Title: Member Relations Specialist

Location: Brookings, SD

Status: Full-Time • Exempt • Benefits Eligible
Work Schedule: Primarily 8am–5pm, with occasional evening and weekend involvement

Reports to: Director of Sales and Marketing   

Salary: $45,000 - $55,000 depending on qualifications experience, plus annual incentive bonus 

Build Relationships. Create Value. Grow Community Investment.

Brookings Regional Growth Alliance is seeking a relationship-focused professional to help grow and strengthen our network of members, sponsors, business partners, and community stakeholders.

This position serves as a key ambassador for the organization, helping businesses understand the value of supporting the organization mission and vision while fostering strong, long-term relationships. The Member Relations Specialist combines sales, customer service, and relationship management to grow membership, strengthen member retention, increase membership and sponsorship revenue, and enhance the overall member experience.

The ideal candidate enjoys meeting new people, building meaningful relationships, and helping businesses connect with opportunities that support their success and the success of the Brookings region.

What You’ll Do

Grow Membership & Strengthen Community Investment

• Identify, cultivate, and recruit prospective members and sponsors.
• Communicate the value and impact of the Growth Alliance membership, sponsorship, and opportunities to invest in the organization’s mission.
• Conduct outreach through meetings, networking events, calls, emails, and community engagement activities.
• Support efforts to grow membership, increase membership investment levels, strengthen sponsorship participation, and deepen member engagement.
• Assist in achieving annual goals related to membership growth, retention, sponsorship, and revenue.

Strengthen Member Relationships

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with current members, sponsors, and community stakeholders.
• Conduct regular outreach to understand member needs, identify opportunities, and ensure a positive member experience.
• Help connect members with programs, events, resources, and networking opportunities that provide value.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for member questions, concerns, and requests.

Support Retention & Member Success

• Manage membership renewal and retention activities.
• Monitor member engagement and identify opportunities to strengthen participation and satisfaction.
• Respond promptly and professionally to member inquiries and concerns.
• Resolve issues and challenges with professionalism, diplomacy, and a solutions-focused approach.

Collaborate Across the Organization

• Partner with team members to support membership, sponsorship, event, and community engagement initiatives.
• Maintain accurate membership, sponsorship, and engagement records within the organization's CRM system.
• Track outreach activities, membership trends, and engagement metrics.
• Assist with reporting and data collection to support membership growth and retention efforts.
• Represent BRGA at community events, programs, and business functions.

What We Are Looking For   

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in sales, business development, customer service, account management, membership organizations, fundraising, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships and establish credibility with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and follow through on commitments .
• Comfort initiating conversations, making outreach calls, and building new relationships. 
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with a CRM or membership management platform.
• Experience with membership organizations, chambers of commerce, economic development, tourism, nonprofit organizations, or business associations.
• Experience with sponsorship sales, fundraising, account management, or business development.
• Familiarity with the Brookings business community and regional economic development efforts.

Success in this Role Looks Like

• Growth in membership and membership investment levels.
• Strong member retention and satisfaction.
• Increased sponsorship participation and revenue.
• Meaningful engagement with members and community stakeholders.
• Timely resolution of member concerns and requests.
• Achievement of annual sales, retention, and relationship-building goals.

What We Offer

Benefits

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support our team members both professionally and personally, including:

• Employer-paid health insurance (Growth Alliance pays 85% of employee premiums).
• Dental and vision insurance.
• Employer-supported retirement plan.
• Paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Flexible work environment, with occasional evening or weekend event support.
• Opportunity to work in a mission-driven organization making a visible impact in the community.
• As part of our hiring process, final candidates will complete a standard post-offer background check.

Compensation

• Competitive base salary of $45,000 to $55,000 annually, based on qualifications and experience.
• Opportunity to earn an annual incentive bonus based on performance, including membership growth, retention, sponsorship development, and achievement of annual goals.

Why Join Growth Alliance?

At Brookings Regional Growth Alliance, you'll help strengthen the business community, support economic growth, and build meaningful relationships with leaders and organizations throughout the region.

If you enjoy connecting with people, helping businesses succeed, and being part of a mission-driven organization making a visible impact in the community, we'd love to hear from you.

Ready to Apply?

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