Downtown Engagement and Membership Manager

Position Summary:

The Downtown Engagement & Membership Manager is primarily a relationship builder and advocate for the Downtown Fargo business community within the Downtown Community Partnership (DCP). This role combines strategic relationship management with membership development and event coordination to foster a thriving and collaborative Downtown ecosystem. The successful candidate will work closely with downtown businesses to strengthen connections, create joint opportunities, and enhance the vibrancy and economic sustainability of Downtown Fargo.

By focusing on building trust and meaningful relationships, this role ensures that businesses feel supported, valued, and connected, which drives both membership growth and the success of DCP events. The Downtown Engagement & Membership Manager is also key in onboarding new members, welcoming new businesses, and supporting joint initiatives that elevate the Downtown experience.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Member Engagement and Relationship Building:

• Serve as a primary point of contact for Downtown Fargo businesses, acting as a trusted partner and advocate for their needs within the DCP and the larger community.
• Build and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with business owners, investors, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and engagement.
• Facilitate introductions and partnerships among downtown businesses to encourage joint marketing, collaboration, and mutual growth.
• Welcome new businesses to Downtown Fargo by offering guidance, introducing them to the DCP’s services, and ensuring a seamless transition into the community.
• Be a consistent presence within the downtown community by visiting businesses, attending events, and engaging with members regularly to strengthen trust and relationships.

Member Growth & Retention:

• Lead recruitment efforts to attract new members by identifying and engaging potential businesses, articulating the value of DCP membership, and securing commitments.
• Design and implement a comprehensive membership engagement plan to increase retention and satisfaction among current members.
• Follow up on membership dues and assist with billing inquiries as needed.
• Work with the Executive Director to identify larger investor-level members and develop tailored engagement strategies to strengthen these high-value partnerships.

Event Coordination & Collaboration

• Act as a key collaborator with the Events Manager for larger community events (e.g., the Street Fair and parades), ensuring business participation is maximized and aligned with event goals.
• Coordinate events with member-businesses such as the Window Wonderland and Coffee & Cocoa Crawl, managing logistics, participant outreach, and post-event follow-up.
• Foster collaboration between businesses to ensure successful joint marketing and shared success in events and initiatives.
• Represent the DCP at Downtown events, meetings, and public forums to increase visibility and engagement with members and the broader community.

Membership Strategy, Analytics, & Communication

• Utilize NOVI CRM to strategically manage and maintain accurate membership records, track engagement and participation trends, and oversee invoicing and membership renewals. Ensure data integrity and develop actionable insights to inform decision-making. Incorporate tools such as Artificial Intelligence (e.g., ChatGPT) and automation platforms like Zapier to streamline processes, enhance member communication, and improve operational efficiency.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to develop and implement membership strategies that align with DCP’s broader goals, including revenue targets, community engagement, and business retention. Regularly provide high-level updates on membership metrics, engagement efforts, and financial contributions to guide organizational priorities.
• Create compelling membership recruitment and retention materials that align with DCP's strategic messaging. Collaborate on the development of engaging social media content, website updates, and newsletter features to highlight the value of membership and promote DCP initiatives.
• Analyze and report key performance indicators such as membership growth, event outcomes, and engagement trends to ensure the DCP remains responsive to the needs of Downtown businesses. Develop strategic insights to continuously improve membership offerings and engagement strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field preferred. Equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
• Strong networking skills with a proven ability to build and maintain meaningful, productive relationships.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Event planning experience, particularly with business-to-business and collaborative marketing initiatives, is highly preferred.
• A self-starter with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM systems, and other tools for tracking membership and event data.

Key Attributes

• Passion for Downtown Fargo: A deep commitment to the growth and success of Downtown Fargo, with a genuine interest in community-building and supporting local businesses.
• Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including business leaders, community partners, and volunteers.
• Sales and Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate the value of DCP membership and engage business leaders in meaningful conversations.
• Project Management: Organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Tech-Savvy: Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, QuickBooks Online, and social media platforms. Willingness to learn and adapt to emerging technologies.
• Team Player: Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a small, dynamic team environment.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working flexible hours, including some nights and weekends, particularly during major events and initiatives.

Benefits and Compensation:

• The expected salary will be commensurate with experience, starting at $54,000
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Reserved parking spot in a secure and temperature-controlled inside lot.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Professional development & travel opportunities.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the vibrancy of Downtown Fargo.

Who’s the Downtown Community Partnership (DCP)?

The Downtown Community Partnership (DCP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the vibrancy, economic vitality, and cultural richness of Downtown Fargo. Our mission is to serve as a dynamic force that advocates for our business community, enhances the quality of life for residents, and draws visitors to our downtown core. We focus on cultivating a thriving downtown ecosystem where businesses, residents, and visitors can flourish. We accomplish this through strategic events, business advocacy, and collaboration with public and private stakeholders.