CILIP
Director of Membership
Salary: £75,000 per annum for London-based candidates; £70,200 for candidates based outside London
Working Pattern: Full-time, 35 hours per week (part-time or flexible working patterns may be considered)
Location: Remote, with regular travel across the UK
Contract: Permanent
Atkinson HR Consulting is pleased to be supporting CILIP, the UK’s library and information association, in the recruitment of its next Director of Membership.
CILIP represents over 8,000 members across the library, information and knowledge sectors. As the organisation enters a period of transformation, this is an exciting opportunity to reshape its membership offer, strengthen engagement and build a more sustainable future.
About the Role
As Director of Membership, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across membership, communities and partnerships, events and awards, communications and marketing, and customer services.
You will develop and deliver a membership strategy focused on reversing declining membership numbers and renewals, improving the member experience and driving sustainable growth. You will lead and develop multidisciplinary teams, strengthen relationships with volunteers and member networks, and use data and insight to ensure CILIP’s offer reflects what members value.
As a member of the Executive Team, you will contribute to the wider leadership of the organisation, balancing strategic priorities with financial sustainability and leading colleagues through a period of significant change.
About You
CILIP is looking for an experienced senior leader from a membership organisation, professional body, charity or similar environment, with a track record of growing membership, improving retention or increasing engagement.
You will bring strong commercial and financial judgement, experience of leading multidisciplinary teams and confidence in using data to inform decisions and improve performance. You will be comfortable working with volunteers, committees and senior stakeholders, and able to challenge established ways of working while bringing people with you.
Above all, you will be a collaborative and inclusive leader who shares CILIP’s commitment to social justice, intellectual freedom and evidence-based practice, and is passionate about the power of information, knowledge and libraries to change lives.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application form, answering the following questions:
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Why do you want to work at CILIP, and how do your values align with ours?
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Tell us about a time you grew or reshaped a membership or customer offer. What did you do, and what difference did it make?
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Tell us about your experience of leading a team through change or transformation. How did you maintain and improve performance, and what was the result?
Each response should be no more than 400 words.
For an informal conversation about the role or application proceess, please contact Nida Ashraf at Atkinson HR Consulting via nida@atkinsonhrconsulting.co.uk.
Key Dates
Closing date: Friday 13 November 2026 at 12noon
First interviews: Week commencing 23 November 2026 (remote)
Final interviews: Wednesday 9 December 2026 (in person)
Director of Membership at CILIP (Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals) employer: Atkinson HR
Belong is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in central Manchester that fosters collaboration and inclusivity. With a strong commitment to social cohesion and integration, employees benefit from generous annual leave, hybrid working arrangements, and enhanced family leave policies, all while contributing to meaningful community impact. The organisation prioritises employee growth and development, making it an ideal place for those passionate about creating positive change in society.
