So what's going on?This is a bit of a bittersweet post to write, but after three years I'm leaving the association world. The end of April will conclude my time as Communications Specialist for the
National Association of Dental Plans. The time I've spent at this job, and the people I've been lucky enough to work with have been amazing. I can proudly say I've filled the following job titles as my position constantly changed and evolved in a surprisingly short time:
- Public Relations Professional
- Marketing Coordinator
- Community Manager
- Blogger
- Event Planner
- Web Designer
- Copywriter
- Media Relations Specialist
- Online Education Coordinator
- Digital Strategist
- Editor
- Graphic Designer
- Blah Blah Blah - and so on, etc.
Working for a small association has had an amazing number of upsides with a surprisingly small number of disadvantages. I've been able to work on important government relations legislation, health care reform bills and talk with major news networks like CNN, Bloomberg, NY Times, WSJ, etc. I've been a part of a group that's had an I've watched as my little association family go from a non-existent web presence to one of the sweetest websites I've ever seen (not that I'm completely biased. . .at all) along with four twitter accounts, a blog, vibrant online community and LinkedIn group.
The sharp folks I got to meet along the way (I'm looking at you
Jeff,
Kiki,
Maddie,
Lindy,
Maggie,
Sandra, the rest of the crazy #assnchat-ers and the teams at
Avectra,
Higher Logic and, of course,
Vanguard) have been constant resources to help me learn and develop my skills while also challenging me to do things differently.
So where am I going?On a whim I threw my hat in the ring for dream job at a large corporation to see what would happen. After a couple months of intense interviews followed by even more intense and anxious waiting on my part, I've accepted a job as a Senior Communications Specialist - Public Relations at Frito Lay North America. The opportunity was too great to pass up, and has seriously been a dream job of mine for a long time. I'm excited and anxious for the opportunity to start a new chapter in my career.
So what does this mean?I'm going to continue to lurk and contribute whenever possible to the association chats, and I'll still be around on the
twittersphere,
facebook,
linkedin, etc., so don't think you're getting rid of me that easily.
What this really means is there is a great opportunity for anyone looking to dip their toes in the association water. If you're interested in taking over my job at NADP, let me know and I'll get a job description sent over to you. The ideal candidate will have a few years of experience and be willing to work on a multitude of projects ranging from social media to traditional pr to copywriting, design, etc. Must also have a high level of sarcasm so my coworkers don't get spoiled with someone they can constantly get along with.
I'm Joe.