Director, Membership Engagement and Growth – Western Region

Job description

OVERVIEW The National Grocers Association (NGA) is the national trade association for America’s 21,500 independent community grocers. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers, and service suppliers. NGA is seeking a Director of Membership Engagement and Growth – Western Region to serve as NGA's primary relationship manager and membership growth leader for the western United States. This position is responsible for expanding NGA's membership, strengthening member engagement, and increasing participation in the association's programs, events, advocacy initiatives, and educational offerings throughout the region. Working remotely from the western United States, the Director develops strong relationships with independent grocery retailers, wholesalers, state grocery associations, and industry partners to grow NGA's presence and deliver exceptional member value. The position serves as a trusted advisor to members while identifying opportunities to recruit new members, improve retention, and connect retailers with the resources and relationships that help their businesses succeed. Success in this role requires a highly motivated relationship builder with strong consultative sales skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a passion for serving the independent supermarket industry. RESPONSIBILITIES Membership Growth Develop and execute a strategic membership growth plan for the Western Region. Identify, cultivate, and recruit new independent grocery retailers and wholesalers. Build and maintain an active pipeline of prospective members through direct outreach, referrals, industry events, and strategic partnerships. Conduct regular in-person visits with prospective and existing members throughout the region. Collaborate with NGA's marketing team on targeted recruitment campaigns and regional outreach initiatives. Member Engagement & Retention Serve as the primary relationship manager for NGA members located throughout the Western Region. Maintain regular communication with members to understand their business challenges, priorities, and opportunities. Develop strategies that increase member participation in NGA events, education, advocacy, networking opportunities, and Share Groups. Support on-boarding efforts to ensure new members quickly experience the value of NGA membership. Proactively engage members throughout the year to improve renewal rates and long-term satisfaction. Represent NGA at regional and national grocery industry events, conferences, and meetings. Develop and maintain strong relationships with state grocery associations and allied organizations throughout the West. Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships that expand NGA's visibility and value within the region. Member Programs Promote participation in NGA's conferences, educational programs, leadership development opportunities, Share Groups, and advocacy initiatives. Gather member feedback to identify emerging trends and opportunities for new programs and services. Support regional networking events, member round-tables, and educational programs designed to increase engagement. Strategic Leadership Monitor membership growth, engagement, and retention metrics across the region. Provide regular reports on regional trends, member needs, competitive activity, and recruitment opportunities. Work collaboratively with NGA's Membership, Marketing, Education, Events, and Government Relations teams to deliver a consistent and high-quality member experience. Serve as the voice of the Western Region in organizational planning and strategy discussions. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. 5–8 years of experience in membership, sales, business development, account management, or association management or experience within the grocery, retail, food distribution, or CPG industries. Proven success building long-term client or member relationships. Strong consultative selling and relationship management skills. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. Highly organized and self-motivated with the ability to work independently in a remote environment. Proficiency with CRM or association management systems. Ability to travel throughout the Western United States. NGA is an equal opportunity employer offering generous benefits including partial employee paid health and dental insurance, 11 paid holidays and one floating holiday, generous PTO, hybrid work schedule opportunity, and 401(k) eligibility starting on the 1st quarter of the following 6 months of employment.