Membership coordinators come from a variety of backgrounds, including public relations, communications, special events and administration. They need to have training in writing and speaking persuasively. They need to be knowledgeable about art and to believe strongly in the museum they represent. At the Gallery, membership coordinators interact with both English-speaking and French-speaking members, so they must be bilingual.
Show me the money! Membership staff raise money from the members of the Gallery – individuals, families, students and seniors – and convince people who enjoy the Gallery to become members. The money raised helps fund the Gallery’s exhibitions and programs. Membership staff work extensively with many volunteers to help them reach their fundraising goals. They also know how to throw a party! The people who work in the Membership department plan many special events for members, such as parties to thank contributors for their donations.
There is also a significant administrative side to their work. Membership coordinators need to keep accurate records of all of the Gallery’s members in a computer database. They coordinate receiving money, making deposits and keeping financial records. Membership staff also write and coordinate the mailings to members throughout the year.
Check the Gallery’s Membership page to get an overview of the programs for members. The Gallery offers special memberships to full-time students. See the Gallery’s Web site for more information.
"The Membership and Annual Giving Division oversees all aspects of the National Gallery of Canada’s Membership Program and solicits gifts and donations on behalf of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation. As professional fundraisers, my team and I solicit gifts from Gallery Members and the general public in support of a variety of education, outreach, restoration, research and acquisition projects that would otherwise not be possible."
Mark Trask, Chief, Membership and Annual Giving
