Head of Membership

The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble, near Southampton, is the national governing body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating.  It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sportsboats, windsurfing, inland cruising and personal watercraft. 

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Job Role: Head of Membership

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Salary: £60,000 per annum

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Hours: Full-time - 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

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Location: Hamble, Southampton (hybrid working)

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Lead the Future of Membership at the RYA

​Are you an experienced membership, customer experience or commercial leader with a passion for creating exceptional customer journeys and driving organisational growth?

We're looking for a strategic, commercially minded and people-focused leader to head up one of the RYA's most important functions. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of membership for an organisation that supports more than 100,000 members and over 1,500 affiliated clubs and organisations across the UK.

Reporting to the Director of Marketing, you will champion membership across the organisation, leading the development and delivery of the RYA's membership strategy to drive growth, engagement and retention. You'll play a key role in ensuring members receive outstanding value and service, while helping the organisation achieve its long-term strategic ambitions.

Importantly, you do not need a sailing or boating background to be successful in this role. We welcome applications from candidates with transferable experience gained within membership organisations, subscription businesses, customer experience, charities, professional bodies, leisure, sport, retail, hospitality or other customer-focused environments.

About the Role

​You will:

• Lead the development and delivery of the RYA's membership strategy.
• Drive membership acquisition, engagement, retention and renewal activity across a diverse membership base.
• Lead and develop the Membership & Certification team, ensuring excellent customer service and operational performance.
• Use insight, research and data to improve member experiences and inform strategic decision-making.
• Oversee membership, certification and affiliate administration services, ensuring accuracy, efficiency and compliance. 
• Work collaboratively across the organisation to maximise member value and support organisational objectives.
• Develop new membership propositions, initiatives and engagement opportunities that enhance loyalty and long-term sustainability. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the RYA membership strategy aligned to organisational priorities and growth objectives.
• ​Lead initiatives that enhance member acquisition, retention, engagement and advocacy. 
• Champion a member-centric culture and continuously improve the end-to-end member journey.
• ​Lead, motivate and develop the Membership & Certification team. 
• Ensure efficient and accurate processing of memberships, qualifications and certifications.
• ​Monitor membership performance and provide insight-led recommendations to senior leadership. 
• Manage budgets, resources and operational priorities to deliver value and sustainable growth. 
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, Home Countries, affiliates and external partners.
• ​Support the ongoing development of systems, processes and data quality to improve operational effectiveness and member understanding.

About You

​We are looking for someone who combines strong strategic thinking with excellent leadership skills and a passion for delivering outstanding member experiences. 

Essential

• Significant experience leading membership, customer experience or subscription-based functions. 
• Proven experience delivering growth, retention and engagement strategies. 
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams. 
• Strong analytical and commercial skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience influencing senior leaders and working across complex organisations.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• A customer-focused, collaborative and results-driven approach. 

Desirable

• Experience within a membership organisation, governing body, charity or not-for-profit environment.
• ​Experience of digital transformation and customer journey optimisation.
• ​Knowledge of CRM, membership or certification systems. 
• Professional qualification in membership, marketing, customer experience, leadership or business management.
• ​An interest in sailing, boating or watersports.

Why Join the RYA?

This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a high-profile leadership role and shape the future of membership at one of the UK's leading sporting governing bodies. You'll have the opportunity to influence organisational strategy, lead a talented team and make a meaningful impact on the experiences of more than 100,000 members. 

You'll join a supportive organisation with a strong sense of purpose, working alongside passionate colleagues who are committed to getting more people active on the water and creating welcoming, inclusive communities. 

We offer a collaborative working environment, hybrid working arrangements and a commitment to personal development and wellbeing.

Benefits

The RYA offers a range of benefits which include:

• 36 days holiday including public holidays
• Birthday day off
• 10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme
• Free life insurance
• Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Free on-site electric vehicle charging
• Social events
• RYA membership

Interested?

Please review the full job description and submit your application by clicking 'Apply for this Job'.

Apply for this job

Closing Date: 23 September 2026
(please note: this advert may close earlier if sufficient applications are received)