Membership Marketing Manager

ALA Brand; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The American Library Association (ALA) is seeking a dynamic Membership Marketing Manager to lead strategy, development, and execution of integrated campaigns that grow membership, engagement, and renewal. This role drives lifecycle-based marketing to maximize lifetime value and collaborates with divisions and staff to ensure a cohesive member experience.

Hybrid role based in Chicago with a strong focus on data-informed strategies, multi-channel execution, and UX optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in business, marketing, communications or journalism.
• 3–5 years total marketing experience, preferably with 1–3 years of association membership marketing experience.
• Demonstrated record of success in increasing sales.
• Informz and Drupal experience required. Preferred knowledge of iMIS, PropFuel, digital advertising, and AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual membership marketing strategy focused on acquisition, engagement, and retention, with clearly defined goals, KPIs, and performance benchmarks.
• Design and implement lifecycle marketing programs that guide prospects and members through key stages (awareness, acquisition, onboarding, engagement, renewal).
• Plan and deliver integrated, multi-channel campaigns across email, web, digital platforms, print, and other channels to promote membership value and programs.
• Collaborate with Membership staff, Divisions, and internal teams to align marketing efforts and ensure consistency in messaging and member experience.
• Analyze campaign performance, member behavior, and engagement data to identify opportunities and optimize results across the funnel.
• Build and optimize automated marketing journeys and improve efficiency at scale.
• Oversee and improve membership digital properties (website, member center, email channels) for UX and lead capture.
• Develop compelling messaging communicating value of membership including renewal campaigns and member stories.
• Partner with the Director of Marketing to manage the membership marketing budget and ROI.

Skills

Marketing strategy

Data-driven marketing

Communication skills

Project planning

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Informz

Drupal

iMIS

PropFuel

Digital advertising

AI tools

Job description

The American Library Association (ALA) seeks a dynamic Membership Marketing Manager to lead the strategy, development, and execution of integrated marketing initiatives that drive membership recruitment, engagement, and renewal. This role plays a critical part in strengthening ALA's membership growth and retention by delivering data-informed, lifecycle-based marketing strategies that enhance the member experience and increase lifetime value.

The ideal candidate brings a creative, strategic mindset and strong execution capabilities, with experience building end-to-end lifecycle campaigns that attract, convert, engage, and retain members. This role partners closely with Membership, Divisions, and other internal stakeholders to align messaging, optimize the member journey, and ensure a cohesive, high-impact membership marketing approach.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual membership marketing strategy focused on acquisition, engagement, and retention, with clearly defined goals, KPIs, and performance benchmarks.
• Design and implement lifecycle marketing programs that guide prospects and members through key stages (awareness, acquisition, onboarding, engagement, renewal), leveraging segmentation and personalization to improve conversion and retention.
• Plan and deliver integrated, multi-channel campaigns across email, web, digital platforms, print, and other channels to promote membership value, benefits, and key programs.
• Collaborate closely with Membership staff, Divisions, and other internal teams to align marketing efforts, identify membership growth opportunities and target audiences, and ensure consistency in messaging and member experience.
• Analyze campaign performance, member behavior, and engagement data to identify new opportunities, optimize marketing strategies, and continuously improve results across the membership funnel.
• Work cross-functionally to build and optimize automated marketing journeys that enhance engagement and improve efficiency at scale.
• Oversee and continuously improve membership digital properties, including the website, member center, and email channels, with a focus on user experience, conversion optimization, and lead capture.
• Develop compelling, creative messaging that clearly communicates the value of ALA membership, including renewal campaigns, testimonials, targeted offers, and member stories.
• Partner with the Director of Marketing to develop and manage the membership marketing budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to maximize ROI.

This is a regular full-time position based in our Chicago office.

ALA staff are currently working on a hybrid schedule. Please note that although we have a generous telecommuting policy for our employees, we do not have any fully remote positions in states outside of our workplace sites.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check and proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Salary negotiable from $75k based on relevant experience. ALA offers an excellent benefits package that includes flexible work schedules, medical and dental coverage, generous paid vacation, retirement annuity, and a 35-hour work week. Employees may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in business, marketing, communications or journalism.
• 3-5 years total marketing experience, preferably with 1-3 years of association membership marketing experience.
• Demonstrated record of success in increasing sales.
• Informz and Drupal experience required. Preferred knowledge of iMIS, PropFuel, digital advertising, and AI tools.

Core Competencies/Skills:

• Innovative, creative marketing and messaging
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational and project planning skills, including the ability to organize materials and information with attention to detail, accuracy, and follow-through
• Ability to interpret data to inform membership journeys and customer pathways
• Strong interpersonal skills with a team player mentality

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer: Disability/Veteran