This month AuSAE welcomes Julie O'Donovan, Membership Manager, Diabetes Queensland as our Member in Focus. Julie recently spoke with AuSAE about her role, challenges and membership strategies at Diabetes Queensland and her suggestions for anyone looking to join the not-for-profit sector.

How did you first become involved with Diabetes Queensland?

Joined AuSAE in 1985 and awarded Fellow in 1998. With over 30 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector as an association executive, and membership specialist, I have had the opportunity to work, network and engage with many within the association sector. In 2011, it was perfect timing to take up the role of Member Manager at Diabetes Queensland. Almost 5 years on, a role which has been both challenging and rewarding.

Can you tell me a bit about Diabetes Queensland and the goals they strive to achieve as a not for profit organisation?

Diabetes Australia - Queensland is a trusted Queensland Charity, devoted to improving the health and wellness of people living with all types of diabetes and to reduce the incidence of preventable diabetes in the community. We have an engaged membership base of 40,000 members through raising awareness, education and support service delivery. (Member retention 90.4%)

What are Diabetes Queensland’s most successful membership strategies to increase engagement and membership retention?

The most successful acquisition strategy has been the Helpline and outbound call strategy. Outbound marketing greatly increases the probability of that “first contact”, so that a connection and relationship can thereafter develop.

What do you personally feel has been the biggest challenge that Diabetes Queensland has overcome in your time with the organisation?

For any membership team, we all know that data is king. In this digitised information age, every device, service and connection potentially provides unique information-based opportunity. Effectively leveraging information better prepares us to capitalise on opportunities by creating differentiated value and improve our strategic decision making.

How does the future look for the Diabetes Queensland (or what exciting projects are underway at Diabetes Queensland)?

Within the next month we will go live with our newly implemented CRM. As Product Owner, it has been an incredibly challenging experience adopting a whole of business approach and an Agile project method, encouraging rapid and flexible response to change, very fast and focused.

What would you say to someone starting out in the not-for-profit sector with a view to become a future leader?

Create action and share success. Seek out a buddy, someone you openly share and reflect your behaviours. But mostly have conversations, get out of the office and meet leaders outside your circle of influence.

Julie can be followed on Linkedin and Twitter