Director of Membership & Sponsorship

Position: Director of Membership & Sponsorship

Reports to: Vice President of Development

Primary Function: Grow and strengthen Genesee Country Village & Museum’s membership and sponsorship revenue by leading the general membership program, cultivating mid-level donors, and securing corporate partnerships that support our programs and events.

Hours: Full-time;
Weekdays, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed, particularly during the Museum’s open season.

The Director of Membership & Sponsorship is a key fundraising position focused on building and strengthening relationships with individual and corporate supporters. Reporting to the Vice President of Development, this role leads the Museum’s membership program, cultivates mid-level donors from general membership and the Founder’s Circle, and secures corporate partnerships through memberships and sponsor ships. The Director also plays a significant role in donor cultivation and stewardship activities, including our annual signature event, The Whirl.

This is an exciting opportunity for a development professional who enjoys connecting with donors, building partnerships in the community, and creating meaningful experiences that deepen engagement with the Museum.

While some work may be completed remotely, regular onsite presence is essential to engage with the Museum’s programs, collaborate with colleagues, and build relationships with members, donors, and corporate partners. The mix of onsite and remote work may vary depending on experience, workload, and the Museum’s calendar of events.

• Identify, cultivate, and steward local, regional, and national corporate prospects to secure both restricted and unrestricted support.
• Develop and manage corporate membership and sponsorship opportunities that connect businesses with the Museum’s mission and audience.
• Build strong relationships with corporate partners through regular outreach, meetings, and recognition opportunities.
• Ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits and maintain accurate records of agreements and commitments.

• Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects giving up to $10,000 annually through General and Founder’s Circle memberships.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to strengthen engagement and increase annual giving.
• Conduct regular outreach through meetings, calls, tours, and personalized communication to deepen relationships with supporters.
• Identify donors with major gift potential and partner with the development team to transition those relationships when appropriate.
• Lead the Museum’s general membership program, including strategies for acquisition, renewal, retention, and upgrades.
• Work closely with the Development Coordinator to ensure timely and accurate processing of memberships, renewals, acknowledgements, and member communications.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Visitor Services teams to promote membership and enhance the member experience.
• Monitor membership trends and data to identify opportunities for growth and improved retention.

• Support donor cultivation through one‑on‑one meetings, tours, and special events.
• Plan and execute donor stewardship communications and engagement activities to deepen relationships and strengthen loyalty.
• Serve a key role in securing sponsor ships and supporting the planning and success of The Whirl, GCV&M’s annual signature fundraising event.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Minimum of five years of nonprofit fundraising, membership, partnership development, or related relationship‑driven roles, with demonstrated success in building donor or sponsor relationships and increasing support.
• Strong written and verbal communication, customer service, and prioritization skills, along with the ability to represent the Museum in public forums in a skilled and professional manner.
• Experience building relationships with a broad range of individuals, including donors, members, trustees, corporate…