Manager/Director of Member Engagement and Donor Relations

About Women Leaders in Sports: 

Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Women Leaders in Sports is an organization dedicated to developing, connecting, advancing, and championing women working and leading in sports. Women Leaders currently serves nearly 6,000 members representing 600+ institutions, sports teams, and sports businesses nationwide. 

We provide women connection, confidence, and a path to leadership by: 

• Training and mentoring through our world-class leadership experiences
• Creating opportunities for connection and community, giving women a robust network to support their entire career journey 
• Championing women leaders by promoting their success through awards and media 
• Educating, engaging, and challenging industry leaders to make more diverse and equitable hires 

Position Overview: 

Reporting to the Chief Strategy and Operating officer, the Manager/Director of Member Engagement and Donor Relations will play a critical role in enhancing the experience of our members and fostering strong relationships within our community. This individual will promote programs and services to engage, retain, and grow our membership base while supporting annual fundraising efforts and managing donor relations. The ideal candidate will have a passion for women’s leadership in sports, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in executing engagement initiatives, community relations, and fundraising. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Membership Engagement 

• Execute a comprehensive membership engagement plan to increase member involvement and retention as directed by the Executive Team. 
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current members, prospective members, and key stakeholders in the sports industry. 
• Support the facilitation of member engagement offerings such as Member Circle Calls, virtual happy hours/connection events, annual virtual mentoring events and member committees. 
• Represent Women Leaders in Sports at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to promote membership and educate current and prospective members of the organizational offerings and initiatives. 
• Oversee the Membership Engagement Committee and support the annual Awards Committee  
• Support the activation and integration of Women Leaders’ partners into the membership 
• Under the direction of the Chief Experience Officer - support all annual leadership programs and initiatives that promote networking, leadership development, career strategy, and community building among members.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create targeted communication campaigns that inform and inspire members about organizational initiatives, virtual membership events, and resources. 

Work alongside the Membership Team members to: 

• To hit annual revenue goals for membership dues. 
• Manage the membership database, ensuring accurate records and timely communication with members regarding renewals, benefits, and opportunities. 
• Analyze membership data and feedback to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement in member engagement. 
• Serve as one of the membership team’s points of contact for member inquiries, providing exceptional customer service and support. 

Fundraising and Donor Relations: 

• Support annual fundraising initiatives and campaigns as directed by the CEO. 
• Actively manage a portfolio of 125+ assigned donors currently enrolled in various campaigns, including the Champions for Change pledge campaign. 
• Under the direction of the CEO, oversee the annual National Convention Support packages to engage sports organizations in the event as attendees, sponsors, and members. 
• Maintain up-to-date donor/prospect portfolio, including contact reports and opportunities. 
• Oversee and execute annual donor communications and tracking, including solicitation emails, thank you gifts/notes, and annual gift receipts. 
• In collaboration with the Executive Team and marketing department, execute personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for assigned major-gift donors and prospects (individual, corporate, and foundation) through personal visits, letters, phone calls, email, and other methods. 
• Creatively leverage outreach activities (e.g., conferences, industry events, etc.) to develop new donor prospects. 
• Oversee national events directly related to donor stewardship. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of three years of professional experience in a role focused on engaging and connecting with people. Experience in a nonprofit or sports organization is a plus but not required. 
• Superior interpersonal skills with the ability to project professional competence, leadership capability, and professional maturity. 
• Previous involvement and knowledge of Women Leaders in Sports and all sectors of the sports industry. This may include current and past members who are/were actively engaged in the organization’s programs and services. 
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment (and we mean FAST!) 
• An over communicator who knows how to close the loop and thrives in a role that requires high levels of collaboration and interaction with other people. 
• An ability to flex and pivot across several projects that require different ways of thinking and working. You will manage several projects, tasks and relationships at any given moment! 
• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with a keen attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. Strong attention to detail will be essential for this role! 
• Highly coachable and hungry for feedback to get better and excel in the role. 
• An optimist who sees challenges as opportunities and believes everything is “figure-out-able”. 
• Strong computer skills required in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.) and Zoom platforms 
• Superior written and oral communication skills. 
• Demonstrated passion and ability to foster relationships with a diverse group of people 
• A passion for women’s leadership and career advancement. 

Benefits: 

• Full-time salaried position. 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance with 100% of monthly premiums for employee medical insurance covered by Women Leaders 
• Retirement savings plan - employer match of 4% immediately upon hiring. 
• Monthly cell phone plan 
• Generous time off  
• Professional development opportunities 
• Access to and interaction with some of the best leaders in sports who are changing the game! 

Application Process: 

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and passion for women’s leadership in sports to Christina Turner (Christina@womenleadersinsports.org).

Applications will be accepted until February 1st and reviewed on an on-going basis. Ideal candidate will start no later than mid-March. 

Women Leaders in Sports is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.