Chief Development Officer
About The Position
The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) seeks a visionary and strategic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the Museum’s integrated fundraising, marketing communications, and external relations efforts. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CDO oversees the Development department, which unites Development and Marketing Communications under a shared vision for institutional growth. The Development department generates approximately 50 percent of the total budget in contributed revenue annually. In partnership with the CEO, COO/CFO, and Board of Trustees, the CDO provides leadership for the planning and execution of fundraising and marketing communications initiatives that strengthen MCASD’s philanthropic base, advance its reputation, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Requirements
- Proven executive-level experience leading integrated development or external relations functions within a museum, cultural, or nonprofit organization.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, major gift fundraising, data-driven decision-making, revenue growth, team leadership, and management capability.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage donors, board members, community leaders, and build successful cross-departmental relationships with stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of how marketing communications intersects with philanthropy.
- Bachelor’s degree and 10 years progressively responsible related experience or equivalent education and experience.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree preferred.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership and Vision Provide strategic leadership and direction for all areas of MCASD’s Development function, ensuring cohesive planning and execution across fundraising, marketing communications, and external relations.
- Partner with the CEO and COO/CFO to align fundraising and marketing communications strategies with institutional goals.
- Serve as a thought leader representing MCASD’s mission and priorities across philanthropic, corporate, and community networks.
- Fundraising and External Relations Lead all aspects of fundraising, including individual giving, institutional giving, membership, planned giving, and special events.
- Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and strategic partners, deepening relationships that expand MCASD’s base of support.
- Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and Development Committee to strengthen philanthropic engagement and board participation.
- Actively engage in cultural and civic sectors as an ambassador for the Museum, cultivating relationships with the community, business, and government leaders to enhance visibility and partnerships.
- Ensure transparent communication with leadership and trustees about fundraising goals, progress, and outcomes.
- Marketing Communications Oversee Marketing Communications to enhance MCASD’s visibility, reputation, and audience engagement.
- Partner with the Director, Marketing Communications, to ensure alignment of brand strategy and messaging with institutional priorities.
- Ensure integrated planning across Marketing Communications and Development to advance both earned and contributed revenue.
- Leadership and Team Development Manage and mentor the Director, Development; Director, Marketing Communications, and Director, Special Events.
- Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture focused on excellence and shared goals.
- Set departmental goals, budgets, and KPIs aligned with institutional strategy.
- Support the mission and vision of the museum throughout performance of duties.
- Work additional hours including some weekends and/or after regular business hours as needed.
- Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
- Other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
