Head of Membership and Communities Development

British Ecological Society

About the Organisation

British Ecological Society (BES) is the oldest ecological society in the world, dedicated to advancing ecological science. Founded in 1913, BES promotes the study of ecology through research, education, and policy engagement, supporting ecologists at all career stages. BES has a global membership of ecologists, including students, researchers, and professionals from academia, government, and industry. Members benefit from exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and access to grants.

About the role

As a Head of the role, this role is a great opportunity for someone ready to move beyond manager into developing senior leadership skills, you will report to and deputize for the Director of Communities and Inclusion and will work closely with managers in the Events and Professional Development teams ensuring that members (todays and tomorrows) are always at the heart of our activities

In the first 6 months in the role, you’ll oversee the first rounds of our new and prestigious Fellows membership, complete the launch of new membership fees across all categories, and be working across teams targeting new audiences with new membership offers. Within 12 months, you’ll be working on a corporate membership offer. You’ll drive the Society towards a stronger “membership mentality” in everything we do, supporting staff and volunteers in identifying opportunities and promoting membership

Provide grants for research, training, and travel and maintain a sense of community so that every ecologist, whether member or nonmember can find their community whether that is through a science-focused special interest group or people-focused network. Values volunteers so that anyone who gives their time to the organization and the wider community through us feels valued, rewarded and recognized for their efforts

Responsibilities

Membership Strategy:

• Formulate and execute a comprehensive membership strategy aligned with the BES's overarching goals, aiming to increase membership numbers and enhance member engagement.

Team Leadership: 

• Oversee the membership team, setting annual key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive growth, reach diverse audiences, and boost income generation.

Strategic Collaboration: 

• Work closely with the Director of Communities and Inclusion, as well as other directorates, to monitor and achieve strategic performance indicators.

Expertise Provision:

• Offer specialized knowledge in areas such as membership development, data management, grants, and volunteer management to support the Society's initiatives.

Senior Leadership Support:

• Participate in Senior Leadership Team meetings and provide support as needed, including deputizing for the Director of Communities and Inclusion when required.

Committee Collaboration: 

• Partner with the Chair and members of the Membership Committee to ensure the BES meets its strategic objectives related to member acquisition, retention, and engagement.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

• Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering membership strategies.
• Proven ability to lead teams, set and monitor KPIs, and achieve strategic goals.
• Expertise in data management, grants, and volunteer management.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree

Compensation & Benefits

• Attractive Benefits Package
• Other Benefits

Conditions of employment

• You must have the right to work in the UK

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• Send an email to [email protected] with a CV and a cover letter by 27th February 2025 at 9 AM

Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview

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