The Situation: ISTSS and Their External Executive Director Search for an AMC
Beginning in 2024, The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) began a nationwide search for a new association management company (AMC). Their search was prompted by a post-pandemic shift in needs. Additionally, ISTSS’s longstanding Executive Director (ED) of twenty years retired, with a new individual filling the role. ISTSS sought to transition to an AMC that would take a tailored approach to their needs, providing them with the operational structure and strategic support for their next era, in partnership with their existing ED.
The Challenge: Finding the Best Fit AMC for ISTSS and Their Executive Director
With an Executive Director in place, ISTSS faced unique challenges when searching for an AMC. These challenges included, finding an AMC that would
- Collaborate seamlessly with the external ISTSS Executive Director
- Present a tailored approach that aligned with the strategic goals already set by ISTSS
- Provide high-quality operational support that allowed the ISTSS leadership to focus on their efforts to bring ISTSS to the next phase of their development
In their search, ISTSS encountered AMCs hesitant or inexperienced in working with an organization that employed an external ED hybrid model.
The Solution: Partnering with PMG
From the onset of the ISTSS Request for Proposal (RFP) process, PMG took a transparent and honest approach to painting the picture of what partnering with ISTSS and their ED would look like. PMG provided clarity around how they would manage in partnership with the ISTSS ED, including:
- A defined chain of command and chain of communications
- An explanation of staffing roles and responsibilities
- A proactive approach to managing challenges, unique to the ED hybrid approach
In addition to PMG’s history of using the hybrid ED approach, PMG also had a breadth and depth of experience working with scientific, data-led organizations. Additionally, PMG provided the Culture Index Assessment to ISTSS’s ED to better understand their work style in order to create a harmonious team for the organization.
The Results: A Fresh Take on ISTSS’s Processes and Needs
ISTSS became a PMG client in 2024 and has been on an upward trajectory since. Their ED has described the ISTSS/PMG partnership as a “united team” with people who are fully invested in ISTSS’s mission. She observed that the quality of ISTSS’s organizational structure has improvedbecause of their AM’s development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and the contributions of everyone on the ISTSS team. She appreciates how collaborative and supportive the PMG staff is. She also notes that she feels that the team can communicate openly and in sync.
With PMG’s help, ISTSS has taken on a more innovative approach to managing their scientific society, with an emphasis on meeting the needs of their longstanding members, while engaging new members, customers, and stakeholders. ISTSS has seen a 164.5% increase in sponsorshiprevenue and is in the process of diversifying their non-dues revenue sources.
