Director, Membership

NRECA; Arlington (TX); On-site; USD 157,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

NRECA, headquartered in Arlington, VA, seeks a strategic Director of Membership to lead the Membership department, drive member engagement, and manage the lifecycle from onboarding to renewal. You will partner with leadership to optimize processes, governance, and data reporting across 1,100 member organizations.

The role requires a business or nonprofit background, 10+ years in membership operations, and a track record of building high‑performing teams and cross‑functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years in membership operations, member engagement, or association management.
• Experience leading high-performing teams.
• Experience with AMS and data-driven decision making.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strategic thinker with analytical and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, priorities, and day-to-day operations of the Membership department.
• Develop and execute member engagement initiatives that strengthen relationships and value.
• Oversee onboarding, retention, offboarding, and dues administration.
• Ensure exceptional service delivery and resolve complex member issues with professionalism.
• Maintain accuracy, integrity, and governance of membership data and reporting.
• Develop and coach a high-performing team while collaborating across the organization.
• Lead cross-functional projects and system enhancements to improve efficiency and experience.

Skills

Membership lifecycle

Leadership

Data-driven decisions

AMS experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Communication

Project management

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Master's degree in Business or Nonprofit Leadership

Tools

NetForum

Job description

Job Description

NRECA is a unique national trade association providing advocacy, financial services and business support services to over 900 consumer owned electric cooperatives across the country.

NRECA employees are united by our mission, inclusive culture, collaborative workplace and commitment to service excellence. As a “best place to work ” employer, we operate with integrity, transparency and a spirit of innovation.

Membership: NRECA ’s Membership and Business Development department prides itself on service excellence. Membership is responsible for successful member engagement programs, effective membership operations and maintaining a robust membership database (NetForum). Business Development is responsible for cultivating long‑lasting relationships with our service and associate members and delivering excellent ROI on sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

Summary of Position: The Membership department serves as NRECA ’s primary gateway for member engagement, delivering exceptional service, support, and value to nearly 1,100 member organizations and more than 72,000 cooperative employees. We are looking for a strategic, member‑focused leader who is passionate about building strong relationships, driving engagement, and leading high‑performing teams in a mission‑driven association environment.

As Director of Membership, you will lead the strategy, operations, and continuous improvement of NRECA ’s membership programs and services. This role is responsible for enhancing the member experience across the entire membership lifecycle, ensuring data integrity and operational excellence, and developing innovative engagement strategies that strengthen member connections and maximize long‑term value. Working closely with leadership and cross‑functional teams, you will help shape the future of membership engagement while delivering meaningful results for NRECA and its members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, priorities, and day‑to‑day operations of NRECA ’s Membership department.
• Develop and execute member engagement initiatives that strengthen relationships and increase member value.
• Oversee the full membership lifecycle, including onboarding, retention, offboarding, and dues administration.
• Ensure exceptional service delivery and resolve complex member issues with professionalism and discretion.
• Maintain the accuracy, integrity, and governance of membership data and reporting.
• Develop and coach a high‑performing team while collaborating with leaders across the organization to advance strategic goals.
• Lead cross‑functional projects and system enhancements that improve operational efficiency and the member experience.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor ’s degree in Business, Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in membership operations, member engagement, or association management.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of developing and managing high‑performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of membership lifecycle management, engagement strategies, and service delivery.
• Experience using association management systems (AMS) and leveraging data to drive decisions and improve outcomes.
• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, problem‑solving, and project management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master ’s degree in Business, Management, Nonprofit Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience leading membership programs and teams within a trade association, member‑based organization, or cooperative environment.

Essential Physical Requirements

The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $157,000.00 - $193,000.00. Final Compensation determined by individual qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Disclaimer Statement

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management’s assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

All Qualified Applicants

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

NRECA Commitment to Accommodation

NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e‑mail [e-mail] or call: 703-907-5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources.

Please call 402-483-9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities.

We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case‑by‑case basis.

EEO & Pay Transparency

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the 'Know Your Rights' poster, which updates and replaces the previous "EEO is the Law" poster and "EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement". Pay Transparency Non‑Discrimination. NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay.

E-Verify

E-Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.

About NRECA

The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), with offices in Arlington, VA and Lincoln, NE is the trade association for over 900 consumer‑owned electric cooperatives serving more than 42 million people. At NRECA, we work with people who are leaders in their fields. They are down‑to‑earth, hardworking professionals committed to helping our members serve their communities. Our work is interesting, constantly evolving, and requires new skills to meet the changing needs of a dynamic industry. Employees are united around the compelling purpose and history of electric cooperatives which allows teams and individuals to thrive as they collaborate and engage to accomplish great things in the pursuit of our mission. And topping it off, NRECA cares about each person’s overall well‑being, encouraging health, financial security, and a sustainable work/life balance.