Senior Program & Membership Manager

Job Title: Senior Program & Membership Manager

Organization: Fund the People

Position: Senior Program & Membership Manager

Reports to: Founder, President and CEO

About Fund the People

Fund the People is a national organization that seeks to strengthen U.S. civil society and philanthropy by advocating for nonprofit workers. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Beacon, NY, Fund the People is staffed by a team of committed, fun, hard-working people based across the country. Our work is supported by private foundation grants, individual donors, event sponsorships, program fees, and member dues.

Our mission is to maximize investment in America’s nonprofit workforce. We seek to end the deficit of investment in the nonprofit workforce by advancing the widespread adoption of talent-investing attitudes and practices among key audiences stakeholders: philanthropic funders, nonprofits, intermediaries, and government. Our work is organized around a three-part strategy: Making the Case, Equipping for Action, and Building a Movement. Our activities weave together thought-leadership, tool-creation, research, convening, education, and advocacy.

Our programs include the Defend Nonprofits, Defend Democracy Initiative, an emerging effort that advocates for protecting the vital role of the nonprofit workforce in our society; the Funding That Works Academy, a professional development program teaching our core framework; the Fund the People Podcast, featuring conversations with nonprofit leaders and funders; the Talent Justice Initiative, which convenes silo-busting dialogue to address inequity in access, advancement, and ascension in nonprofit careers; and the Upgrading Nonprofit Workplaces study, which is exploring what works to improve nonprofit job quality and working conditions.

Role Overview

Fund the People is seeking a Senior Program & Membership Manager to lead our programmatic work mentioned above, including the creation and growth of our membership program. This role will be pivotal in growing our programs and transforming our structured membership model into a thriving, engaged community that amplifies our mission and impact.

As the Senior Program & Membership Manager, you will drive strategy, strengthen programs, foster connections, and ensure members experience tangible value and engagement. You will be instrumental in shaping and sustaining the organizational, programmatic work and ensuring it serves as a resource, advocacy hub, and collective force for change for members and non-members. This opportunity is ideal for a strategic leader with at least six years of experience in program management, community building, or membership engagement—especially someone passionate about strengthening the nonprofit workforce and advancing equity, effectiveness, and enduring impact.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for Programs & Membership Community (40%)

You will lead and continuously improve Fund the People’s core programs and membership community. Design and implement programming that transforms audience interest into active membership, champions, and organizational leaders. Cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible community that reflects and advances our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Develop meaningful engagement opportunities that build relationships and ensure members feel seen, supported, and energized. You will bring:

• Demonstrated passion for Fund the People’s mission and the nonprofit workforce.
• Track record of creating, launching, managing, and growing programs, communities, or movements supported by earned revenue from member dues, sponsorships, or fees.
• Strong relationship-building skills across varied networks and stakeholder groups.
• Commitment to engaging leaders from across the nonprofit and philanthropic ecosystem.

You will be responsible for Membership Strategy, Operations & Experience (30%)

You will take existing content and program ideas and turn them into a cohesive portfolio of offerings for non-members and members. This includes designing and building membership operations from the ground up, then leading their implementation to ensure a seamless, values-aligned experience for members—from recruitment, to onboarding, through ongoing engagement and member-leadership. The membership program will formalize and grow our current informal network, which includes past and present champions, program participants, and a broader audience cultivated over more than a decade

Work cross-functionally with communications, fundraising, and operations teams to ensure alignment with organizational strategy, revenue goals, and audience growth. Optimize internal workflows and build systems for scale, while ensuring exceptional member support and customer service. You will bring:

• Strong strategic and operational acumen; able to turn vision into executable plans.
• Experience managing engagement-based programs or membership models.
• Familiarity with CRM platforms, automation tools, or membership engagement systems (both in-person, such as chapters or affiliates, as well as online platforms).
• Vision for scaling infrastructure while preserving a personalized touch.

You will be responsible for Team Development & Organizational Growth (20%)

Based on the availability of resources, you will build and lead a high-performing program and membership team that may be composed of staff, contractors, and/or volunteers and paid interns. Create a supportive internal culture that encourages innovation, professional growth, and shared ownership. Adapt to evolving needs with a growth mindset, positioning the team to deliver impactful work in a shifting nonprofit landscape. You will bring:

• Experience managing or mentoring others in dynamic, mission-driven settings.
• Comfort with change as a driver for opportunity and transformation.
• Ability to align team structure with strategic goals and long-term sustainability.

You will be responsible for Data, Storytelling & Continuous Improvement (10%)

You will develop and maintain feedback loops to gather insights from members and program participants. Track key performance indicators to assess satisfaction, growth, and impact. Partner with the communications and fundraising teams to amplify success stories and connect program impact to broader narratives. Use data and storytelling to inform decisions, attract support, and build understanding across audiences. You will bring:

• Comfortablility using data to inform strategy and refine tactics.
• Instinct for storytelling that communicates value and motivates action.
• Ability to connect program needs and outcomes with fundraising efforts.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in program management, membership engagement, community building, or a related field, preferably within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success in launching, managing, and scaling a program or initiative, focusing on engagement and retention.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities, set timelines, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire, persuade, and clearly articulate program value.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, data analytics, and digital engagement tools to manage and enhance membership experiences.
• A commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring the program is accessible and welcoming to diverse communities and scale programs.

Keys to Success

• You make things happen. This role is about turning ideas and materials into action and fully realized, mature programs. You thrive on momentum, problem-solving, and adapting to new challenges.
• You balance strategy with execution. You get into the details to ensure programs run smoothly, and you can step back and see the big picture of how they contribute to the mission.
• You’re a relationship builder. Engaging a longtime supporter or welcoming a brand-new member creates meaningful connections that inspire commitment and enthusiasm.
• You embrace feedback and continuous improvement. You recognize that launching something new means learning along the way, and you proactively seek opportunities to refine and strengthen the program.
• You bring energy and purpose. Your passion for the mission is contagious, and you know how to rally others around a shared vision of impact.

Salary

The salary range for this position for 40 hours is between $85,000 and $95,000 annually.

Comprehensive benefits package including:

• Employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care
• 403(b) retirement plan with optional employee contributions
• Company-paid life insurance
• Access to voluntary benefits, including Aflac supplemental insurance, Nationwide pet insurance, and LegalShield legal services

How to Apply

This is a rare opportunity to bring a well-structured idea to life, shaping valuable programs and a membership community that will strengthen Fund the People’s reach, impact, and sustainability, and that will improve the nonprofit sector significantly. If you’re excited by the challenge of building something meaningful, we’d love to hear from you!

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter here on our Careers Website. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Fund the People is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

This is a remote position; however, we prefer candidates based in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Boston, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia. Candidates located outside of this region must be able to travel to the Mid-Atlantic on a quarterly basis.

Fiscally Sponsored by Community Partners

Fund the People is fiscally sponsored by Community Partners®, which provides tax-exempt status and operational support, allowing Fund the People to focus on its mission while ensuring financial stewardship and compliance.

Community Partners® is an equal-opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring requirements.