Post job

How to hire a membership director

Membership director hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring membership directors in the United States:

  • The median cost to hire a membership director is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • HR departments typically allocate 15% of their budget towards recruitment efforts.
  • Small businesses spend $1,105 per membership director on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • It takes approximately 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • There are a total of 4,672 membership directors in the US, and there are currently 22,430 job openings in this field.
  • Los Angeles, CA, has the highest demand for membership directors, with 4 job openings.

How to hire a membership director, step by step

To hire a membership director, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a membership director:

Here's a step-by-step membership director hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a membership director job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new membership director
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a membership director do?

A membership director is in charge of membership within various institutions such as fitness centers and clubs. Their duties include increasing business, marketing services, converting patrons to paying members, collecting membership payments, maintaining member records, and collecting feedback from customers. They oversee membership activities for an organization, including developing programs and offering information updates to members.

Learn more about the specifics of what a membership director does
jobs
Post a membership director job for free, promote it for a fee
  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a membership director, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    Hiring the perfect membership director also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

    This list presents membership director salaries for various positions.

    Type of Membership DirectorDescriptionHourly rate
    Membership Director$14-41
    Program ManagerA program manager is responsible for monitoring the project's progress, improving and developing new strategies, and coordinate various projects across the organization to ensure the success of the business objective. Program managers also manage the program's expenses, ensuring that the projects adhere to the budget goals without compromising the quality and accuracy of the result... Show more$31-67
    Consultant/Project ManagerConsultants/project managers act as planners, leaders, and advisors in business enterprises. These professionals facilitate meetings and establish positive relationships with vendors, management, and clients... Show more$35-65
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Customer Service
    • Front Desk
    • Membership Database
    • Community Events
    • Member Events
    • Member Service
    • Membership Program
    • Membership Recruitment
    • Membership Development
    • Event Planning
    • Member Retention
    • Member Satisfaction
    • Strategic Plan
    • Membership Growth
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage the member and provider service department for the commercial and Medicaid lines of business.
    • Establish and redefine business processes in order to achieve national accreditation through NCQA.
    • Perform periodic checking of on the cleanliness and order of the gym & locker facilities.
    • Assist member dentists on a daily basis with Medicaid regulations, policies, and provider credentialing issues.
    • Participate in the development of the plan's Medicare line of business working alongside all departments and consultants.
    • Increase prospective members with the use of social networking tools and introducing new media tools: LinkedIn and Facebook.
    More membership director duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in the membership director job description is a good way to get more applicants. A membership director salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

    For example, the average salary for a membership director in Mississippi may be lower than in Rhode Island, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level membership director. Additionally, a membership director with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

    Average membership director salary

    $52,493yearly

    $25.24 hourly rate

    Entry-level membership director salary
    $31,000 yearly salary
    Updated January 30, 2026

    Average membership director salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1New York$83,843$40
    2Maine$80,208$39
    3Massachusetts$79,739$38
    4California$76,196$37
    5New Jersey$72,803$35
    6Pennsylvania$69,534$33
    7New Hampshire$68,709$33
    8Montana$62,379$30
    9District of Columbia$58,891$28
    10Virginia$57,887$28
    11Ohio$57,098$27
    12Michigan$56,625$27
    13Indiana$56,438$27
    14Texas$56,273$27
    15Wisconsin$56,240$27
    16Florida$54,808$26
    17Washington$53,614$26
    18Georgia$53,280$26
    19Illinois$52,933$25
    20Minnesota$51,348$25

    Average membership director salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Harley-Davidson$103,518$49.77
    2Union of Concerned Scientists$71,236$34.25
    3University of Southern California$66,232$31.846
    4Ahmad, Zavitsanos, Anaipakos, Alavi & Mensing P.c. Or Aza$62,372$29.992
    5North States Ind$60,248$28.97
    6American Golf$60,113$28.902
    7VillaSport Athletic Club and Spa$57,644$27.71
    8Addison Group$53,434$25.694
    9Xponential Fitness$53,245$25.609
    10Biltmore$53,141$25.55
    11YMCA$53,014$25.498
    12NYC Alliance$52,974$25.479
    13Ymca Of Metropolitan Atlanta$52,772$25.3714
    14Fisher Island Club$52,085$25.04
    15Goodwin Recruiting$51,932$24.97
    16Goldfish Swim School$51,750$24.88
    17Brooklyn Museum$50,787$24.42
    18NCAA$50,775$24.412
    19WTS International$49,997$24.04
    20National Insurance Services$49,890$23.99
  4. Writing a membership director job description

    A job description for a membership director role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a membership director job description:

    Membership director job description example

    Job DescriptionMembership Director - Downtown

    GENERAL FUNCTION:
    As the nation’s leading nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y offers more than just a job. We offer you a career with a future and the chance to make a lasting difference in your community. The Membership Director, under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, is responsible for implementing innovative tactics to engage new and returning members and create sales opportunities outside of the Y facility. This position is expected to lead a high-performing and engaging Membership department.
    The Membership Director must have the ability to lead a team of peers, personally connect members to the Y and each other, be highly organized and possess quality character for collaborating with co-workers, members, associates, volunteers, donors and the general public. Improving the health and wellness of the community we serve and relationship building with members is a high priority, as is the impact it has on member retention. The incumbent should have a proven track record in staff development, budget accountability, membership sales & retention, member focused attitude, fundraising and community involvement.
    ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
    MISSION DRIVEN: Upholds the Mission of the YMCA, and demonstrates behaviors that reflect a determined, nurturing, genuine, hopeful, and welcoming nature.
    SUPERVISION: Leads, coaches and mentors a high-performing and engaging Membership and Kids Club Departments, with the total of approximately 20 part-time staff. Ensures staff are achieving metric targets and producing meaningful qualitative results. Provides leadership in the daily operations of the branch, including working collaboratively with two Y@Work locations (Norton and GEA). Communicates across departments to inspire member focused culture that results in increased member retention.
    FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:
    • Develops and manages the Membership operating budget and meets or exceeds budget targets.
    • Responsible for total annual revenue: $1,800,000 and total annual expense: $1,700,000.
    • Membership Units: 2,600
    • This position has responsibility for a portion of the community phase of the branch’s Annual Giving Campaign, with the most recent fundraising goal of $105,000.
    SALES & MARKETING:
    • Creates and implements annual marketing plan to drive new member recruitment. Efforts to include: corporate engagement, neighborhood marketing, cross-promotion, tour follow-ups, etc.
    • Collaborate with technical team to ensure website, social media and other mobile tools utilized to meet aggressive revenue goals.
    ENGAGEMENT & RETENTION:
    • Develops and implements sustainable member engagement strategies with focus on increasing member retention.
    • Drives development of innovative and high quality programs within the Membership Department, which supports branch and association mission, goals and strategies.
    • Manages the financial assistance program with the goal of extending the Y mission.
    • Creates a member-focused culture and models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Fosters a climate of innovation and resolves problems to ensure member satisfaction. Set the standards for and models exceptional member service.
    • Responsible for Member Survey follow ups & achieving high member satisfaction rates.
    • Develops and cultivates strong relationships throughout the branch, association and community.
    MEETINGS & COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES:
    • Participates in weekly Leadership Meetings.
    • Coordinates monthly meetings for Membership and Kids Club Staff.
    • Participates in monthly Membership Cabinet meetings.
    • Participates in monthly Board meetings.
    • Serve on Membership and Kids Club focused task forces as needed.
    POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
    • Bachelor’s Degree or commensurate work experience in sales, public relations, marketing with background in fitness/wellness preferred.
    • Previous management experience in recruitment, training and supervision of staff and volunteer groups.
    • Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule, particularly evening and weekend hours.
    • Excellent problem solving, organizational and communication skills.
    • Strong leadership and excellent customer service skills.
    • Ability to set the standards for and model exceptional member service and build a culture of member involvement and engagement in all staff.
    • A positive, can-do attitude and the ability to work creatively and independently or as part of a team.
    • Sound judgment and decision making as well as problem solving and interpersonal skills to relate to people of all socio-economic levels and diverse backgrounds.
    • Ability to provide facility tours and stand for many hours at a time.
    EFFECT ON END RESULT:
    Successful performance in this position results in creating a positive environment ensuring that members feel welcomed and wanted. Increased membership sales through strategic community involvement. Supporting the YMCA mission through all interactions and modeling the characteristics of welcoming, nurturing, genuine, determined, and hopeful. Providing support for our Family Program Director as they strive to engage our families and children.

    STATUS: Full-time, Exempt
    Must be available to work evenings and weekends
    STARTING SALARY: $43,000+ Based on experience



    As the Membership Director, you are a critical component to assisting individuals, businesses and organizations with the behavior change model in a healthier lifestyle through engagement, encouragement, and meaningful connections. The ability to lead a team of peers, personally connect members to the Y and each other, be highly organized and possess quality character for collaborating with co-workers, members, associates, volunteers, donors and the general public will result in the excellence in service desired.



    An excellent benefits package is offered including Health, Dental, Vision, 12% Retirement Contribution, Community Wide Family YMCA Membership, and Free or Reduced School Age Child Care. The YMCA of Greater Louisville maintains a strong commitment to training and professional development.
    This is an opportunity to join an energetic, mission-oriented team committed to improving health and strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

    Equal Opportunity Employer Metro United Way Agency



  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right membership director for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your membership director job on Zippia to find and recruit membership director candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit membership directors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new membership director

    Once you've found the membership director candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new membership director. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a membership director?

Before you start to hire membership directors, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire membership directors pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $52,493 per year for a membership director, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for membership directors in the US typically range between $14 and $41 an hour.

Find better membership directors in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Hiring membership directors FAQs

Search for membership director jobs

Ready to start hiring?

Browse executive management jobs