Director of Membership

About the role - Director of Membership

The Director of Membership is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive membership strategy to triple membership from approximately 8,000 to 25,000 members in the next five years.  In addition to growing our membership base, they will cultivate member engagement and generate revenue to support the organization's mission. This role will be instrumental in building a strong and loyal membership base that is passionate about our parks and green spaces.

The Director of Membership reports to the Chief Development Officer and provides vision, leadership, management, and oversight within the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy's Development & Membership Branch. The Director collaborates with an array of other staff members and our partners, primarily at the National Parks Service and the Presidio Trust, to fulfill our vision.

This role is responsible for three key areas:

1. Lead the overall strategy and direction of the Parks Conservancy memberships programs.
2. Manage, analyze, and advance all phases of the membership program, including recruitment, welcome, onboarding, engagement, exclusive member content, membership experience, member retention, and revenue generation. 
3. Provide leadership and mentorship to the membership team, fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and innovative work environment that supports professional growth and development.

A successful Director of Membership is enthusiastic about the Parks Conservancy's mission, strongly believes in the importance of philanthropy, values community building, and can build strong relationships with members and donors that are critical to the organization's success. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Accountable for all aspects of the membership program, providing vision, leadership, management, and strategic oversight.
• Develop and execute a digital marketing strategy for fundraising, member acquisition, renewals, and monthly giving in coordination with the organization’s Communications and Public Affairs Branch.
• Gather member feedback, test new ideas, and refine membership experience, content, and benefits. Shape and improve the membership program through input received, making improvements, adding new features, or refining the content strategy to increase member engagement and commitment to park stewardship.
• Work with others in the Development and Membership Branch to coordinate among all fundraising technology systems (e.g., data, gift processing, reporting) for efficient and effective handling of sensitive donor information and privacy.
• Develop and execute a strategic membership plan aligned with the organization's goals and objectives to achieve 25,000 members.

What You'll Need 

• 5+ years of relevant professional experience (we are background agnostic and are excited by candidates with unique and different work histories).
• A minimum of 3 years of experience leading and motivating a team. A track record of fostering a positive and productive work environment, developing team members, and achieving results with and through others.
• Demonstrated managerial talent in member program growth, fundraising operations, and/or administration of a membership strategy.
• Proven ability to confidently guide others, including direct reports, in setting and meeting goals and managing and balancing member and donor relationships.
• Ability to lead and motivate others; confidence in working with colleagues at all levels, board members, and community leaders, gaining their respect and trust. 
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of relationship-based connections with supporters.
• Ability to work gracefully under pressure and handle competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Who You Are:

• An Effective Collaborator. You've successfully worked across cultural lines on a diverse team and can operate effectively in complex situations. You can easily gain trust from team members and are known for supporting them to ensure they are set up for success. You're not afraid to ask questions.
• An Exceptional Communicator. You have excellent oral and written communication skills. You can craft high-quality proposals and presentations and explain complex concepts in a clear manner, combining intellect and intuition.
• Resourceful and Adaptable. You're at ease with ambiguity and rapid change. You possess a positive attitude and identify creative solutions to obstacles. You can juggle many essential responsibilities at once and are rigorous about prioritizing.
• An Abundant Thinker. You believe that we are living in a world of abundant resources and that the right team of partners can make incredible things happen. You bring relentless curiosity and creativity to every task, project, and engagement.
• Committed to Diversity and Inclusion. You're always asking: " whose voice is not at the table?" You have experience working with diverse teams and successfully navigating cross-cultural communication in both local and global contexts, and you deeply value creating a workplace that is supportive of difference.
• Impact-Driven. You are driven by the desire to contribute to making change in our society, believing that park access is social justice.