Advancement Director

Louisiana Children's Museum•New Orleans, LA

12d

About The Position

At LCM, play is serious business—and we’re on a mission to show every child that they matter. From splashing along the Mississippi River to creating masterpieces in the Studio in the Park, we believe learning happens best when curiosity leads the way. Working here means being part of a team that strengthens families, sparks imagination, and creates unforgettable moments every single day. Position Summary The Director serves as the museum’s lead relationship builder and contributed revenue champion—driving the strategy, energy, and execution behind all donor and sponsor engagement. This dynamic leader owns the creation and oversight of every facet of donor relations and fundraising initiatives, positioning LCM for sustained growth and increased philanthropic impact. In this high-visibility role, the Director cultivates, solicits, and stewards a robust portfolio of approximately 150 donors, sponsors, and prospects giving $500 and above. With a sharp focus on relationship management, this individual ensures that supporters experience meaningful, personalized, and long-term engagement with LCM—turning interest into investment and investment into enduring partnership. A strategic architect, the Director develops a comprehensive annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational budget goals, outlining high-performing campaign strategies designed to maximize cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation efforts. This includes spearheading major gifts, corporate sponsorships, individual giving, grants, events, and innovative campaigns that deepen donor commitment and expand LCM’s philanthropic reach. Reporting to the Chief Advancement & External Affairs Officer (CA&EAO) and working closely with the CEO, the Director is the primary point of contact for mid-level and major donors, corporate partners, and foundation funders—delivering exceptional service, timely communication, and a best-in-class donor experience that strengthens loyalty and drives revenue growth.

Requirements

5-7+ years of direct fundraising experience, ideally with a strong emphasis on individual donor management
Demonstrated success cultivating and closing gifts of $500–$5,000+
Skilled relationship builder with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Experience in handling and working with high-profile clientele
Proficiency in donor databases (CRM), reporting, and donor communications
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Platform
Ability to work evenings/weekends for donor engagement and Museum events
Bachelor’s degree required
Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, work outdoors, move from ground to above shoulder, ascend/descend stairs, position self to bend, stoop, sit, push, pull and lift up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Capital campaign experience preferred
CFRE or advanced degree a plus

Responsibilities

Manage and grow a portfolio of 150 donors and sponsors, spanning major gifts, foundation and corporate partnerships, and annual individual donors, making concerted efforts to diversify those who contribute financially to the museum.
Develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies tailored to donor segments.
Ensure consistent, meaningful donor touchpoints—including meetings, calls, handwritten notes, and event invitations—while identifying and cultivating a diverse pool of major gift prospects. Maintain ongoing personal engagement to build strong, authentic relationships and, in collaboration with the CEO and CA&EAO, strategically solicit financial support that advances the museum’s mission.
Partner with the CEO, CA&EAO, colleagues, and the Board to maximize donor engagement.
Lead stewardship and engagement strategy for all individuals giving.
Manage the Museum’s major gift pipeline, cultivating relationships with high-capacity donors and securing multi-year commitments in partnership with the CEO, CA&EAO, and Board.
Oversee annual giving efforts, including mid-level and leadership-level donors, ensuring a strong pipeline of supporters who can be cultivated into major donors.
Cultivate, renew, and deepen relationships with donors from LCM’s founding and from the capital campaign that funded LCM’s move from downtown to City Park, with the goal of securing their renewed commitment to the Museum’s future.
In partnership with the CA&EAO, solicit and secure corporate sponsorships for exhibits, programs, and events.
Manage select foundation and corporate relationships, including proposal and grant application submission, reporting, and stewardship.
Partner with CEO and senior staff to align proposals with institutional priorities
Track and ensure delivery of benefits and recognition.
Lead donor and sponsor engagement at fundraising and member events.
Develop and implement strategies for small-scale cultivation and stewardship events tailored (e.g., behind-the-scenes tours, previews of new exhibits).
Establish departmental best practices.
Maintain accurate donor records in CRM system.
Monitor and report on individual giving, identifying opportunities for growth and deeper engagement.
Track progress toward fundraising goals and provide regular updates to leadership.
Ensure timely gift acknowledgment and personalized stewardship.
Maintain a strong understanding of emerging industry trends by participating in seminars and webinars, reviewing relevant literature, and cultivating relationships with leaders in the field, adapting practices and applying new insights to refine and strengthen our approach.