19051 - Member Engagement Coordinator

The North Carolina Arboretum is seeking a versatile and people-centered Member Engagement Coordinator to support membership goals and cultivate a thriving community of donors. This key role within the Development Department assists with all aspects of a fast-paced, deadline-focused membership program, from event coordination and stewardship to acquisition and renewal campaigns.

The Member Engagement Coordinator will elevate membership program visibility, assist with revenue-generating initiatives, execute engaging events, and champion exceptional member and volunteer experiences that deepen connections and drive growth. Ideal candidates have experience in working with fundraising initiatives in non-profit environments, are collaborative team members with strong detail-oriented, organizational and communication skills, have a genuine passion for the visitor experience, and a vision for building a mission-driven membership program that fosters lasting relationships between members and the Arboretum. Interested applicants should have experience with membership program structures and knowledge of Tessitura or similar donor databases. The applicant should possess excellent relationship-building and outreach skill sets, digital marketing literacy and have successful project management experience. The hiring range for the position is $40,000-$48,000

Reporting to the Membership Manager and working within the Development Department, the Member Engagement Coordinator serves as a key connector between members, volunteers, cross-departmental staff, and external audiences. This role advances the stewardship of The North Carolina Arboretum Society (TNCAS) membership base through the following areas of responsibility:

Event Planning and Coordination
Plan, coordinate, and execute a calendar of annual member events, including elevated experiences for upper-level members. Responsibilities encompass all aspects of event logistics - securing venues, arranging rentals and permits, developing themes and decor concepts, coordinating publicity, managing speaker and entertainment schedules, conducting vendor outreach, overseeing invitations and guest registration, and recruiting and directing volunteers for event-specific roles. Member events are essential to the overall engagement strategy.

Project and Program Support
Manage multiple program initiatives simultaneously, adhering to production and delivery timelines for membership cards and ensuring prompt, accurate acknowledgment of member contributions. Develop workflows and collaborate across departments to support member benefit fulfillment, payment processing, and communication schedules. Lead outreach campaigns designed to diversify and grow the membership base. Serve as a knowledgeable resource for both the public and current members - providing detailed program information, troubleshooting recurring and unique situations, and guiding prospective members through the process of becoming engaged participants.

Fundraising and Development
Maintain a thorough understanding of membership tiers, member benefits, and the gift acknowledgment process, and recognize how member engagement connects to the broader development pipeline. This role requires a genuine commitment to delivering exceptional service - particularly for upper-level members, whose experience is critical to long-term retention and organizational support. The Member Engagement Coordinator will cultivate lasting relationships with members and volunteers, navigate conflict resolution when needed, and apply best practices in donor stewardship and volunteer management.

Data and CRM Management
Utilize Tessitura Network or comparable customer relationship management (CRM) software to process memberships and maintain accurate member records. Support acquisition and renewal campaigns and assist the Philanthropy Team with donor stewardship and pipeline management. This role requires a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail across all data entry and database quality control functions. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, email marketing platforms, and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion are required.

Communication and Outreach
Apply strong written and verbal communication skills to craft messaging for diverse audiences and build partnerships with external community stakeholders. Utilize digital communication platforms and basic graphic design tools to develop materials for programs and campaigns. Represent the Arboretum at outreach events held both on-site and in the broader community, bringing membership expertise to public-facing settings.

Volunteer Engagement
Engage regularly with volunteers trained for membership-specific roles. Responsibilities may include recruiting, onboarding, training, and retaining volunteers who support the work of the membership program.

Ad Hoc Duties
As situations arise, other duties will be assigned to this role as necessary. The Member Engagement Coordinator is expected to work with all Arboretum program areas to ensure a smooth membership experience.

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden affiliated with the University of North Carolina featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits, educational activities, and plant-centered research and economic development programs.
The North Carolina Arboretum Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Arboretum's mission of cultivating connections between people and plants through membership, individual, foundation, and corporate giving programs, retail operations, volunteer programs, marketing, fee-based educational programs, exhibits, and green events.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Skills
Graduation from college in a related field (marketing, communications, hospitality, etc.) from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.

Preferred Education, Experience, and Skills

Competitive candidates will offer three/five or more years of membership-focused experience, ideally within development programs emphasizing acquisition, retention and revenue growth; familiarity with public gardens or similar mission-based organizations is strongly preferred.

• Classification: University Program Associate
• Position Competency Level: Journey
• Position Number: 19051 - Member Engagement Coordinator
• Employment Type: SHRA
  
• Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-Time
• Recruitment Salary Range: 40000-48000
  
• Location: 100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806 USA
• Posting Open Date: 4/21/2026
• Posting Close Date: 5/4/2026

EEO
The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To claim veteran's preference, all eligible persons must indicate their eligibility as requested on the application. A DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, may be required later in the selection process.

The UNC System Office (includes PBS NC, NCSEAA, and NC Arboretum) participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Human Resources Contact Information
Applicants needing assistance with the application process are asked to contact: recruiter@northcarolina.edu.