The Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking an energetic, relationship-focused Membership & Events Manager to help strengthen the Chamber’s connection with the business community.

This role is responsible for supporting, retaining, engaging and growing Chamber membership while leading the planning and execution of high-quality member events and programs. The Membership & Events Manager serves as a key point of contact for members, helping businesses connect with Chamber resources, build relationships and maximize the value of their membership.

The successful candidate will be a strong communicator and organizer who enjoys meeting people, building relationships, marketing programs and turning ideas into action.

Most importantly, this is a working manager position. Success requires someone who is equally comfortable developing an event strategy, welcoming a new member, creating a promotional email, making follow-up calls, setting up an event and rolling up their sleeves to make sure the details get done.

Key Responsibilities

Membership Engagement & Retention

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Chamber members, serving as an accessible and responsive resource.
• Develop meaningful connections with members to better understand their businesses, priorities and needs, utilizing that information to drive engagement.
• Lead member onboarding and help new members understand and take advantage of Chamber benefits, programs and opportunities.
• Proactively engage members throughout the year to encourage participation and strengthen the value of their membership.
• Track member engagement and coordinate member retention efforts, including outreach to members approaching renewal and members who may be less engaged.
• Proactively identify opportunities to connect members with Chamber programs, events, marketing opportunities and one another.
• Monitor member feedback and engagement to identify opportunities for new or improved programs and services.
• Maintain accurate and timely membership information within the Chamber’s database/CRM.

Membership Growth

• Develop and execute strategies to grow Chamber membership.
• Identify, engage and track prospective members throughout the Elgin-area business community.
• Conduct outreach to prospective members through phone, email, networking, referrals and community engagement ultimately growing new membership.
• Communicate the value of Chamber membership clearly and confidently to businesses of varying sizes and industries. Promote member benefits, success stories and opportunities throughout the year.
• Follow up on membership leads and inquiries and help move prospects from initial conversation to membership.
• Identify opportunities for current members to serve as Chamber ambassadors, committee members and referral sources.
• Represent the Chamber at community and business events, building relationships with prospective and current members.

Events & Programs

• Plan, coordinate and execute Chamber events and member programs from concept through completion.
• Manage event logistics including venues, registration, food and beverage, speakers, sponsors, vendors, materials and on-site execution.
• Develop event timelines, checklists and communication plans to ensure programs are well organized and professionally delivered.
• Work collaboratively with Chamber staff, volunteers, sponsors and community partners on event development and execution.
• Cultivate sponsor relationships and assist in securing event sponsorships and other revenue opportunities.
• Manage event registration and attendee communications.
• Provide hands-on event support, including setup, check-in, troubleshooting and breakdown as needed.
• Evaluate event participation and member feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and future programming.
• Help develop new programs and events that respond to emerging member needs and interests.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
• Professional experience in membership, customer/member relations, events, marketing, communications, business development, hospitality, nonprofit organizations or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in building relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and project-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience coordinating events, programs or projects.
• Experience with marketing communications, including email, social media and/or digital content.
• Comfortable initiating conversations, networking and developing new professional relationships.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Demonstrated proficiency with common business technology and the ability to independently learn and effectively use CRM, event platforms, email marketing and other digital tools.
• Ability to work occasional early mornings, evenings or other hours associated with Chamber events.

Preferred

• Experience using a membership CRM or association management system.
• Experience with email marketing and social media management tools.
• Experience with member/customer retention, sales or business development.
• Familiarity with the Elgin-area business community is a plus.

To submit your resume, please send to info@elginchamber.com. Include a cover letter and salary range requirements.