Membership Manager

Position Type: Year-round, Full-time Exempt, Staff Position

Salary: $60,000 – $70,000 / year

Department: Development

Reports To: Director of Development

Join Shelburne Museum during an exciting time of growth and transformation! As the largest art and history museum in northern New England, we are dedicated to enhancing our vibrant cultural landscape. We invite you to become a key member of our expanding and dynamic Development team as our Membership Manager.

In this important role, you will lead all membership strategies and initiatives, cultivating and stewarding our diverse membership base, including our upper‑level Director’s Circle and affinity groups. You’ll manage and grow a robust membership program, advancing strategies for acquisition, retention, upgrades, and engagement to support ambitious revenue goals.

You’ll craft and implement member-focused programs and events, ensure all interactions reinforce the value and benefits of membership, and work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteer committees. This role emphasizes member‑centered engagement through mission‑aligned member experiences and personalized outreach.

Working in partnership with your Development colleagues, you’ll lead efforts to expand the membership base, foster member loyalty, and support Museum‑wide fundraising goals. Success in this role requires proactive, donor‑centered relationship building; exceptional communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills; outstanding writing ability; and the ability to work independently in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment.

• Oversee general membership engagement, ensuring consistent communication, benefit fulfillment, and a high‑quality member experience.
• Respond to member inquiries related to benefits, renewals, and events with professionalism and care.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Director’s Circle members, affinity groups, and upper‑level members.
• Manage volunteer committees for Director’s Circle, affinity groups, and membership as staff liaison.
• Hold personalized meetings with current and prospective upper‑level members to understand their priorities, build meaningful relationships, and foster greater philanthropic involvement.

• Develop tailored communications for members, including thank‑you letters, renewal reminders, event invitations, email and social media campaigns, and print materials, in close partnership with Marketing and Communications.
• Lead planning and execution of member and upper‑level membership programs and events that support stewardship, cultivation, and donor recognition.
• Shape program themes, messaging, speakers, and formats to align with member interests and institutional priorities.
• Propose new event concepts and engagement strategies to strengthen member relationships and increase visibility of the Museum’s mission.
• Partner with Development colleagues to ensure member events advance fundraising and engagement goals.
• Manage event logistics, timelines, budgets, and post‑event follow‑up to ensure a seamless donor experience.
• Membership Growth, Campaigns, and Data Management
• Lead strategic membership campaigns focused on acquisition, renewal, retention, re‑engagement, and upgrades across all membership levels to maintain and grow our membership base.
• Analyze membership and engagement data to evaluate and craft retention, re‑engagement, and growth strategies.
• Work with the Development Assistant and Development Coordinator to maintain accurate membership and donor records in the CRM system (Raiser’s Edge).
• Manage membership‑related revenue and expense budgets, including financial tracking and reporting with Finance.

• Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or membership‑based development.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong donor‑centered approach.
• Outstanding writing ability, with demonstrated experience crafting donor communications, promotional…