Membership Associate

A Day in the Life

Reporting to the Membership and Development Operations Manager, this position supports the day-to-day activities of membership and development. As Membership Associate, you assist with administrative responsibilities, logging and processing a high volume of mailed donations, and scanning back-up materials for gift entry. You are responsible for accurately entering and maintaining membership and donor data, including processing membership acknowledgments. Additionally, you will manage the membership email inbox, providing exceptional service to members and distributing inquiries/requests to key staff, as necessary. Finally, this role contributes to the overall success of the Development Department through assistance with events and special projects.

As an integral part of a close-knit team that values communication and collective problem-solving, you will have the opportunity to learn and understand nonprofit development and membership management. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong attention to detail and database proficiency.

This non-exempt, full-time (40 hours per week) position, reports to the Membership and Development Operations Manager.

The Team

We love native plants and more importantly, we love talking about plants to encourage and cultivate support for our mission! We are fortunate to have a diverse development team including folks just starting out and experienced development professionals. All of us understand that our interactions and relationships with our guests, members, and constituents build our support base – we create native plant enthusiasts and consequently, future donors! You will join an amazing team.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with all aspects of a robust membership program.
• Perform administrative and office support activities for membership.
• Log incoming daily gifts related to membership, contributions and/or events received by mail.
• Create daily memberships batches to Raiser’s Edge, deposit files, and weekly stewardship report files to associated email lists.
• Accurately process and record high volume of gifts by check and credit card adhering to Garden confidentiality and PCI compliance policies.
• Scan gift documentation materials for gift entry and digital record keeping.
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge NXT database to maintain up to date records.
• Monitor department supplies and order as necessary with approval from Membership and Development Operations Manager.
• Monitor membership email inbox, resolve assigned Member Support Tickets, respond to inquiries, and distribute as necessary for other fulfillment requests.
• Manage employee complimentary membership program in coordination with Membership and Development Operations Manager.
• Oversee creation, printing, and mailing of physical membership packets for new and renewing members.
• Generate and distribute digital membership cards.
• Manage Gift of Membership Certificate purchases, redemption, and recording of return certificates.
• Provide exceptional customer service to members and donors through phone, email, written, and face-to-face communication effectively resolving any member-related issues.
• Coordinate printing and mailing membership gift acknowledgement letters.
• Assist with Development events, Garden-wide events, exhibitions, and projects as needed, including occasional evening and weekend hours.

You Must Be Able To:

• Closely and expertly proof correspondence to ensure it is error free.
• Seek clarification when needed and respond well to questions.
• Manage difficult or emotional customer situations, respond promptly to customer needs and requests for service and assistance..
• Multi-task and manage time to meet deadlines, priorities, and commitments. Notify appropriate team members with alternate plans when needed..
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Listen to others without interrupting and remain professional at all times.
• Obtain Raiser’s Edge NXT Fundamentals certification within 2 months of employment.
• Follow instructions, respond to management direction, and take responsibility for your actions.
• Work in a fast-paced environment that requires quick turnaround and flexibility.
• Work independently and as part of a team to further the goals of the organization.
• Occasionally work weekends and evenings.
• Lift and carry 20 lbs., bend squat, walk stairs, and the SBBG trails.
• Stand/walk for up to 2 hours at a time, and using a computer or phone for lengthy periods.

You Will Definitely Need

• Bachelor’s degree or 3 years' equivalent work experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with an emphasis on Excel.
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail..
• A professional personal presentation.
• Excellent organizational skills and excellent proofreading skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good attendance and punctuality. Ensure work responsibilities are covered when absent.
• A valid California driver’s license

It Would Be Nice If You Had

• Experience in database and/or non-profit office administration.
• Minimum 1 year of Raiser’s Edge NXT database data entry/management experience.
• Fluency in Spanish.
• Public garden or museum experience.

More About Us

The Garden is a beautiful place to work! And in this role, you are often outdoors. In addition to beautiful views, outdoor work environments also include exposure to extreme temperature fluctuations, rain, dust, allergens, poison oak, insects, small wild animals, and sun exposure.

Disclaimer

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.