Head of Membership

ROLE OVERVIEW

You will be a passionate and ambitious leader with the skills, knowledge and experience to drive Membership retention and growth whilst listening to our diverse membership base to understand the areas that are important to them to help us to support their specific needs in their areas.

You will have a dynamic approach with the ability to combine business development, relationship management, stakeholder engagement and operational oversight to ensure that RLSS UK’s membership thrives and aligns with our purpose, mission and vision.

RLSS UK members include Lifesavers, Lifeguards, Licence to Operate Members, Lifesaving Academy members, Honorary Members and Staff.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regular communications and support to branches and lifesaving clubs
• Engage with our members to understand their needs and future opportunities to support their roles in their communities and beyond
• Conduct research and horizon scan for new opportunities for our members
• Conduct research to identify and understand potential new members and opportunities to support growth and meet need
• Conduct research to identify and connect with relevant external stakeholders
• Drive new membership onboarding, ensuring a seamless and effective experience
• Ensure clubs achieve and maintain the appropriate accreditation in line with RLSS UK requirements, policies and processes
• Develop an annual plan of community engagement and roadshows with members and non-members to raise awareness of the work of RLSS UK and our members, to recruit new members and share water safety and drowning prevention education and campaigns
• Ensure clear and concise processes are in place to support membership experience, retention and growth
• Work collaboratively with all RLSS UK teams to raise awareness of our awards and qualifications offer. Collaborate to adapt offerings based on member feedback and emerging industry trends
• Develop tailored marketing materials to support our membership offer and recruit new members.
• Represent RLSS UK in meetings with key stakeholders and to share outcomes and impact to further the society’s purpose, mission and vision.
• Respond to membership queries and provide an excellent service together with timely responses
• Support the implementation, update and oversight of the CRM system to improve member engagement tracking and data management.
• Manage data collection processes, including compliance requirements of membership criteria
• Support the development of thought leadership pieces, contributing to annual reports and ensure high-quality written outputs
• Support the planning, organising and execution of events, including membership forums and conferences ensuring seamless delivery and high attendee satisfaction
• Support the development and refinement of directorate strategies
• Lead and deliver an annual membership survey and analysis to produce meaningful feedback
• Ensure that all membership processes and policies are up to date
• Attend the RLSS UK Sports Committee
• Assist with the implementation of the Lifesaving Sport Strategy, and support the growth in participation in Lifesaving Sport events
• Work closely with the Volunteering Team, particularly in relation to volunteers within RLSS UK branches and clubs
• Actively develop initiatives that broaden the demographic diversity of the RLSS UK membership

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead on and support ad hoc projects as required
• Contribute to the successful operation of the charity by undertaking such other tasks as may from time to time be required including all other duties reasonably associated with your role, as directed by the Line Manager.
• Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 by complying with internal information governance policies and maintaining up-to-date documentation as part of RLSS UK’s compliance programme.
• To demonstrate and uphold the Society’s values and behavioural standards at all times.
• To help create an inclusive working environment where diversity is valued, everyone can contribute, and everyday actions ensure we meet our duty to uphold and promote equality.

This job description is not to be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. It is intended as an outline indication of areas of activity and responsibility and will be amended in light of the changing needs of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• At least 10+ years’ experience in a Membership role
• Significant experience of working at a leadership role level ideally in a membership organisation
• Demonstrable experience of positively interacting, engaging and influencing at all levels including with senior management and external stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience of membership retention and acquisition
• Demonstrable experience of successfully pitching new approaches to prospective members, ideally in a membership organisation
• Demonstrable experience of delivering member-focused solutions within a membership organisation
• Excellent communication, engagement and interpersonal skills
• Excellent presentation, listening and negotiation skills
• Proficiency in CRM software and MS Office applications
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for the role including occasional evenings and weekends

Desirable Relevant Experience, Skills and/or Aptitudes

• Knowledge and understanding of RLSS UK
• Skilled income generator with experience in achieving income targets, possibly with a previous account management background or experience of a similar B2B membership
• Understanding and experience of the application of safeguarding laws

WHAT RLSS UK CAN OFFER YOU

RLSS UK is a national Charity based in Worcester, and we offer great staff benefits including –

• Annual Leave based on 27 days + Bank Holidays + a discretionary day off for your birthday
• Private Medical Scheme*
• Enhanced Society Sick Pay*
• Eye Care*
• Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Howdens Sports Benefits/Perks at Work
• Free RLSS UK Membership
• Free tea and coffee when working from HQ, including access to our wonderful Coffee Machine
• Free on-site parking when working from HQ
• Company Events and more!

*Subject to eligibility criteria

YOUR APPLICATION

Please send your CV along with a Cover Letter outlining why you should be our next Head of Membership

Closing Date – 11.59pm, Sunday 1st March 2026

Interview Date – First Round Interviews scheduled for 18/19th March 2026, at our Worcester Head Office (subject to change)

Should you wish to discuss the role, any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process, or have any questions, please get in touch where a member of the RLSS UK HR Department will be happy to help.

RLSS UK are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and an INclusive Worcestershire Leader.