Membership Manager (Maternity Cover)

Membership Manager (Maternity Cover)

The Association of Illustrators Closing date: Sun, 16 Aug 2026

Artform: Visual arts
Role: Creative
Contract: Temporary
London
  • Full time
  • £40k-£50k

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 "> published -

Job Summary

Join the Association of Illustrators as Membership Manager for a fixed term maternity cover, expected to last up to 12 months. Lead the membership team, grow and retain our community, oversee events and help ensure illustrators receive excellent support.

Job Description

The Association of Illustrators is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Membership Manager to join us for a fixed term maternity cover.

The Membership team is at the heart of the AOI, providing advice, professional support and connection for more than 2,000 illustrators. This varied role combines leadership, planning and hands-on delivery. You will lead a small, dedicated team, maintain an excellent member service and take forward our three-year membership strategy.

You will protect and grow membership income, improve retention and engagement, oversee our programme of talks, workshops and networking events, and help develop a membership offer that is increasingly accessible, inclusive and relevant. You will also support the team with member enquiries and use feedback and data to improve our services.

The role is based at Somerset House, London, with flexible hybrid working and approximately 50% of working time in the office.

Salary: £40,000 per annum
Contract: fixed term maternity cover
Annual leave: 33 days, including bank holidays
Application deadline: 16 August 2026
Interviews: week commencing 24 August 2026

Job Requirements

Essential:

- Experience leading a membership, community or engagement-based service
- Experience working with a creative community or in the arts, cultural or creative industries
- Experience managing and developing a small team
- A track record of improving membership growth, retention, participation or engagement
- Experience overseeing an events, learning or community programme
- Experience delivering change, developing services or implementing strategic plans
- Strong organisational, communication and relationship-building skills
- Confidence using data and feedback to improve services and decisions
- A collaborative approach and commitment to inclusion, accessibility and excellent member service

Desirable:

- Experience in a membership body or professional association
- Experience supporting freelancers or creative professionals
- Knowledge of copyright, licensing, contracts, pricing or professional practice

Job Responsibilities

- Lead, support and develop the Membership team, setting clear priorities and maintaining a consistently high level of member service
- Monitor renewals, retention, membership income and key trends, and report regularly to the CEO
- Deliver plans to grow membership, improve retention and strengthen engagement
- Develop an inclusive, accessible and relevant membership offer
- Use member feedback, enquiry trends and data to identify service improvements
- Shape and oversee the annual programme of talks, workshops, networking and professional development events
- Manage the events budget and coordinate colleagues, speakers and external contributors
- Support the team to respond to member enquiries accurately, clearly and with empathy
- Build trusted relationships with members and represent the AOI
- Work collaboratively across communications, campaigning, awards and other organisational projects

Useful Links

Job Overview

  • Job Title: Membership Manager (Maternity Cover)
  • Salary: £40k-£50k
  • Hours: Full time
  • Artform: Visual arts
  • Role: Creative
  • Contract: Temporary
  • Closing date: Sun, 16 Aug 2026
  • Location:
    London
    | view on Google Maps

Job: Membership Manager (Maternity Cover)

Job: Membership Manager (Maternity Cover)

Organisation: The Association of Illustrators

Postcode: WC2R 1LA

How to Apply

Please email your CV and a covering letter of no more than two sides of A4 to [email protected].

Your covering letter should explain:

- why you would like to join the AOI
- how your experience has prepared you for the role
- an example of how you have improved membership, participation or engagement

We particularly welcome applications from people who are under-represented within the illustration industry. Please let us know if you require any adjustments during the application or interview process.