Director of Membership & Communications

For 140 years, the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association has been the home of the legal community in this city. We've served attorneys, judges, and law students across nine counties — through the publication of the KC Counselor, the Student Law Academy, Military Matters, and programs that have shaped careers and served communities. Now we're looking for the person who will help shape what the next chapter looks like.
 
The Director of Membership & Communications is a senior leadership role with real ownership. If you are a relationship-builder, a revenue driver, and a storyteller who wants to lead, we'd like to talk.
 
About KCMBA
Founded in 1884, KCMBA is the largest and oldest bar association in the Kansas City area, serving 5,000 members across nine counties in Missouri and Kansas. Our membership spans attorneys, judges, and law students — and our work spans continuing legal education, community pro bono, award-winning publications, and programs that connect people to the profession. KCMBA and the KCMBF together represent one of the most active and respected member organizations in KC.
 
The Role
This is a senior leadership position with real scope. You'll own membership strategy, brand and communications, and revenue development — while leading a team of 3–5 and sitting at the senior leadership table alongside the Executive Director. You'll shape how KCMBA grows, communicates, and delivers value to one of KC's most engaged professional communities.
 
What You'll Own

• Membership Strategy — drive recruitment, retention, and engagement programs aligned to organizational goals and financial targets
• Revenue Development — lead advertising, sponsorship, and affinity partnership strategies; build and close relationships with corporate partners
• Communications & Brand — oversee all internal and external communications, digital content, publications, and media relations
• Team Leadership — mentor, develop, and hold accountable a team of 3–5; establish performance metrics and a culture of continuous improvement
• Senior Leadership — contribute to organizational strategy, budgeting, and planning as a member of the executive team

• Experience in membership-based organizations — you understand the model, the metrics, and the relationships that drive it
• Background in communications, marketing, or public relations — you can create compelling content and manage a brand with consistency
• Proven ability to generate revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, or advertising — you're comfortable in a consultative sales environment
• Strong team leadership — you develop people and hold them to high standards
• Proficiency with AMS platforms (iMIS experience a plus), Microsoft Office, and project management tools
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, journalism, or related field preferred — equivalent experience strongly considered

• A 140-year-old institution with deep roots in Kansas City and an active, engaged membership base
• Real leadership scope — a seat at the table, direct report to the Executive Director, and a team to lead
• A mission that matters — serving the legal community, supporting access to justice, and building careers
• Competitive compensation and a full benefit plan including medical, dental, vision, 401K match, profit sharing, PTO, and bonus potential