How to Become a Membership Liaison

In order to become a successful membership liaison in the shortest amount of time, you will need to earn a degree, develop a specialized skillset, and network via trade associations and professional organizations with those who have mastered the art of being a membership liaison. 

Education Requirements For Membership Liaisons

In order to rise to the top when competing for jobs as a membership liaison, you will want to earn at least an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Employers will almost always favor an individual who has endured the rigors of academia and been granted a degree over someone who has no such accomplishment. Although there are no degree programs specifically designed for membership liaisons, there are a number of associated degrees which will sparkle on your resume.

1. Hospitality Management

Degrees in hospitality management are relevant, especially for membership liaisons working in organizations such as clubs, resorts, or hospitality-focused associations.

2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 

Some universities offer courses or concentrations in CRM, which can provide knowledge and skills in managing customer relationships, data analysis, and communication strategies, all of which are relevant to membership management roles.

3. Public Relations

Public relations programs can provide skills in managing public perception, handling communications, and building relationships with various stakeholders, which are valuable for membership liaisons.

4. Marketing or Communications

Degrees in marketing or communications can provide skills in effective communication, promotional strategies, and building relationships with stakeholders, which are essential for membership liaisons.

5. Nonprofit Management

Many universities offer programs specifically focused on nonprofit management, which cover topics such as fundraising, volunteer management, and member engagement strategies.

6. Business Administration

A degree in business administration often covers topics such as marketing, management, communication, and customer relationship management, which are all relevant to the role of a membership liaison.

Develop Your Skillset

A membership liaison plays a crucial role in fostering positive relationships between an organization and its members, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of the organization. Begin today to develop the relevant skills to facilitate your growth into becoming a productive membership liaison. 

1. Learn How to Provide Superior Member Support 

Responding to inquiries, concerns, and requests from members in a timely and professional manner, is all part of being a membership liaison. Learn how to provide information about membership benefits, assist with account management, and address any issues or complaints.

2. Learn About Membership Recruitment and Retention

 Begin to learn the ins and outs of collaborating with marketing and membership teams to develop strategies for recruiting new members and retaining existing ones. This may involve creating promotional materials, organizing membership drives, and implementing retention initiatives.

3. Master Database Management

Learn how to manage accurate and up-to-date member databases, including contact information, membership status, and payment records, which ensures that the organization has a clear understanding of its membership base and can effectively communicate with members. Some of the current software you will need to familiarize yourself with are:

1. WildApricot

WildApricot offers a range of features for membership management, including member databases, event registration, online payments, and communication tools.

2. MemberClicks

MemberClicks provides membership management software tailored to associations, chambers of commerce, and other membership-based organizations. It offers features such as member directories, event management, and communication tools.

3. NeonCRM

NeonCRM is designed specifically for nonprofits and includes features for membership management, donor management, event registration, and fundraising.

4. YourMembership

YourMembership is a comprehensive membership management platform that offers features such as member databases, event management, online communities, and marketing tools.

5. GrowthZone

GrowthZone offers membership management software with features such as member databases, event registration, invoicing, and communication tools.

6. Membee

Membee is a membership management software solution that includes features for member databases, event registration, online payments, and communication tools.

7. Zenbership

Zenbership is an open-source membership management software solution that offers features such as member databases, event management, invoicing, and email marketing.

1. Master Event Coordination 

Find an entry-level position at an event planning company to learn about planning and executing activities such as member events, conferences, workshops, and networking sessions. This may involve coordinating logistics, managing registrations, and providing support to attendees. 

2. Communications

Become an expert in communications, for example, do mock trial runs practicing disseminating information to “members” via various channels, such as email newsletters, social media, and online forums. Membership liaisons often play a key role in keeping members informed about upcoming events, relevant news, and organizational updates.

3. Learn About Feedback Collection

You will need to develop skills in soliciting feedback from members to gauge satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement. This may involve conducting surveys, hosting focus groups, or monitoring online discussions to gather insights from members.

4. Master Collaboration with Internal Teams

Begin to learn how to work closely with various departments within an organization, such as marketing, finance, and programming, to ensure alignment and coordination of efforts related to member engagement and satisfaction. Seek out accomplished membership liaisons and ask to shadow them for purposes of learning how to collaborate with other facets of the organization.

Research and Familiarize Yourself with Professional Organizations and Trade Associations

Networking is key to any industry hopeful. In their own words, here are the main trade associations and professional organizations with which you will want to become acquainted.

1. National Association of Professional Enrollment Specialists (NAPES)

“NAPES is an organization dedicated to providing professional development and networking opportunities for enrollment specialists, including those involved in membership recruitment and retention.”

2. Association for Talent Development (ATD)

“ATD is a professional organization focused on talent development and training. We offer resources and events related to customer service, communication, and organizational development.” These benefits are extremely relevant to the role of a membership liaison.

3. Customer Service Institute of America (CSIA)

“CSIA offers certification programs and resources for professionals in customer service roles, which can be beneficial for membership liaisons who are responsible for providing member support and engagement.”

4. Chartered Institute of Customer Relationship Management (CICRM)

“CICRM is a professional organization focused on customer relationship management, and offers resources and certifications related to customer service and relationship management” (all of which are relevant to the role of membership liaisons).

Job Outlook for Membership Liason

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (https://www.bls.gov/), Membership Liaisons have promising opportunities for the time period spanning 2022-2032. The field is growing by 6% per year, which is faster than the average growth rate. Government experts predict that each year over 25,800 openings for membership liaisons will become available (between 2022-2032), due to replacing those individuals who leave the profession, leave the work force and/or retire. Over the ten-year time span (2022-2032) it is projected that a total of 18,000 new membership liaison positions will be created. In 2022 there were 297,100 individuals working as membership liaisons. The median pay per year was $67,440, while the median hourly wage was $32.42. (As a reminder, the “median” amount is not an average, it is the middle value of a dataset. For the U.S. BLS definition go to: https://www.bls.gov/cps/definitions.htm#medianearnings).

By getting an education, developing a specialized skillset, and networking with those who are accomplished in the industry, you will be well on your way to becoming an in-demand and successful membership liaison!