MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Date Posted	January 30, 2026
Industry	Magazines / Publishing
Specialty	Not Specified
Remote / Telecommute	Telecommute
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$31.60 - $33.36 per hour ($65,731 - $69,383 annual equivalent)

Description:

High Country News is hiring a Membership Development Manager to grow and sustain our readership and supporters in support of our award-winning nonprofit media organization. This is a chance to help advance HCN’s mission as we draw a broader, more diverse public into vital conversations about land and water, climate and conservation, and the diverse human and natural communities of the Western United States.

The Membership Development Manager is a key member of HCN’s Product & Marketing team, leading hands-on work to improve how readers become subscribers, donors, and long-term supporters. This role focuses on strengthening acquisition, conversion, and retention across HCN’s audience funnel, working closely with colleagues in Fundraising, Editorial, Art, Business Operations, and Customer Service. The position works under the general supervision of the Director of Product & Marketing and owns projects end-to-end, from planning and execution through measurement and iteration.

The ideal candidate has experience in audience growth, membership development, reader revenue, fundraising or subscription-based programs, and an appreciation for independent journalism. We especially welcome candidates that have a demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their work.

Duties / Outcomes

The Membership Development Manager will work under the direct supervision of the Director of Product & Marketing. Duties will include:

●     Identify and improve opportunities for first conversion, including newsletter sign-ups, introductory subscription offers, and other low-friction entry points.

●     Use audience and performance data to evaluate how on-site prompts, forms, messaging, and timing support first actions and iterate on improvements.

●     Build and maintain systems that make it easy for audiences to take a first step across HCN, including landing pages, paywall interactions, and conversion campaigns using tools such as WordPress and Pelcro.

●     Plan, build, launch, and iterate on email-based conversion and lifecycle campaigns using ActiveCampaign and connected systems.

●     Develop and maintain audience pathways that build understanding of HCN’s value and encourage subscriptions, donations, renewals, upgrades, and re-engagement.

●     Identify audience growth segments informed by interests, behavior, and mission alignment, with an emphasis on supporting a broad and diverse readership.

●     Coordinate closely with Editorial, Fundraising, and Business Operations to align campaigns with content, audience readiness, and transactional workflows.

●     Build and maintain conversion series, seasonal offers, introductory campaigns, and targeted follow-ups within ActiveCampaign.

●     Own retention, renewal, and re-engagement performance for subscribers and other low-touch donors, and improve outcomes through targeted interventions.

●     Manage renewal and re-engagement workflows, combining lifecycle messaging, transactional notifications, and coordinated email and postal outreach.

●     Use reader feedback, surveys, and performance data to understand motivations and refine retention strategies.

●     Incorporate prompts for additional actions such as gifting, sharing, or donating into renewal and retention efforts where appropriate.

●     Collaborate with Fundraising, Customer Service, Business Operations, and external partners to resolve friction and maintain accurate records and workflows.

●     Track and report on acquisition, conversion, and retention performance, translating data into clear insights and practical next steps.

●     Contribute to inclusive, respectful, and effective practices that support diverse audiences and communities.

High Country News welcomes applicants from all life experiences, and we encourage members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, and people with disabilities.

Skills and Experience

We’re most interested in hearing how your own skills, experience, and perspective would strengthen this role and benefit HCN and the communities we serve. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about HCN’s mission and values and committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in journalism and in working practices.

The ideal candidate:

●     Understands how to guide audiences from initial engagement to sustained support through acquisition, conversion, and retention strategies.

●     Has experience working with email marketing platforms, membership or subscription systems, and analytics tools.

●     Is comfortable owning work end-to-end, balancing ongoing lifecycle programs with time-bound campaigns.

●     Can translate audience behavior and campaign performance into clear insights and practical improvements.

●     Is highly self-directed, collaborative, and effective in a remote, cross-functional environment.

●     Has experience in membership development, audience growth, reader revenue, fundraising, or subscription-based organizations; nonprofit or mission-driven media experience is a plus.

Compensation and General Terms

This is a full-time, hourly paid, non-exempt position with employer‑funded medical benefits (employee only), and optional dental and vision benefits; paid vacation leave starting at 12 days per year, 11 HCN paid holidays each year; paid sick and family leave benefits; “TK Time” — one paid half-day off per month that does not accrue; a monthly remote work stipend and IT start-up stipend; and eligibility for the 401k retirement plan with employer match contribution.

Pay range: $31.60 - $33.36 per hour ($65,731 - $69,383 annual equivalent), dependent on skills and experience.

This is a remote working role. Candidates must reside in, or be willing to move to, one of the Western states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, or Wyoming. The position holder must be able to travel occasionally to attend events in the Intermountain West or West Coast. This position is included in HCN Union’s bargaining unit.

To Apply

Complete our online application at:

https://airtable.com/appE4tl7MKSBjPnMv/shrKzrFWWhPMRM4Or

Please include a resume and cover letter. This position is open and accepting applications until filled, with preference for applications submitted by February 22, 2026.

High Country News is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, programs, and partners; and to creating a safe, supportive and accommodating work community. HCN is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits the unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Background

High Country News is the nation’s leading independent source of thoughtful, in-depth reporting on the Western United States. Established in 1970, HCN produces an award-winning monthly magazine and a popular website, along with email newsletters and events. From Alaska and the Northern Rockies to the Desert Southwest, from the Great Plains to the West Coast, HCN is a beloved and essential resource for those who care about this region. HCN is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to inform and inspire people to act on behalf of the West’s diverse natural and human communities.

Apply

https://airtable.com/appE4tl7MKSBjPnMv/shrKzrFWWhPMRM4Or