urgent Recruitment: Director of Membership Affairs
Location: Remote / Colorado Springs, CO (Hybrid)
Reports to: Secretary-General
Position Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: August 31, 2026
About IAPUC
The International Association of Private Universities and Colleges (IAPUC) is the world’s first and only international, non-profit association dedicated exclusively to private higher education institutions. Incorporated in Colorado on February 16, 2025, IAPUC serves a growing global network of private universities, colleges, and higher education institutions across 37 countries.
IAPUC is committed to fostering innovation, academic excellence, and international collaboration in private education, providing member institutions with platforms to share best practices and advance the quality of private higher education worldwide. At the heart of IAPUC’s mission is the Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) Accreditation System—a comprehensive, mission-driven, outcomes-based quality assurance framework designed specifically for private higher education.
About the Role
The Director of Membership Affairs will be IAPUC’s first dedicated membership leadership position—a role that will shape how we recruit, engage, serve, and retain our global membership community. This is a strategic leadership role that requires a unique combination of business development acumen, relationship management expertise, and a deep understanding of the private higher education landscape.
You will lead the development and execution of IAPUC’s global membership strategy, drive member recruitment and retention, oversee member services and engagement, and serve as the primary advocate for member interests within the organization. You will work at the intersection of institutional engagement, strategic growth, and operational excellence.
This is a high-impact role for a membership leader who thrives on building relationships, driving growth, and creating value for a diverse global community. This is an urgent recruitment as we prepare for the global launch of the IQA Accreditation System and the expansion of our membership network.
Position Overview
| Category | Details |
| Position Title | Director of Membership Affairs |
| Reports to | Secretary-General |
| Location | Remote / Colorado Springs, CO (Hybrid) |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Anticipated Start Date | Immediate / September 2026 |
| Travel Requirement | Up to 25% (international travel for conferences, member visits, and recruitment events) |
Key Responsibilities
| Domain | Key Responsibilities |
| Membership Strategy & Growth | Develop and execute IAPUC’s comprehensive global membership strategy. Establish membership recruitment targets, identify priority markets and segments, and drive membership growth across all categories—Full Members, Accredited Members, Associate Members, and Individual Members. |
| Member Recruitment | Lead proactive recruitment of private universities, colleges, and higher education institutions worldwide. Develop and maintain a robust recruitment pipeline. Represent IAPUC at international conferences, education fairs, and industry events to promote membership. |
| Member Engagement & Retention | Design and implement member engagement programs that deliver measurable value. Oversee member communications, including regular newsletters, updates, and announcements. Develop and manage member events, webinars, and networking opportunities. Monitor member satisfaction and implement retention strategies. |
| Member Services | Ensure that members receive timely, high-quality services and support. Oversee the member onboarding process. Serve as the primary point of escalation for member inquiries and concerns. Develop and maintain member resources, including handbooks, guides, and online resources. |
| Governance & Committee Support | Support the Membership Qualifications Committee in reviewing and approving membership applications. Provide staff support to membership-related governance activities. Prepare reports and recommendations for the Board of Directors on membership matters. |
| Market Intelligence & Analysis | Monitor trends in private higher education globally. Conduct competitive analysis of peer associations and membership organizations. Track and report on membership metrics, including growth, retention, and engagement. Use data to inform strategic decisions. |
| Partnership Development | Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with regional and national private higher education associations. Develop collaborative relationships with other international education organizations. Represent IAPUC in external forums and working groups. |
Qualifications
Education
| Level | Requirement |
| Minimum | Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, International Relations, Higher Education Administration, or a related field. |
| Preferred | Master’s degree in a relevant field (MBA, MPA, or equivalent) from an accredited institution. |
Professional Experience
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Experience | 7–10 years of progressive experience in membership development, business development, institutional advancement, or a related field. |
| Leadership Experience | 3–5 years in a leadership role with demonstrated experience managing teams and projects. |
| Sector Experience | Demonstrated experience in or with higher education—whether in an association, university, or related organization. |
| International Experience | Proven experience working in international or cross-cultural contexts. |
| Membership Growth | Track record of successfully growing membership or institutional engagement. |
| Private Higher Education | Experience working in or with private higher education institutions is a significant advantage. |
Technical Skills
| Skill Area | Required / Preferred | Details |
| CRM & Database Management | Required | Proficiency with membership CRM systems and database management. |
| Microsoft Office Suite | Required | Advanced proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. |
| Marketing & Communications | Preferred | Experience with marketing automation, email campaigns, and content management systems. |
| Data Analysis | Preferred | Ability to analyze membership data and generate actionable insights. |
| Virtual Collaboration | Required | Proficiency with video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Teams) and collaborative tools. |
Core Competencies
| Competency | Description |
| Strategic Leadership | Ability to develop and execute a vision for membership growth and engagement. |
| Relationship Building | Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders across cultures. |
| Communication | Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively. |
| Business Development | Proven ability to identify opportunities, develop pipelines, and close membership or partnership deals. |
| Customer Focus | Deep commitment to understanding and meeting the needs of members. |
| Adaptability | Comfort working in a dynamic, evolving environment with shifting priorities. |
| Cultural Competence | Culturally competent and comfortable working in a global, multi-cultural environment. |
Language Requirements
| Language | Level |
| English | Required — Fluency in written and spoken English. |
| Spanish, French, Mandarin, or Arabic | Preferred — Proficiency in any of these languages is a significant advantage. |
What We Offer
| Benefit | Details |
| Impact | A rare opportunity to build the membership infrastructure for the world’s first comprehensive association for private higher education. |
| Visibility | High-impact, visible work that will shape the growth and engagement of IAPUC’s global community. |
| Compensation | Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications. |
| Work Environment | Flexible, remote-first work environment with a global team spanning multiple time zones. |
| Professional Development | Opportunities to grow alongside the organization. |
| Mission | The satisfaction of contributing to a mission-driven organization dedicated to quality, equity, and excellence in private higher education. |
How to Apply
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Prepare the following materials: Cover Letter, CV/Resume, contact information for three professional references, and optional portfolio. |
| 2 | Submit all materials to careers@iapuc.org with the subject line: “Director of Membership Affairs Application – [Your Full Name]”. |
| 3 | Await confirmation of receipt and further instructions. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. |
Application Checklist
| Item | Required? | Details |
| Cover Letter | Yes | Maximum 2 pages addressing your interest in IAPUC, your relevant experience, and your vision for membership at a global association. |
| Curriculum Vitae / Resume | Yes | Comprehensive, including full employment history, education, publications, and professional activities. |
| Professional References | Yes | Contact information for three professional references (contacted only for finalists). |
| Portfolio / Work Sample | Optional | A sample of work demonstrating membership strategy, business development, or institutional engagement. |
Timeline
| Milestone | Target Date |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Initial Screening | September 1–7, 2026 |
| First-Round Interviews (Virtual) | September 8–15, 2026 |
| Final-Round Interviews | September 16–22, 2026 |
| Offer Extended | September 2026 |
| Anticipated Start Date | Immediate / October 2026 |
This is an urgent recruitment. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
IAPUC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
For inquiries about the position, please contact careers@iapuc.org.
