Position Title : Senior Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives
Organization : American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) and in partnership with the American Neuromuscular Foundation (ANF)
Reports to : Executive Director
Position : Full-Time, On-site. Exempt
Location : Rochester, Minnesota
Salary : $125,000-$165,000
About AANEM and the ANF
The American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) is a premier professional association dedicated to advancing the science, education, and practice of neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine with over 8000 members. Through world-class education, innovative research, strong advocacy, and collaboration, AANEM equips physicians and healthcare professionals worldwide to deliver the highest quality of patient care.
In partnership with the American Neuromuscular Foundation (ANF) - a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the global effort to cure neuromuscular disease through research funding, education, and innovation - AANEM is recognized for its collegial, mission-driven culture and its unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes. The organization embraces innovation, continuous growth, and excellence while fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
The Senior Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives will join this respected national leader at a pivotal time, shaping the future of neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine while ensuring organizational strength, strategic focus, and lasting impact.
The Role
The Senior Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives is a pivotal leadership role at AANEM and ANF, responsible for aligning the organization’s mission, long-term vision, and day-to-day execution. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this individual will serve as both strategist and integrator - translating organizational priorities into actionable plans, fostering collaboration across departments, and ensuring consistent follow-through.
The Senior Director will work closely with the Executive Director and leadership team to advance AANEM and ANF’s most critical initiatives, strengthen cross-departmental systems, and elevate accountability across the organization. This leader will also participate in creating annual action plans that align the organization’s work with strategic goals established by the Executive Director and the Board. The role requires someone who can balance strategic vision with operational discipline, navigate strong personalities with diplomacy, and serve as a cultural stabilizer during times of transition.
With the unique opportunity to influence both strategy and execution, the Senior Director will play a key role in shaping AANEM and ANF’s future - guiding organizational growth, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring the Association continues to be a trusted leader in neuromuscular and electrodiagnostic medicine.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Planning and Operations
- Under the direction of the Executive Director, delivers on annual and long-term strategic objectives.
- Serves as a central connector across departments, committees, and the Executive Director.
- Translates organizational priorities into clear strategies and actionable plans.
- Guides annual planning processes to ensure alignment with long-term goals.
- Enhances internal systems, processes, and accountability to support growth and efficiency.
- Drives organizational initiatives, helping the team adapt to evolving priorities and expectations.
Strategic Leadership and Cultural Stewardship
Partners with the Executive Director as a trusted advisor.Builds trust and alignment across the leadership team, modeling transparency and effective communication.Fosters a culture of collaboration and professionalism, aligning teams around the organization’s mission and consistently reinforcing the Executive Director’s vision and expectations.Provides strategic coaching, constructive feedback, and performance accountability to senior leaders ensuring alignment, follow-through, and delivery of high-level results.Serves as a steady and effective people leader, addressing conflict with diplomacy and integrity while upholding clear standards of performance, responsibility, and organizational values.Membership Growth and Engagement
Oversees AANEM’s membership strategy with a focus on Board-designated priority groups—currently Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), pediatric specialists, international members, and medical students—while partnering with the Marketing team on broader recruitment and retention efforts. Provides strategic guidance and new ideas to enhance overall membership growth and engagement, ensuring alignment across departmentsLeverages member data and feedback to evaluate programs, set priorities, and drive continuous improvement.Leads member engagement committees and oversees the marketing team, working collaboratively with education and advocacy staff to strengthen outreach, enhance programs, and expand the organization’s impact.Promotes inclusive and innovative approaches to member engagement and growth, ensuring programs reflect the needs and perspectives of a broad professional audience.Legal and Financial Oversight
Handle ethics complaints and oversee AANEM and ANF ethical standards, ensuring adherence to professional guidelines.Assist in contract management and review for both AANEM and ANF, supporting the Executive Director in negotiations and creating agreements.Oversee relationship with HealtheCareers.Work with Wiley regarding issues related to the AANEM’s journal.Support the Executive Director in budgeting processes; the Executive Director retains final authority for budget approval and financial stewardship.Assist with legal issues related to overall organizational functions.Stakeholder Management and Governance
Fosters AANEM and ANF’s collaborative and supportive culture, emphasizing openness, trust, and inclusivity.Encourages innovation and adaptability, embracing new technologies and approaches to advance member engagement and organizational impact.Builds strong relationships with board and committee leaders, supporting effective governance.Models emotional intelligence and fairness in decision-making, ensuring that diverse perspectives are respected while keeping the organization aligned around its mission.Serves as a liaison between the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team.Requirements
Strategic visionary with experience in organizational planning, operations, and execution.Proven ability to align membership strategies across departments and contribute innovative approaches to growth and engagement.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with members, committees, and leadership.Strong project management and analytical skills to measure and refine initiatives.Ability to interpret and analyze legal matters.Proficiency in data analysis, CRM platforms, and membership engagement tools.Ability to connect long-term strategy to day-to-day operations while fostering collaboration, inclusion, and transparent communication.Demonstrated ability to manage effectively across departments and ensure alignment across senior leadership teams.Proven track record in change management, culture building, and people management.High emotional intelligence with the ability to mediate differences, build trust, and strengthen accountability across a diverse team.Operational management experience (COO, Deputy Director, or equivalent) strongly preferred.Education and Experience
Law degree or master’s degree in business, healthcare administration, nonprofit management, or related field.10+ years of leadership experience in strategy, membership development, or association management.Experience working with committees and governance structures in a professional organization.Experience in the healthcare or medical association space is a plus.Travel and Meetings
Annual Meeting : Attendance required each fall; role involves long hours and managing multiple priorities onsite.Board Meetings : Attendance required at spring and winter board meetings.Additional Travel : May be necessary for site visits, committee meetings, or special projects.Working Conditions
Office Setting : Flexible onsite working hours in the Rochester office.Physical Requirements : Must be able to sit, reach, talk, and hear regularly; occasionally lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds; and work for prolonged periods at a computer.Vision Requirements : Ability to see information in print and electronically; identify and distinguish colors to proof digital and print materials; and maintain close vision for extended computer use.Reporting and Accountability
Reports directly to the Executive Director.Oversees directors and senior accountants for the purposes of coordination, execution, and alignment.Ultimate authority on organizational direction, budget approval, and Board relations rests with the Executive Director.Benefits
AANEM and ANF have retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Mariya Yurukova at mariya@charitysearchgroup.com or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com .
AANEM and ANF are an equal opportunity organization that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. AANEM and ANF do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information, or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
