DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Birch Aquarium at Scripps aquarium.ucsd.edu is a non-profit exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The aquarium showcases over 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates. The interactive museum features research discoveries by Scripps scientists and engages visitors of all ages.

Our goal is to promote conservation efforts that protect our ocean planet. We educate visitors on how our world works and inspire them to become stewards of the planet. Our conservation efforts are based on scientific research, and we aim to connect people with nature and with a shared sense of responsibility to care for our planet Earth.

Location: 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.

• The Birch Aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during seasonal hours when it is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Membership Manager for the Birch Aquarium at Scripps is responsible for maintaining and improving the membership program. Under direction from the Director of Guest Services, they will create, implement, and evaluate membership initiatives, manage budgets, and organize membership events to maximize member participation in Aquarium programs and activities.

Collaboration with direct mail consultants to develop membership and solicitation strategies is essential. Analyzing membership demographics, working closely with the Marketing team, and overseeing the design and updating of the membership's webpage, web store, and monthly communications are also key responsibilities.

This position manages membership data & fulfillment, coordinates & trains staff, and secures donations. Collaboration with the Guest Services Manager and Guest Services Technology/Database Coordinator is vital to successfully achieving goals. This includes leading membership campaigns, managing collateral material/operational purchases, overseeing membership communication, and pulling data to deliver regular reports. The Membership Manager provides analysis and information on complex results & activities, makes recommendations to upper management, and achieves Guest Services' overarching goals by enhancing the aquarium's guest experience. Maintaining database integrity, reviewing membership transactions, and providing coaching on best practices for staff are crucial tasks.

The role involves identifying, cultivating, and stewarding members/donors. Supports philanthropic efforts by acting as a liaison between the aquarium and SIO Development staff. Investigating and resolving member experience issues, maintaining relationships with relevant teams to ensure compliance with university protocols, and giving work direction to the Group Sales Program Manager and Guest Services support staff are also part of the responsibilities.

Designing, organizing, and implementing special events; managing membership budgets; planning program activities; providing leadership; and preparing reports and presentations are key functions of this role. Developing strategies, participating in strategic planning, working to grow the Aquarium’s membership program, seeking support from stakeholders, and conducting program reviews to align with industry trends and shared goals are also important.

Support duties involve assisting the Director of Guest Services with special projects and administrative tasks. Providing leadership for the Guest Services unit in partnership with the Guest Services Manager when the Director is unavailable is necessary. Serves as a member of the Guest Services Duty Manager team, a role which requires demonstrating proactive leadership, independent judgment, creative problem-solving, diplomacy, professional communication, exceptional customer service, and a solid understanding of aquarium policies. Duty Managers represent Guest Services by overseeing daily operations, handling emergencies, participating in committees, and serving as an ambassador for the aquarium.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrate experience with membership in an Aquarium, Zoo, Museum type setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Thorough working knowledge of membership programs, fundraising, donor relations, and public engagement best practices.

• Thorough knowledge of University rules and regulations, processes, protocols and procedures for budget, accounting and fund management, and / or personnel management.

• Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, persuasiveness, advising and counseling skills.

• Knowledge of a variety of administrative operational activities such as event planning, basic fundraising processes, risk management planning, website design, accounting and payroll, and contracts and grants regulations and guidelines.

• Solid knowledge of common University-specific computer application programs.

• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality.

• Strong skills in short-term planning, analysis, problem-solving, and customer service.

• Thorough knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques, and / or human resources policies and procedures for staff and academic employees.

• Proven track record of successful in-person interactions with the public, command of technology & databases, good time/project management, and highly skilled at inspiring & counseling team members.

SPECIAL CONDITION

• The Birch Aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except during seasonal hours when it is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day.

• Must be able to work holidays, weekends, evening events, and overtime as needed.

• The immediate supervisor will determine this position's schedule and include at least one weekend day.

• Job offer is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Duties may require direct contact with children (defined as individuals under the age of 18); completion of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA) training will be required. Must meet CANRA compliance requirements per the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act ("CANRA," Penal Code sections 11164-11174.4).