Senior Director of Membership

Charleston, SC, Position Overview The Senior Director of Membership provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all membership functions, with a focus on membership growth, retention, engagement, and revenue generation. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), and senior leadership team, this individual develops and implements strategies that align membership initiatives with the organization’s mission, strategic plan, and financial objectives. The Senior Director oversees daily departmental operations, leads a small membership team, builds relationships with members and Affiliate/Chapter leaders, and identifies opportunities to expand the organization’s reach and impact within the golf industry. The ideal candidate is a results-oriented leader with strong sales, relationship management, communication, and organizational skills who can translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Department Management

Oversee daily membership department operations and execution of strategic initiatives. Lead, mentor, and develop the membership team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and a service-oriented culture. Establish departmental goals, sales targets, and key performance indicators in collaboration with the CEO and COO. Monitor performance, coordinate priorities, and provide regular progress reports and recommendations to executive leadership. Represent the organization as a visible and trusted ambassador within the golf industry.

Membership Growth, Retention, and Engagement

Develop and execute strategies to increase membership acquisition, improve retention, and strengthen member engagement. Identify opportunities to enhance membership value, improve satisfaction, and strengthen the overall member experience. Align membership programs and initiatives with organizational growth and revenue objectives. Evaluate membership offerings and engagement activities to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Affiliate/Chapter Relations and Development

Serve as the primary liaison between the national office and Affiliates/Chapters, maintaining strong relationships with chapter executives, volunteer leaders, and board members. Provide guidance, resources, and best practices to support Affiliate/Chapter success, governance, and operational effectiveness. Conduct regular check-ins to assess organizational health, address challenges, and monitor progress toward annual goals and performance benchmarks. Support strategic planning, leadership onboarding, and the development of programs that increase membership and engagement. Coordinate consistent communications, newsletters, announcements, and promotional materials while ensuring adherence to organizational messaging and brand standards.

Market Research and Business Development

Monitor membership trends, industry developments, and market opportunities to identify potential growth segments. Develop targeted strategies to engage Multi-Course Owners (MCOs) and other priority membership groups. Generate and qualify prospective member leads through networking, referrals, industry events, and direct outreach. Manage prospects through the membership pipeline, building relationships and implementing strategies to convert opportunities into memberships. Collaborate across departments to address barriers to growth and expand the organization’s industry relationships.

Member Relations and Sales Execution

Build and maintain strong relationships with members, key accounts, and industry stakeholders. Conduct proactive outreach to assess satisfaction, strengthen relationships, encourage renewals, and identify engagement opportunities. Develop and execute membership sales plans designed to achieve established growth and revenue targets. Collaborate with membership, marketing, and IT teams to improve sales processes, outreach campaigns, and member acquisition initiatives. Monitor sales pipeline activity, conversion rates, and follow-up practices to ensure consistent execution and accountability.

Data, Reporting, and Financial Management

Track and analyze membership acquisition, retention, engagement, revenue, and sales pipeline performance. Provide regular reports, forecasts, and performance updates to executive leadership, recommending improvements based on data and member feedback. Oversee the membership department budget, lead annual budget development, and monitor expenditures and financial performance. Identify opportunities to improve resource allocation, operational efficiency, and the financial results of membership initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

Undergraduate degree from accredited university. Masters degree preferred. Experience in membership management, association leadership, sales, business development, or a related field. Demonstrated success developing strategies that drive growth, retention, engagement, and revenue. Experience leading, coaching, and developing teams with clear performance goals and accountability. Strong relationship management skills, including experience working with executives, boards, volunteers, members, or other stakeholders. Experience managing sales pipelines, budgets, performance metrics, and forecasts. Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and organizational skills. Proficiency with Google Suite, CRM systems, membership databases, and reporting tools. Experience with Nimble AMS or Salesforce is preferred. Knowledge of the golf industry, golf course ownership, or golf course management is highly desirable.

Work Status: Full-Time Location: 291 Seven Farms Drive, Daniel Island, SC 29492 Begins: ASAP Reports to: Chief Operating Officer Compensation: Compensation will be based on the candidate’s experience and skills, as well as range commensurate with organizations of similar size and scope of NGCOA. Benefits: Access to health insurance, 401k with employer match, home office stipend, and generous PTO are included. Please send cover letter and resume to info@ngcoa.org Compensation will be based on the candidate’s experience and skills, as well as range commensurate with organizations of similar size and scope of NGCOA.