If your nonprofit has recently hired an Association Management Company, one hurdle to overcome is seamlessly integrating the new AMC services with your existing volunteers and staff members. For example, how will your Executive Director share responsibilities with the AMC’s employees? How can volunteers keep contributing without overstepping?
Below are a few best practices for blending AMC services with existing staff:
1. Discuss the Distribution of Responsibilities
Up front, have staff, volunteers, and AMC employees sit down to discuss who will handle which elements of the association. Your Executive Director might want to continue recruiting members but leave other tasks to the AMC, such as tracking membership and sending email reminders for dues. If volunteers need to take a step back now that the AMC is handling many behind-the-scenes tasks, make that clear (while making sure the volunteers still feel appreciated). In the end, defining responsibilities and boundaries will eliminate confusion and keep the organization running smoothly.
2. Keep Communication Open
If a situation arises where it is unclear who should take charge, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Open communication and collaboration are key elements in any nonprofit association. A quick email or phone call can clear things up and prevent tasks from being duplicated.
3. Manage Different Personalities
As with any new partnership, personality clashes are inevitable. When two new groups start working together, there can be different expectations, different work styles, and other difficulties. The biggest thing to help with this is time. Over time, the various parts of your association team will learn how to best work together. Keep communicating, keep problem-solving, and be patient.
4. Remember the Association’s Goals
Everyone on your team, from volunteers to AMC staff, is there for the same reason – to keep the association running and to help carry out its mission. There are many aspects to this goal, but always keep in mind that your team members, whether new or old, are there to help.
There are many benefits to hiring an AMC, and by using the above best practices, the adjustment period for your current staff and volunteers can be smooth and painless.