Work With Us

We are always looking for experienced freelance reporters and op-ed contributors to work with; learn more in our FAQ page. We are currently hiring for the following position:

PART-TIME MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

(20 hours/week)

Civil Eats, the award-winning, nonprofit news organization, seeks a part-time membership manager to join its small, hard-working team. Since 2009, we have committed to promoting critical thought about sustainable agriculture and food systems with unique, in-depth reporting that thoroughly and fairly explores the complex stories of our food. Civil Eats’ annual budget of approximately $1M comes from foundation grants, individual donors, and membership subscriptions. The membership manager will help us expand our reach, grow our audience, and cultivate our burgeoning membership to increase revenue.

The membership manager works directly with the editor-in-chief (EIC), managing editor, and social media editor to help Civil Eats grow its audience strategically by gaining new readers and converting readers to donors. An ideal candidate will be able to work across departments, collaborating with the entire Civil Eats team.

QUALIFICATIONS

Civil Eats recognizes that relevant qualifications of a successful candidate will come from a broad range of lived experiences, education, and areas of expertise. As part of the organization’s commitment to advancing equity within our organization and through our work, we are committed to an equitable hiring process.

We believe that when our organization reflects the communities we report on—including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and more—that Civil Eats is at its most impactful and effective. We strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other historically marginalized communities. Desired experience includes the following, but candidates will not be screened exclusively based on these qualifications:

• Three to five years experience in professional fundraising, with a focus on membership or individual giving
• Experience in a membership program at an organization with a philanthropic budget of $1M+ or equivalent experience and education.
• Experience in digital publishing and content delivery, preferably proficient in membership programs (such as Pico), CMS (such as WordPress), MailChimp, Eventbrite, graphic design, social media, and webinar platforms.
• Passion for and/or knowledge of food systems.
• Comfortable performing multi-faceted tasks in conjunction with day-to-day activities.
• Ability to get along with diverse personalities; tactful, mature, and flexible.
• Ability to work independently.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage membership program. Serve as primary contact with Civil Eats’ members and Pico subscription platform; respond to membership inquiries, provide technical assistance to members regarding sign ups and other account issues; manage membership changes for individual and group membership programs.
• Member engagement. Manage various engagement projects such as newsletters, member surveys, member recognition initiatives (virtual or in-person when safe to do so). Help manage subscriber lists and segmenting in Mailchimp.
• Fund Development. Help manage donor database (currently Excel). Coordinate and execute twice-yearly membership fundraising campaigns, including annual NewsMatch campaign. Evaluate results of membership fundraising campaigns and recommend modifications or new approaches. With EIC, identify members who are prospects for additional philanthropic support, and coordinate with EIC and other staff to support cultivation and engagement of these members.
• Marketing. Support, plan, and execute social media campaigns for members. Work with Civil Eats team to create online fundraising opportunities. Generate and post evergreen content related to membership programs.

RELATIONSHIPS

Internal. Maintain oral and written contact with EIC and staff, board, and volunteers to receive/provide information, discuss challenges, explain guidelines/instructions.

External. Maintain oral and written contact with members and prospective members.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Civil Eats offers a competitive and comprehensive salary with most benefits. This part-time position is capped at $30,000.

LOCATION

Civil Eats operates a virtual newsroom, with the senior management team based on the West Coast. This remote position can be located anywhere in the U.S. 

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter, CV, and writing sample. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Civil Eats. Civil Eats is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBTQ+, and differently abled people are encouraged to apply. The position will remain open until filled. Please send inquiries to hiring@civileats.com and put “Membership Manager” in the subject line. All inquiries will be held in confidence.

ABOUT CIVIL EATS

Since 2009, Civil Eats, an independent, nonprofit digital news site about the American food system, has focused on high-quality, original journalism that breaks news, educates leaders and policymakers, and serves as a resource for broader mainstream media.