Senior Community and Memberships Manager Full-time, permanent

Job Title – Senior Community and Memberships Manager.

Contract and Hours - Permanent, full-time, 36.25 hours per week. Role to commence from Summer 2026 onwards.

A typical working day is 9.15-5.30pm, including a lunch break (unpaid). We support flexible working and part-time arrangements where it is appropriate for the role.

We promote hybrid working with three days per week worked at our office and gallery for full-time staff, and two days per week office and gallery working for part-time staff.

Wednesday is a whole team office and gallery day when staff meetings take place.

Salary - £39,000 to £50,000 gross per annum, dependent on experience and based on full-time working (pro rata for part-time / annualised working).

Location - Crafts Council Office and Gallery is based on the Pentonville Road in Islington, London, with some hybrid / home working.

Reporting to - Director of Programmes.

Managing - Craft Ecology team including our Membership Manager, Sector Support Manager, Memberships Producer and freelance team members.

Working Closely With - Senior Managers, Directors, Craft Ecology team, craft community stakeholders and partners

About the Role

This role leads our work to connect, support and grow the national craft community through Crafts Council Membership and the Craft UK network.

You will shape spaces where makers, creative businesses and craft champions can connect, learn and thrive. Working closely with colleagues and partners across the sector, you will ensure that our membership programmes respond to the real needs of the craft community and create meaningful opportunities for people to engage with craft.

You will bring strong community instincts, an understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing creative practitioners and small creative businesses, and a passion for the transformative power of craft.

As a senior leader within the organisation, you will guide a talented team to deliver a compelling programme of activity, events and partnerships that strengthen the value of membership, deepen engagement and grow participation.

Through insight, listening and collaboration, you will ensure that our work remains relevant, inclusive and ambitious; supporting makers of today while helping shape the future of the craft sector.

Role Focus

This role combines community leadership, programme development and income generation.

You will:

• Build and nurture a thriving national craft community
• Lead the strategic development of Crafts Council Membership and Craft UK
• Grow membership participation, reach and income
• Champion inclusive practice and remove barriers to engagement
• Strengthen the voice and visibility of craft through partnerships and advocacy

Core Responsibilities

Community Leadership

Lead the development of a vibrant and connected craft community through Crafts Council Membership and Craft UK.

You will listen actively to members and partners, using insight and data to ensure our programmes respond to the evolving needs of makers and creative businesses.

Membership Growth and Engagement

Develop and deliver a strategic membership growth plan in collaboration with the marketing team.

You will strengthen the value of membership by shaping a compelling programme of events, opportunities and content that deepens engagement and attracts new members.

Sector Networks and Partnerships

Build and nurture partnerships across the craft ecosystem, including sector organisations, education providers, creative businesses and policymakers.

You will identify opportunities to collaborate, convene and amplify the voice of craft nationally.

Team Leadership

Lead and support the Craft Ecology team to deliver high-quality membership programmes and sector engagement activity.

You will create an environment where colleagues can thrive, collaborate and innovate in support of a growing national community.

Insight, Evaluation and Impact

Oversee evaluation frameworks that measure community engagement, participation and inclusion.

You will ensure that insight from members and partners informs organisational strategy, programme development and advocacy.

Financial Sustainability

Take ownership of membership income targets and identify entrepreneurial opportunities to grow income through partnerships, campaigns and new initiatives.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is passionate about the craft sector and understands the realities of building a creative career or business.

You will be a natural community builder with the ability to bring people together, build trust and create opportunities for collaboration.

You will also bring:

• Experience developing and growing membership, community or network-based programmes
• Strong understanding of the creative industries or craft sector
• Experience managing teams and supporting colleagues to deliver excellent work
• The ability to develop partnerships and collaborative initiatives
• Confidence working with data and insight to inform strategy and programme development
• Experience delivering programmes or initiatives that generate income or financial sustainability
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in programme design and delivery