Director, Membership Growth & Engagement

The Director of Membership Growth & Engagement is responsible for driving membership growth, engagement, and retention through innovative, data-informed strategies. Partnering with the Vice President of Membership & Components, this role leads long-term planning, recruitment initiatives, and efforts to strengthen the member value proposition.

The Director provides oversight of engagement across programs, services, and advocacy, ensuring a high-quality member experience and alignment with organizational goals. They leverage data and insights to guide decision-making, improve satisfaction, and optimize performance.

• →This position does have direct supervisory responsibilities, which may include serving as a coach and mentor for those they supervise.

• →Perform other duties as assigned in support of organizational priorities.

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Vice President of Membership & Components on recruitment initiatives and long-term membership growth goals.
• Develop and implement strategies to achieve net membership growth, high retention rates, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Build and manage a robust prospect pipeline using market intelligence, cross-functional collaboration, and direct outreach.
• Create and implement innovative annual recruitment campaigns to meet and exceed membership targets.
• Assess and recommend opportunities based on markets and trends to strengthen and expand membership.

• Support the integration of the membership value proposition into organizational strategic planning.
• Define, evaluate, and enhance member value propositions, including benefits, services, and engagement models.

• Lead and support initiatives that drive member engagement across programs, services, and organizational priorities, ensuring alignment with broader business goals.
• Guide and support efforts to partner with internal stakeholders to optimize member recognition programs and elevate the overall member experience.
• Facilitate collaboration to advance member engagement in advocacy, programs, and key organizational initiatives.

• Conduct annual assessments of member satisfaction, needs, and service value through surveys, interviews, and data analysis.
• Provide actionable insights and metrics to inform programmatic priorities and strategic decisions.
• Commission and analyze demographic reports and membership dashboards to track trends and composition.
• Gather and interpret membership data to deepen organizational understanding of member needs and behaviors.

• Partner closely with Marketing & Communications leadership to execute integrated membership marketing strategies and recruitment and retention campaigns.
• Collaborate on the development and deployment of print and digital materials that effectively communicate the value of membership.

• Evaluate and streamline recruitment, retention, and engagement activities in collaboration with IT and Marketing teams.
• Promote alignment and adherence to membership value propositions, including evaluating and evolving member benefits.
• Oversee vendor relationships supporting membership marketing, engagement, and related services.
• Continuously improve operational efficiency and effectiveness within membership functions.

• Monitor membership performance against budget and implement strategies to meet or exceed revenue targets.
• Forecast membership trends and evaluate financial performance to inform planning.
• Identify and recommend non-dues revenue opportunities to diversify income streams.

• Educate staff across the organization on membership strategy and foster cross-departmental collaboration.
• Partner with internal teams to identify new member benefits and improve service delivery.
• Communicate key membership metrics, including retention and attrition, to executive leadership and stakeholders.

• Lead, manage, and develop direct reports fostering an inclusive, high-performing team environment.
• Oversee staff performance, coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity across membership systems and processes.

• Stay current on trends and best practices in membership organizations to ensure competitiveness and innovation.
• Recommend and implement new ideas, tools, and approaches to enhance member acquisition, engagement, and retention.

• Strategic and innovative thinker with experience developing and executing multi-year plans with measurable objectives.
• Critical and analytical thinking skills.
• Skills and ability to grow and retain membership, define membership benefits and work with staff to maximize member value from existing benefits.
• Strong computer and database management skills; experience with membership software is required.
• Must be an influential leader and team player.
• Have a high sense of urgency and the ability to pivot as priorities are redirected.
• Superior oral and written communication skills and ability to work effectively with all professional levels of members, staff and vendors; strong membership service orientation essential; knowledge of current and emerging trends in the association membership field.
• Organized and comfortable juggling a variety of priorities.
• Ability to travel.

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s in Business Administration, Management or Marketing preferred.
• 10 years of experience in membership promotion, marketing, and retention.
• 3-5 years of supervisory experience.
• CAE certification preferred.
• Member association or non-profit experience preferred.
• Must have budget management experience.