Director of Membership

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Richmond, VA

6d•$95,000 - $105,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts seeks a creative, experienced, and enthusiastic professional to serve as Director of Membership. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer and Deputy Director for Advancement, the Director of Membership leads the strategy and comprehensive implementation of the museum’s state level membership program—an essential component of the Campaign for VMFA. Aligned with VMFA’s newly adopted strategic plan, this role is instrumental in expanding the museum’s membership base and ensuring sustained growth. Key responsibilities include the following, along with other duties as assigned: Strategic Membership Leadership: Establish and annually revise a comprehensive strategic plan for the museum’s membership program, including timelines, benchmarks, financial targets, and goals by member level. Review and recommend revisions to program structure, including pricing, benefit tiers, and premiums. Work alongside leadership across VMFA to build collaborative strategies that support the museum’s strategic plan while expanding the membership base and improving service to members. Serve as the public spokesperson for the general membership program across all communication channels. Mentor, coach, and develop Membership Coordinators, ensuring effective implementation of objectives and growth of staff competencies. Provide performance evaluations, guidance, and consistent communication that promotes a positive, inclusive work culture. Membership Operations & Customer Experience: Direct daily operations and ensure high-quality member service and benefit fulfillment. Implement an effective, ongoing renewal process; regularly review outcomes and assess the effectiveness of various media—digital, mail, phone, in-person— to ensure the strongest results in a growth-oriented program. Maintain CRM data integrity and ensure timely, accurate reporting and processing. Marketing, Engagement & Acquisition: Implement an aggressive membership acquisition strategy leveraging onsite sales, direct mail, telemarketing, email marketing, digital ads, and other tactics. Lead membership-focused engagement efforts, events, and communication strategies. Collaborate with Marketing, Education, Visitor Experience, Advancement, and Statewide Outreach to integrate membership into broader museum initiatives. Financial & Data Management: Manage the membership budget and ensure accurate forecasting, benchmarking, and financial analysis. Analyze trends, campaign results, renewal patterns, and revenue outcomes. Prepare dashboards, reports, and forecasting tools to support decision-making.

Requirements

Demonstrated record of progressively responsible and successful leadership, preferably within an art museum or cultural institution membership program.
Proven experience supervising, training, and coaching staff to support departmental effectiveness, professional growth, and a positive work culture.
Strong personal initiative, positivity, and a results‑oriented approach, with the ability to lead membership strategies that meet or exceed established goals.
Ability to collaborate proactively and constructively with colleagues across Advancement, senior leadership, board members, and cross‑departmental partners to advance institutional objectives.
Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge or a comparable CRM/database, with demonstrated skill in maintaining data integrity and generating accurate reports.
Persuasive and effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to represent membership initiatives publicly and build strong relationships with diverse audiences.
Strong analytical skills, including the ability to interpret data, assess trends, and apply insights to strengthen membership acquisition, retention, and engagement strategies.
Willingness to work nights and weekends, and occasional travel as required, to support membership activities and museum programming.
Selected candidates must pass a criminal history background check.

Responsibilities

Establish and annually revise a comprehensive strategic plan for the museum’s membership program, including timelines, benchmarks, financial targets, and goals by member level.
Review and recommend revisions to program structure, including pricing, benefit tiers, and premiums.
Work alongside leadership across VMFA to build collaborative strategies that support the museum’s strategic plan while expanding the membership base and improving service to members.
Serve as the public spokesperson for the general membership program across all communication channels.
Mentor, coach, and develop Membership Coordinators, ensuring effective implementation of objectives and growth of staff competencies.
Provide performance evaluations, guidance, and consistent communication that promotes a positive, inclusive work culture.
Direct daily operations and ensure high-quality member service and benefit fulfillment.
Implement an effective, ongoing renewal process; regularly review outcomes and assess the effectiveness of various media—digital, mail, phone, in-person— to ensure the strongest results in a growth-oriented program.
Maintain CRM data integrity and ensure timely, accurate reporting and processing.
Implement an aggressive membership acquisition strategy leveraging onsite sales, direct mail, telemarketing, email marketing, digital ads, and other tactics.
Lead membership-focused engagement efforts, events, and communication strategies.
Collaborate with Marketing, Education, Visitor Experience, Advancement, and Statewide Outreach to integrate membership into broader museum initiatives.
Manage the membership budget and ensure accurate forecasting, benchmarking, and financial analysis.
Analyze trends, campaign results, renewal patterns, and revenue outcomes.
Prepare dashboards, reports, and forecasting tools to support decision-making.