Membership Associate (Seasonal) at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home – Manchester, Vermont

About Hildene:

This year, Hildene is celebrating its 121st anniversary. Located in southwestern Vermont, Hildene was the seasonal residence of Robert Lincoln and his wife, Mary. Mr. Lincoln was the only child of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. Between 1905 and the death of their granddaughter Mary Lincoln Beckwith in 1975, more Lincolns (three successive generations) lived at Hildene than at any other place in the world. In 1978, the nonprofit Friends of Hildene purchased and preserved the estate, which is open to the public year-round.

Hildene is among Vermont’s top cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations. The rich tapestry of the Lincoln family's legacy and Abraham Lincoln's enduring greatness are woven into the fabric of contemporary life at Hildene. Our nonprofit attraction is comprised of Lincoln’s 1905 Georgian Revival home, formal and working gardens, restored Pullman railcar Sunbeam, agricultural operations, cheesemaking facility, twelve miles of trails, and year-round programming, all on 412 acres in beautiful Manchester, Vermont.

Throughout 2026, stories and notable dates on the Lincoln family and Hildene’s 121-year history will be shared with visitors to the estate.

Learn more at: hildene.org.

Position Overview:

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home seeks a personable, mission-driven professional to serve as Membership Coordinator for the 2026 season. Stationed at the Welcome Center membership desk, this individual serves as a primary point of contact for visitors, prospective members, and donors—embodying Hildene’s commitment to hospitality, stewardship, and civic engagement.

This is a seasonal, front-line role offering meaningful exposure to nonprofit advancement operations, membership development, and donor relations at one of Vermont’s foremost historic sites. Candidates who demonstrate strong performance and cultural fit may be considered for expanded responsibilities in future seasons.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Membership Desk & Welcome Center Operations

Serve as the primary staff presence at Hildene’s Welcome Center membership desk:

• Greet members and visitors with professionalism and warmth, creating a welcoming first impression consistent with Hildene’s institutional identity
• Actively sell and upsell membership packages, fielding questions about benefits, programming, and mission
• Process membership transactions accurately and efficiently using established systems
• Respond to member inquiries regarding on-site programs, events, seasonal activities, and campus amenities
• Maintain an organized, inviting desk environment throughout each shift
• Reach out to lapsed members encouraging renewal

2. Golf Cart Tours

Deliver informative, engaging property tours for members, prospective members, and invited guests:

• Operate golf carts safely and in compliance with Hildene’s insurance and operational requirements (valid driver’s license required)
• Learn and fluently articulate Hildene’s history, mission, programs, conservation activities, farming operations, and campus landmarks
• Tailor tour content and pacing to the interests and backgrounds of each visitor group, including major donors and prospective members
• Represent the institution with polish and enthusiasm throughout each tour experience

3. Event Support

Provide logistical and hospitality support for Hildene advancement and fundraising events:

• Assist with setup, guest reception, and event logistics for donor cultivation events, including high-end experiential programming such as farm-to-table dinners and other curated gatherings
• Cross-reference event guest lists against membership records to support prospect identification and relationship management
• Serve as a brand ambassador during events, engaging guests in ways that advance membership and giving conversations
• Assist with breakdown, cleanup, and post-event logistics as needed
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications:

Required -

• Exceptional interpersonal and conversational skills; demonstrated ability to engage diverse audiences with confidence and warmth
• Strong work ethic, professional presentation, and polished personal demeanor
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Shopify, registration systems, and databases (CRM) a plus
• Work schedule includes Saturdays and Sundays, and two/three other weekdays of your choice. Availability to work some evenings is required.
• Valid driver’s license (required for golf cart operation and insurance purposes)
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform the physical demands of event support

Preferred -

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in communications, marketing, liberal arts, history, or a related field
• Experience in a customer-facing, high-volume hospitality or service environment (restaurant, hotel, event, or visitor services) that demonstrates multitasking ability, grace under pressure, and transactional fluency
• Familiarity with cultural institutions, museums, historic sites, nonprofit membership organizations, or similar settings
• Experience leading groups of people, public speaking, working in admissions or development offices, or representing an institution to external audiences
• Comfort with and genuine enthusiasm for a working farm environment, including interaction with farm animals and outdoor settings
• Basic knowledge of or interest in Vermont history, conservation, or Lincoln-era American history

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

This position is based primarily at the Hildene Welcome Center, with frequent outdoor activity across Hildene’s 412-acre property in Manchester, Vermont. For the summer 2026 season, Hildene will be open 7 days per week. Thursdays – Mondays from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Work includes exposure to seasonal weather conditions, operation of golf carts on grounds, and regular physical activity associated with event support. The role requires sustained engagement with the public throughout each shift and the ability to represent Hildene’s mission and character to a wide range of visitors and donors.