Membership director

The Greater Freeport Partnership is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated Membership Director to lead our membership strategy with a focus on retention, growth, engagement, and value delivery. This role is ideal for a relationship-builder with strong sales and business development experience, excellent communication skills, and a passion for supporting small businesses and community development.

The Greater Freeport Partnership is a collaborative organization serving the needs of businesses throughout their tenure with networking and education opportunities, economic and development services, workforce and talent support, and connection to community. This comprehensive interdisciplinary economic development organization serves Freeport and Stephenson County in business retention and recruitment, workforce development, community marketing, tourism, and small business services with a single vision and execution plan focused on growing a sustainable economy.

The Membership Director is responsible for serving and developing the Partnership’s members with consistent and timely communication, small business development and a robust business support program. Membership consists of over 400 active member businesses ranging from retail to manufacturing. The Partnership is valued by the community and members as a critical resource for business and is an advocate for the business representing Freeport and Stephenson County. a stronger and more vibrant member and investor base. The Membership Director is a member of the leadership team for the Greater Freeport Partnership. He or she is responsible to the executive director of the Partnership, peer directors, board of directors and the Partnership’s members and investors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Membership Growth & Retention

· Develop and execute strategies to grow membership across all tiers.

· Cultivate relationships with current and prospective members to understand needs and deliver value.

· Lead outreach efforts including calls, visits, and presentations to recruit new members.

· Monitor and report on membership metrics, retention rates, and engagement trends and present to board of directors, business stakeholders, and public partners.

Member Engagement & Support

· Serve as the primary point of contact for member services and benefits.

· Organize and facilitate member events, networking opportunities, educational programs, and the young professionals’ network with the assistance of the administrative coordinator and events and engagement manager.

· Create and distribute member-focused content including newsletters, toolkits, and promotional materials with the help of the marketing director.

· Coordinate ribbon cuttings, business spotlights, and recognition programs.

Sales & Business Development

· Identify and pursue opportunities to connect members with resources, partnerships, and growth initiatives.

Collaborate with the economic development team to support small business development and entrepreneurship. Provide regional linkage with other SBDC’s, EIGERlab and village boards.

· Lead and facilitate entrepreneurial education programs one-on-one and in a classroom setting, such as the Partnership’s annual Business Academy for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BASE) Camp.

· Promote sponsorships, advertising, and other revenue-generating opportunities tied to membership.

Volunteer & Community Leadership

· Engage and manage volunteer Partnership Ambassadors and committees to support member outreach and programming.

· Represent the Partnership at community events, business functions, and regional initiatives.

· Support educational and workforce development efforts in collaboration with schools, colleges, and workforce partners.

Qualifications:

· Proven experience in membership management, sales, or business development.

· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

· Highly organized with strong follow-through and attention to detail.

· Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.

· Education – Four-year college degree required. Emphasis in business, marketing, finance and/or entrepreneurship preferred.

· Maintain confidentiality; perform in an ethical, professional manner.

· Experience with volunteer coordination, small business support, or community engagement preferred.

· Proficiency in CRM systems, email marketing platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.

· Conditions – Possible occasional travel, evening and weekend work requirements.

Benefits:

· Competitive salary based on experience

· Health and retirement benefits

· Paid time off and holidays

· Professional development opportunities

· Collaborative and mission-driven work environment

· Compensation: Salary $70,000 – $80,000 based on experience and qualifications.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume to Andrea Schultz Winter, executive director, [email protected] by Tuesday, October 28th, 2025.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Freeport, IL 61032 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Freeport, IL 61032: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person