Membership Specialist (Volunteer Position)

About Blind Professionals Network (BPN)

Blind Professionals Network (BPN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals to achieve professional success. We provide free career development, specialized training, and a vital peer network to break down employment barriers.

Position Summary

The Membership Specialist is the primary ambassador for BPN, serving as the first point of contact for new and existing members. This role is responsible for the "member journey," ensuring every individual who joins BPN feels welcomed, understands the resources available to them, and is matched with the programs that best suit their professional goals. The Membership Specialist acts as a navigator, helping members bridge the gap between their current needs and BPN’s diverse service offerings.

Key Responsibilities

Member Welcome & Onboarding:

Initial Welcome: Lead the "New Member Welcome" process, including sending personalized welcome emails and conducting introductory phone or virtual "discovery calls."
BPN Orientation: Guide new members through the BPN ecosystem, explaining how to access the private Facebook group, register for mixers, and apply for mentorship.
Member Check-ins: Conduct periodic "wellness check-ins" with existing members to ensure they are finding value in the network and to re-engage those who have been inactive.

Program Navigation & Referral:

Needs Identification: Assist members in identifying their specific career barriers and professional goals to recommend the most beneficial BPN programs (e.g., AT Training, Empower To Thrive workshops, or Peer Partnerships).
Internal Referrals: Directly connect members to the appropriate Program Managers based on their interests.
Service Mapping: Maintain a deep understanding of all BPN services to effectively answer member inquiries and provide tailored advice.

Community Engagement & Retention:

Member Advocacy: Act as a "voice of the member" within the leadership team, sharing feedback on member needs, challenges, and suggestions for new services.
Welcome Events: Partner with the Networking Mixer Coordinator to facilitate "New Member Tables" or breakout sessions during virtual mixers.
Recognition: Help spotlight member achievements and professional milestones (promotions, new jobs, certifications) for our social media "Member Spotlight" features.

Operational Support & Data Management:

Database Oversight: Maintain an accurate and up-to-date membership database (Excel/Google Sheets), ensuring all member profiles are complete and categorized by industry or interest.
Growth Tracking: Monitor and report on membership growth, retention rates, and engagement levels to Executive Leadership.
Technical Assistance: Provide basic support to members who may have difficulty navigating registration forms or accessing digital resources.

Qualifications

Experience: Background in customer service, community management, social work, or membership-based organizations.
Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel/Word) and Google Workspace (Sheets/Docs/Forms) for managing member data.
Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional empathy and active listening skills; ability to build trust and rapport quickly with the BVI community.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication; ability to explain complex programs in a simple, encouraging manner.
Organization: High attention to detail, specifically regarding data entry and following up with multiple individuals.
Accessibility Knowledge: Familiarity with screen readers and a commitment to ensuring all member onboarding materials are fully accessible.

Reporting Structure

This position reports to the Membership Director.

Time Commitment

This is a volunteer position requiring an estimated commitment of 5–7 hours per week. This includes dedicated time for responding to new member sign-ups and attending bi-weekly leadership check-ins.

Application

If you believe this position aligns with your skills, experience and career goals, please follow these steps to begin the application process:

Submit Your Credentials: Send your resume and a letter of interest to Training@BlindProNet.org. In your letter, please detail your relevant professional experience and your specific motivation for joining the Blind Professionals Network Team.
Complete the Interest Form: After submitting your application, finalize your application by completing the BPN Volunteer Application.

Important Note: Completing both of these steps is essential to initiate our onboarding process and helps us ensure a mutually beneficial placement within the organization.