Member Relations Manager

CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM

JOB DESCRIPTION

Member Relations Manager - Full time Development Department

Exempt

The Member Relations Manager leads the Museum’s membership program and creates meaningful connections between members and the Museum’s mission, development goals, programs, and behind-the-scenes work. The primary responsibility of this position is to grow and engage the member community through retention and acquisition strategies, data-informed decision making, and collaboration with colleagues and partners across the Museum. The Member Relations Manager also supports member-related initiatives for the Museum’s two longstanding donor groups, the Guild and the Costume Council. A genuine enthusiasm for building relationships and sharing Chicago history is essential for success in this role.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Drive membership growth by converting museum visitors and program participants through strategic acquisitions across onsite, email, social, and direct mail channels.

• Manage member renewals for the Chicago History Museum, Guild, and Costume Council, applying best practices and promoting upgrades.

• Oversee membership portal and digital membership cards, ensuring accurate access, functionality, and a positive member experience.

• Deliver high-quality, personalized member service, responding to inquiries promptly and professionally.

• Plan and execute engaging members events and communications to support retention and engagement.

• Manage all member event logistics, including timelines, budgets, contracts, vendor relationships, institutional event memos, and on-site execution.

• Coordinate event invitations and member related material designs, in collaboration with Communications and Marketing staff.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with members through direct engagement at events.

• Manage production of donor group directories.

• Track post-event outcomes, analyze data, and conduct member follow-up.

• Maintain accurate database records.

• Supervise event volunteers and interns, and support donor group boards, committees, and volunteer leadership with administrative and logistical needs.

• Train visitor service staff and provide talking points to support onsite membership sales.

• Collect and incorporate member feedback through surveys and other communication

  channels.

• Ability to lift, carry, and otherwise move objects weighing 20 lbs.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Assists with departmental initiatives, particularly those related to fundraising, events, and donor engagement.

• Performs other duties as assigned. REPORTS TO: Director of Development

  WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
  The Member Relations Manager works as part of a team consisting of the Vice President of External Engagement and Development, Director of Development, Major Gifts Officer, Institutional Giving Officer, Development Events Manger, Development Operations Manager, Gift Processing Manager, and Development Coordinator. They work together to fulfill the goals, objectives, and metrics of the department, to build relationships with members, prospects, and donors to raise funds for the Museum’s general operating needs, exhibitions, collections, and other special projects and initiatives. The Member Relations Manager will have regular interaction with Visitor Services staff, Communications and Marketing staff, Curatorial and Collections staff, Research and Access staff, and other colleagues across the Museum, donor group membership committees, and external event vendors, volunteers, and partners, acting as a resource and contact to deliver exceptional experiences for members. The Member Relation Manager also participates in networking meetings with a local membership collaborative.

  QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Two-Three years of experience in a similar role, preferably at a cultural institution

• Experience using a CRM, preferably Altru

• Experience with e-communication software, preferably MailChimp or Feathr

• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team

• Ability to work with diverse departments and professionals

• Excellent attention to detail

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Ability to execute multiple deadline-driven projects

• Excellent oral, written communication, and interpersonal skills

• Experience directing the work of volunteers and interns

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

• Desire to contribute to and promote a positive culture and collegial atmosphere

• Commitment to the mission, core values, and programs of the Chicago History Museum

  CHM MISSION

  Serve as the primary destination for learning, inspiration, and civic engagement, connecting people to Chicago’s history and each other.

  CHM CORE VALUES

  Collaboration: We honor all lived experiences, skills, and goals, weaving them into our work to collectively share stories of history and culture.

Integrity: We conduct all business and build internal and external relationships on the foundation of honesty, camaraderie, and professional fellowship.

Respect: We listen to understand, and we affirm other people’s perspectives and contributions. We show up for others and treat them as they want to be treated.

Curiosity: We invite questions and celebrate investigation, encouraging meaningful connections with history and a sense of wonder about our complex city.

Innovation: We anticipate the need to adapt and evolve, embracing new ideas that will propel the Museum to increased success.

Service: We actively cultivate a responsive and supportive culture where all people are valued and respected.

This job description is not intended to be an express or implied contract between CHM and any employee. CHM employees are employees at will. CHM reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position as necessary to meet changing business needs. CHM is an equal opportunity employer.