Director of Membership

The Urban Libraries Council is dedicated to strengthening and advancing the essential role of public libraries as dynamic, accessible places for opportunity, learning and innovation. We connect public library leaders and drive transformative change to enrich the lives of individuals and urban communities across North America. Across the U.S. and Canada, ULC works with nearly 200 leading public library systems to support leadership, strengthen member connection, advance research and partnerships, and elevate the impact of public libraries in their communities. ULC seeks an experienced, energetic and highly capable Director of Membership to lead ULC's membership strategy, engagement, retention and growth. This is a senior, hands-on management role for someone who can take ownership of the membership function, manage relationships with confidence and move work forward with independence, judgment and accountability. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and working closely with the President and CEO, the Director of Membership will be responsible for strengthening the member experience, managing key membership systems and processes, supporting revenue through retention and growth, and helping ULC deepen engagement across its network of nearly 200 public library systems. The Director of Membership will manage projects, coordinate across teams, represent membership priorities in internal planning and help ensure that ULC delivers high-quality service and value to its members. The right candidate will bring experience managing member, client or stakeholder relationships; strong communication and customer service skills; comfort working with senior leaders; and the ability to balance strategy, details and deadlines in a fast-moving environment. This is a full time, salaried position with benefits, located in Washington DC in a hybrid office environment. The ULC team works together in person in Washington DC two-days per week (Tuesday and Wednesday). The current hybrid schedule is subject to change is based on organizational need. Key Responsibilities Lead membership strategy, retention and growth. Own ULC's member engagement, renewal and recruitment work; build strong relationships with member library systems; identify risks and opportunities; strengthen retention efforts; and ensure members clearly understand and experience the value of ULC. Lead high-quality member service and engagement . Anticipate member needs, coordinate timely follow-up, partner with the communications team on member-facing messaging, resolve issues with confidence and urgency, and exercise strong judgment in senior-level member interactions. Own membership operations, data and internal coordination. Maintain accurate membership records, renewal tracking, contact lists and engagement data; prepare membership reports and updates; improve workflows; and ensure the Chief of Staff, President and CEO have timely insight into member activity, needs and risks. Manage member engagement through events and convenings. Play a key role in planning and managing ULC's Annual Leadership Forum, CEO Roundtable, member communities, virtual programs and other convenings; support event logistics, member participation, speaker coordination and post-event follow-up to strengthen year-round engagement. Preferred Experience Experience working in a membership association, nonprofit, public sector organization, library system or mission-driven network. Experience managing member retention, recruitment, renewals, sponsorship engagement or stakeholder strategy. Experience working directly with CEOs, executive directors, senior leaders, Board members or external partners. Qualifications 7-10 years of relevant experience in membership, association management, stakeholder engagement, account management, nonprofit management, customer service, events, communications or a related field. Proven ability to manage senior-level relationships with professionalism, confidence and discretion. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, directly and diplomatically. Proven ability to manage complex projects, competing deadlines and detailed follow-through with independence, judgment and accountability. Experience supporting or managing conferences, convenings, meetings or large-scale events. Strong comfort with databases, CRM systems, spreadsheets or member management platforms. Ability to use data, member feedback and participation trends to recommend action. Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work across teams while maintaining ownership of assigned work. Interest in public libraries, civic leadership, nonprofit service or mission-driven work Additional DetailsThis position reports to the Chief of Staff and works closely with the President and CEO. The Director of Membership will collaborate regularly with ULC staff across communications, events, research and data, learning, advocacy, finance and operations.The starting salary range for this position is $90,000 - $125,000. ULC also offers a strong benefits package including group health, dental, disability, and life insurance as well as an employer-paid retirement plan and the option to participate in flexible spending plans. Travel is required.Please send a cover letter with your resume to