Director of Membership Operations

Job Description

Job Description

WABE informs, inspires, reflects and empowers greater Atlanta. Formally called Atlanta Educational Telecommunications Collaborative, Inc. (AETC), WABE is a non-profit, public media service and NPR and PBS affiliate for metro Atlanta and presents content via WABE90.1FM, WABE TV, WABE.org and numerous podcasts and digital offerings. For more information on the content, programming and opportunities, please visit

Director of Membership Operations

Reporting to the EVP of Membership, the Director of Membership Operations is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of all membership operations functions, including gift processing, data management, reporting, and operational systems. This role ensures that donor contributions are processed accurately and that all membership systems and workflows effectively support WABE’s multichannel fundraising efforts, which include radio, television, podcasts, digital platforms, direct mail, email, targeted advertising, telephone, texting, and other strategies designed to retain and deepen donor relationships.

The successful candidate will bring expertise in fundraising operations, data analytics and reporting, prospect research, and project management. They should be highly proficient with the Microsoft Office suite and possess experience in CRM administration, gift processing, reconciliation, and process improvement. Additional desirable qualifications include financial management experience, familiarity with nonprofit or media environments, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments to support organizational and fundraising objectives.

Accountabilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for Membership Operations, including oversight of the Operations Manager and all operational functions.
• Optimize workflows, processes, and technology platforms to ensure efficient, high quality day to day operations across the department.
• Oversee service delivery to ensure consistent, accurate, and donor centric interactions across all operational touchpoints.
• Break down departmental silos and ensure Membership Operations is fully aligned with organizational goals, fundraising strategy, and cross departmental priorities.
• Lead reporting, metrics analysis, and compliance with industry standards, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of gift processing—including cash handling, gift and pledge entry, transaction adjustments, imports, and reconciliations—while upholding industry best practices and WABE specific gift policies.
• Guide the entry and maintenance of donor interests, attributes, and segmentation data to support targeted fundraising and marketing initiatives.
• Integrate prospect research into membership operations by ensuring that donor profiles, giving histories, research insights, and wealth indicators are accurately maintained and utilized to support major giving, planned giving, and membership strategies.
• Partner with fundraising colleagues to provide prospecting support, including identifying potential donors, tracking engagement activity, and preparing research reports that strengthen cultivation and stewardship efforts.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance gift processing and prospect data procedures to improve accuracy, efficiency, and strategic opportunity identification.
• Apply knowledge of membership giving levels, campaigns, and special donor programs to ensure proper attribution, coding, and reporting of gifts.
• Partner closely with Finance and other internal teams to reconcile all gifts, confirm receipt of wire and stock transfers, and resolve discrepancies.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues or data inconsistencies that may impact timely gift processing, donor acknowledgment, or prospect research integrity.
• Perform additional leadership responsibilities assigned to support organizational and departmental objectives.

Qualifications:

• Strong ability to lead, mentor, and align teams with company goals.
• Capacity to translate business goals into actionable, efficient operational plans.
• Effective interpersonal skills to collaborate with departments and stakeholders.
• Experience with CRM software, data management systems, current computer technology and software, including Microsoft Office, Outlook, CRMs, and the internet.
• Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and possesses a strong desire to achieve, with the ability to be a self-starter.
• Exhibits a positive, professional demeanor with careful attention to detail, propriety, and confidentiality.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency when issues arise.
• Demonstrates proven ability to troubleshoot and work with vendors to swiftly resolve issues.
• Manages multiple tasks while meeting deadlines, with impeccable time management skills.
• Capable of working independently as well as in a team environment.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Individuals may need to sit or stand as needed. May require walking primarily on a level surface for periodic periods throughout the day. Reaching above shoulder heights, below the waist or lifting as required (up to 5 lbs.), filing documents or store materials throughout the workday. Proper lifting techniques required. For the most part ambient room temperatures, lighting and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.