Welcome back to part two of The Association Coordinator – A Vital Role. Association coordinators play a pivotal role in the success and smooth functioning of various organizations, be it professional associations, non-profits, or industry groups. Their responsibilities range from managing memberships to organizing events, ensuring effective communications, and overseeing administrative tasks. To excel in this multifaceted role, association coordinators can leverage a range of tools and technologies that streamline their work, enhance productivity, and improve member satisfaction. In part two of this blog, we’ll explore essential tools association coordinators can implement to increase efficiency.

  1. Membership Management Software

One of the core responsibilities of association coordinators is managing memberships effectively. Membership management software simplifies this task by automating the process of member registration, renewal, and payment tracking. These tools often come with member directories, email marketing capabilities, and reporting features, allowing coordinators to maintain accurate records and communicate with members seamlessly. Popular options include Wild Apricot, MemberClicks, GrowthZone and YourMembership.

*Insider Tip: If you are not currently using a Membership Management Software, speak with your Board executive and treasurer. Purchasing new membership software may be a positive strategic goal for your association.

  1. Event Management Platforms

Organizing events, whether they are conferences, webinars, or workshops, is a crucial aspect of association management. Event management platforms like Eventbrite, Cvent, or even specialized association management software modules offer features such as event registration, ticketing, attendee tracking, and marketing automation. These tools help streamline event planning and improve the overall experience for both coordinators and attendees.

*Insider Tip: If you are not already selling event tickets online, check first with your website platform. There may already be free ticket services and plugins available to you.

  1. Email Marketing Software

Effective communication is key to keeping members engaged and informed. Email marketing software like MailChimp, Constant Contact, Campaign Monitor or HubSpot enables association coordinators to create and send targeted emails, newsletters, and updates to their members. These platforms often offer automation, segmentation, and analytics tools that help coordinators track engagement and tailor their communications for better results.

  1. Project Management Tools

Association coordinators often juggle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or ClickUP can help them organize their work, set priorities, and collaborate with team members more efficiently. These platforms provide task lists, deadlines, and progress tracking features, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.

*Insider Tip: Give yourself permission to learn as you go, and to change your organizational style overtime. Start with what you know and add in more tools as they serve you in the moment.

  1. Social Media Management Platforms

Maintaining a strong online presence is crucial for associations to engage with members and reach a wider audience, especially today. Social media management tools like Loomly, Hootsuite, Buffer, or Sprout Social allow coordinators to schedule posts, monitor social media conversations, and analyze performance metrics. These tools help associations stay active and relevant on popular social platforms.

  1. Virtual Meeting and Webinar Tools

In an increasingly remote and digital world, virtual meetings and webinars have become essential for associations. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams facilitate online meetings, webinars, and video conferences. Association coordinators can use these platforms to host virtual events, committee meetings, and board meetings, saving time and resources on travel.

*Insider Tip: Zoom allows you to integrate meetings directly into your Outlook and Google calendars upon creating a meeting online. Take the time to integrate this feature to save you time in the future.

  1. Document Management Systems

Maintaining organized records and documents is vital for association coordinators. Document management systems like Google Workspace (formerly G Suite), Microsoft SharePoint, or Dropbox Business offer secure storage, file sharing, and collaboration features. This ensures that important documents, such as bylaws, meeting minutes, and financial reports, are easily accessible to authorized personnel. Do your due diligence as you go to keep these files up to date. Future you will thank you.

  1. Financial Management Software

Association coordinators often deal with budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. Financial management software like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreshBooks simplifies these tasks by automating bookkeeping, expense tracking, and generating financial statements. This ensures financial transparency and accuracy for the association.

Association coordinators play a crucial role in the success of their organizations, and implementing the right tools can significantly increase their ease and efficiency in managing various tasks. By leveraging these tools, association coordinators can enhance member satisfaction, drive growth, and contribute to the overall success of their associations. Best of luck to you as you build YOUR toolbox!