Membership Director

rockriverymca; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Tri-Branch YMCA is seeking a Membership Director to expand the Y’s reach, deepen impact, and manage day-to-day membership operations. You will lead a team, build strong member relations, and drive enrollment, retention, and revenue goals through excellent service.

The role emphasizes coaching, data-driven decision making, and creating a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all, while aligning with safety policies and YMCA standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 21 and high school diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred in recreation, hospitality, management, education or related field.
• YMCA Team Leader certification preferred.
• 3+ years of high-quality customer service experience required.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Experience supervising 1,000+ member base preferred.
• Strategic thinker, inspiring communicator, inclusive leader.
• Praesidium Academy training currently required.
• CPR, AED and First Aid certifications required within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop staff through coaching, feedback, training, and ongoing support.
• Be visible in member areas, engage with members, and improve service.
• Monitor membership activity and trends to drive growth and retention.
• Oversee enrollment, communications, promotions, and registrations.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, payroll, budgets, and department resources.
• Ensure branch safety, cleanliness, and emergency preparedness.
• Collaborate with branch and association leaders on strategy.
• Foster a culture of learning through meetings and feedback.
• Support campaigns, events, and Manager on Duty duties.
• Provide exceptional member experiences every day.

Skills

Customer service

Supervisory

Leadership in membership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Inclusive leadership

Praesidium training

CPR/First Aid

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

YOUR IMPACT

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.

WHAT YOUR DAY MAY LOOK LIKE

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.

SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION: 1 Position

1 Position: Tri-Branch YMCA

Full Time, Exempt

Monday-Friday, hours vary with occasional nights/weekends outside of regular operational hours based on facility or department needs

$43,888 per year

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum age of 21
• High school diploma or equivalent, required
• Bachelor’s degree, preferred in recreation, hospitality, management, education or a related field or equivalent preferred
• YMCA Team Leader certification, preferred
• 3 years of experience in delivering high quality customer service, required
• 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
• Current Praesidium Academy training
• CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days

THERE'S SO MUCH MORE TO WORKING AT THE Y! Employment benefit information available HERE.

The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility