Membership Director

If you are seeking a high-visibility, relationship-centered role in the Michigan startup ecosystem and are excited about turning a compelling vision into real-world momentum, read on!

About Michigan Founders Fund

Michigan Founders Fund is the leading statewide network for high-growth founders and investors. We are composed of more than 150 founder and investor members who commit 1% equity or carry to a philanthropic fund that supports Michigan’s social sector. Focused on building a thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem, members represent a wide range of demographics and regions across the state. To support our mission, we design and implement founder-first programming to further relationship-building, startup advancement, and community impact, while coordinating statewide initiatives in talent development and ecosystem-building. 

We operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a start-up culture, and we are excited to be growing quickly. We are a committed team united by a passion for uplifting high-growth startup founders that represent the state’s demographics as well as giving back to our local communities. 

To learn more please visit www.michiganfoundersfund.org or find us on LinkedIn.

About the Role

The Membership Director oversees founder and investor engagement, including member recruitment, retention, programming, communication, and satisfaction. They will develop strategies and infrastructure to grow membership, enhance member experiences, and ensure that the membership program supports the goals and mission of our organization. This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to analyze data to drive improvements.

Responsibilities:  

• Co-design and build a scalable network model to engage high-growth founders and investors from across the state of Michigan to facilitate connections within the innovation ecosystem.
• Manage member recruiting, placements, and commitments for member pledge process and represent members and the organization at networking events, competitions, and ecosystem activities across Michigan.
• Problem-solve issues for members and connect them to resources.
• Co-design, co-implement, and manage membership and ecosystem programming aligned with organizational strategy for growth and impact.
• Develop and iterate the right mix of virtual and in-person events, which engage and connect members in addition to supporting the team in major statewide programming. 
• Collect and maintain accurate, updated member and ecosystem data to help collaborate on elevating founder stories and innovation opportunities externally through strategic social media, email, blogs, and other communication platforms.
• Track member information, program-level goals, and metrics through CRM.

About You:

• Prior experience in a startup ecosystem preferably in Michigan is required.
• Experience in tech companies or a high growth industry is highly preferred.
• Experience in membership or volunteer associations, managing membership or volunteer processes and leading member engagement efforts is a plus.
• Proven experience in developing effective partnerships and collaborations. 
• Executive-level ability for strategic planning, programming and oversight.
• Strong commitment to building inclusive opportunities for all.
• Effective project management skills.

Work Environment & Travel

This position occasionally requires work beyond typical business hours when necessary to participate in events or meet deadlines.

This new Director role is estimated to begin by early summer of 2025. This is a full-time position and is hybrid/remote-based (within the state of MI) with the requirement to travel to work with team members in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other regions of MI as needed. 

This position is salaried with health insurance benefits, 401(k), annual travel and professional development stipend, and generous PTO.

Michigan Founders Fund is committed to building a diverse workforce with an inclusive work environment, encompassing every level of the organization. MFF is an equal opportunity employer regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national or ethnic origin, physical or mental ability, race, region, sexual orientation, or veteran status.