Membership Director

YMCA of Rock River Valley•Loves Park, IL

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Membership Director plays a critical role in expanding the YMCA�s reach and deepening its impact. By creating a welcoming, inclusive environment and leading with excellent service, the director drives both member acquisition and retention, which are key to sustaining and growing the Y�s mission-driven work. The director's efforts ensure more individuals and families can access programs that support health, connection, and personal growth. They will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of all designated membership responsibilities and adhere to strong safety practices in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. This position will also lead a team to build positive relationships with staff, volunteers, members and program participants through effective listening and communication. Through thoughtful leadership and community engagement, the director helps ensure the Y remains a vital, accessible place for all. No two days are the same in this role�but every day centers on people, relationships, and creating a best-in-class YMCA experience. Start your day by connecting with your team, checking in with membership staff, addressing immediate needs, and ensuring everyone is focused on delivering an exceptional member experience. Lead and develop staff through coaching, feedback, training, clear expectations, and ongoing support that builds confidence and accountability. Be visible in membership areas, engaging with members, observing service interactions, and identifying opportunities to make the YMCA experience even better. Monitor membership activity and trends, using enrollment, participation, and feedback data to identify opportunities for growth, retention, and improved service. Strengthen the member journey by ensuring enrollment processes, communications, promotions, and registrations are accurate, welcoming, and easy to navigate. Work alongside branch and association leaders to solve challenges, improve operations, and develop strategies that support membership and revenue goals. Manage the business behind the experience by overseeing staffing, scheduling, payroll, budgets, expenses, and department resources. Build a culture of learning through team meetings, staff development, training, and regular feedback that helps employees grow and succeed. Support the branch beyond membership by participating in campaigns, events, leadership initiatives, and Manager on Duty responsibilities. Ensure the branch is safe, clean, and welcoming by partnering with facilities teams, maintaining emergency preparedness, and addressing safety or maintenance concerns. End the day knowing the details mattered, whether it was helping a member feel connected, coaching a staff member through a challenge, improving a process, or finding a new way to bring. If you are energized by developing teams, building member relationships, using data to drive results, and creating an environment where people want to belong, you'll find purpose in this role.

Requirements

Minimum age of 21
High school diploma or equivalent, required
3 years of experience in delivering high quality customer service, required
Current Praesidium Academy training
CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days

Nice To Haves

Bachelor�s degree, preferred in recreation, hospitality, management, education or a related field or equivalent preferred
YMCA Team Leader certification, preferred
2 years of supervisory experience, preferred
Has supervised or served in leadership role in 1,000+ unit membership base, preferred
Strategic thinker, inspiring communicator, and inclusive leader
Energized by building systems and relationships that make people stronger�inside and out

Responsibilities

Responsible for the day-to-day operations of all designated membership responsibilities.
Adhere to strong safety practices in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
Lead a team to build positive relationships with staff, volunteers, members and program participants through effective listening and communication.
Create a welcoming, inclusive environment and lead with excellent service to drive member acquisition and retention.
Ensure more individuals and families can access programs that support health, connection, and personal growth.
Connect with the team, check in with membership staff, address immediate needs, and ensure everyone is focused on delivering an exceptional member experience.
Lead and develop staff through coaching, feedback, training, clear expectations, and ongoing support.
Be visible in membership areas, engaging with members, observing service interactions, and identifying opportunities to make the YMCA experience better.
Monitor membership activity and trends, using enrollment, participation, and feedback data to identify opportunities for growth, retention, and improved service.
Ensure enrollment processes, communications, promotions, and registrations are accurate, welcoming, and easy to navigate.
Work alongside branch and association leaders to solve challenges, improve operations, and develop strategies that support membership and revenue goals.
Manage staffing, scheduling, payroll, budgets, expenses, and department resources.
Build a culture of learning through team meetings, staff development, training, and regular feedback.
Support the branch beyond membership by participating in campaigns, events, leadership initiatives, and Manager on Duty responsibilities.
Ensure the branch is safe, clean, and welcoming by partnering with facilities teams, maintaining emergency preparedness, and addressing safety or maintenance concerns.