SDB Strategic Plan-at-a-Glance

Goal 1: Ensure Strategic, Efficient, Informed, and Communicative SDB Governance

1.1 Refine the Mission

  • Review and revise the SDB mission
  • Launch and adopt the revised mission along with the Strategic Plan
  • Determine the alignment of current and new programs and services to the mission

1.2  Ensure Effective and Efficient Governance

  • Set the strategic direction and prioritize long-, mid-, and short-term goals
  • Clarify the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors (BOD)
  • Streamline processes and workflows of the BOD
  • Develop and implement a robust onboarding program for board members
  • Plan for succession of the Executive Director
  • Seek continuous membership input and involvement
  • Communicate to membership regularly

Goal 2: Identify and Address Critical Professional Development and Educational Needs for SDB Members

  • Conduct environmental scans and needs assessments 
  • Evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of programs and modify and/or sunset programs
  • Shape professional development offerings holistically and prioritize goals for a diverse audience
  • Provide professional development programs to meet known and emerging needs
  • Improve and innovate educational programs and enhance service delivery
  • Ensure specific goals and expectations for programs implemented
  • Engage in regular, comprehensive program evaluations

Goal 3: Strengthen Membership and Member Engagement

  • Establish new membership and retention goals and track progress
  • Set goals for membership satisfaction and evaluate them annually
  • Plan and implement a rebranding campaign
  • Develop and implement a new member welcome strategy 
  • Enhance efforts to communicate with membership regularly and solicit feedback
  • Identify and promote the highest value benefits per member type
  • Increase the visibility of membership and enhance the outreach plan
  • Augment and publicize membership volunteer opportunities

Goal 4: Plan for Financial Stability and Revenue Diversification

  • Track financial trends of the Society
  • Develop goals for financial diversification of revenue sources and monitor outcomes
  • Proactively explore new funding sources and fundraising opportunities
  • Implement 3 to 5-year business plans for new initiatives and evaluate progress
  • Optimize resource allocation and discontinue programs without adequate ROI
  • Consider pricing strategies based on sister society comparisons, inflation, relative expenses, and society needs
  • Evaluate financial planning models and forecasting to budget and map out financial goals  
  • Systematically evaluate the quality and funding levels of new programs as they relate to mission, values, and resources

Strategic Plan Progress

  • Established the Strategic Planning Group and hired Strategic Planning Manager
  • Initiated new professional development programs for trainee members (i.e. Ethel Browne Harvey Postdoctoral Seminar Series, Science Communication Internship Program, GetHIRED! and Graduate School Webinar)
  • Revised the mission statement and rebranded SDB website and logo

• = Strategy