Director of Membership
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
JOB SUMMARY:
The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the "Protection and enjoyment of our oceans, waves and beaches via a powerful activist network." There are two primary ways that our supporters engage with the Surfrider mission: via their time and via their financial resources. This job is focused on maximizing the latter.
This position is responsible for optimizing the Surfrider Foundation’s membership program through segmentation, stewardship/member services, attraction & retention of members (annual donors under $1,000).
The Director of Membership will serve as a key member of the leadership team and is accountable for integrating all functions related to member retention including processing/fulfillment, management of member benefits and customer service.
The director will also be responsible for developing, implementing, and assessing comprehensive recruitment and retention plans for membership revenue growth.
This staff member will champion efforts related to the organizations strategic priorities. She/he is also accountable for ensuring that these strategies and plans are consistent with the philosophy of Surfrider Foundation.
RESPONSIBILITES:
• Achieving Surfrider Foundation’s annual financial goal. Success = Maximizing membership revenue.
• Increasing membership retention
• Managing high-value, low-cost fulfillment
• Streamlining and maximizing member acquisition: Optimize and manage member segmentation and benefits program.
SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES:
What we are seeking in this team member:
• Strategic, dynamic, energetic, innovative, creative, goal-oriented and self-motivated. This person will initially spend their time rolling out and managing a newly updated membership program with new pricing, benefits and processes.
• A team player with strong interpersonal and relationship building skills. This person needs to be able to work closely and effectively with their peers, their team, the organization’s officers and the Board of Directors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Ability to message the value of membership to a diverse audience.
• Strong negotiation and closing skills. This person must be comfortable with all stages of a partnership; including working with new partners, negotiating terms and contracting for services.
• Familiarity with non-profit membership or annual fund programs preferred.
• Direct marketing experience across a variety of platforms including social networks, emails and grassroots volunteers.
PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:
Work with our Marketing and communications department on communicating value of membership through our website, newsletter, and other communication vehicles.
Membership strategizing: Recruitment of new members and retaining of current members – manage, track, and evaluate all membership and renewal activities, including new member mailings, renewal mailings, and special appeals.
Ensure data integrity of the membership database by working with a third party vendor and IT staff.
Analyze membership trends and demographics, lifetime value, retention, etc.
• Acquisition and Renewals:
o Identify, qualify and develop membership partnerships
o Manage value proposition
o Oversee ongoing renewal process and assist in increasing retention
o Ensure consistent performance toward membership objectives each month
o Foster a productive and member-focused program that emphasizes efficient data-management and tracking; solid cultivation, solicitation and acknowledgment systems; and exceptional member services.
o Grow the Foundation’s member base through regular creative online fundraising campaigns.
• Member Benefits:
o Manage fulfillment, customer service and membership administration.
o Oversee membership communications.
• Back Office:
o Oversee data entry and related member record administration.
o Work with information systems staff and consultants on support tools, processes and systems.
o Oversee analysis of all member and prospect information, trends and return on investment.
o Supervisory responsibilities include planning, assigning and directing; routine staff reviews; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
o Directly manage staff members.
o Manage our database through third party vendor.
• Appeals:
o Oversee special appeal communications.
EXPERIENCE:
o Bachelor’s Degree
o 3-5+ years of proven success in membership, subscription, annual funding or similar work environment.
o Direct marketing experience for nonprofits
o Proven track record of being a high-achiever. We seek a person who will ceaselessly drive toward the goal of building/increasing our annual membership revenue.
o Must possess a high level of integrity with a proven ability to establish trust based relationships regarding ongoing, mutually beneficial partnerships
o Able to work autonomously while achieving high impact results
o Understanding of environmental issues and nonprofit administration.
o Propensity to work with high energy, a high degree of initiative and from a positive perspective while maintaining flexibility and attention to detail.
o Excellent computer skills and knowledge of database programs. Superior Excel expertise is a must.
o Strong management, project management and organizational skills required.
Send resumes to m1@surfrider.org
