Director of Annual Giving

George Eastman Museum • Rochester, NY

401d

About The Position

The Director of Annual Giving at the George Eastman Museum is responsible for overseeing membership and annual fund programs to secure unrestricted operating support for the museum. This role involves managing a team, leading day-to-day operations, developing strategies, and executing solicitation and stewardship activities to achieve the museum's Annual Campaign goal of $1,825,000 for 2024. The Director collaborates with various departments to enhance the Annual Campaign's growth and integration into museum initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 to 7 years of progressive fundraising experience in a museum or other not-for-profit cultural or educational organization.
• Experience with comprehensive membership or annual-fund programs is preferred.
• Proven track record of achieving financial goals and developing productive and professional relationships with volunteers involved in the development and membership process.
• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including proofreading, editing, and presentation skills.
• Mature judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to effectively manage and supervise a professional staff, incorporating opportunities for team-building.
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills with ability to work both individually and in a collaborative team environment.
• Highly developed organizational and planning skills.
• Keen analytical skills to support strategy development and implementation and evaluation of new initiatives.
• Experienced and comfortable interacting with the public to promote the institution, especially with members, donors, and guests.
• Skilled and experienced in dealing with sensitive or difficult member/donor issues through in-person communications and follow-through to resolve problems.
• Demonstrable initiative and ability to take on a variety of tasks with limited supervision.
• Strong computer skills, including complete familiarity with Windows, Microsoft Office, current browsers, and internet search.
• Experience with Blackbaud's Altru (Raiser's Edge or Raiser's Edge NXT) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet or exceed annual membership program goals for fundraising and number of members.
• Oversee all membership renewal, retention, and acquisition activities, including direct mail and digital communications.
• Manage membership acknowledgements process and fulfillment of membership benefits.
• Lead development and implementation of an annual schedule of member events, including Member Appreciation Week and Corporate Member weeks.
• Develop future plan to raise annual donation associated with each membership level.
• Coordinate all cultivation and stewardship activities for the George Eastman Society, the museum's leadership membership program.
• Follow best practices in donor development and moves management to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of at least 30 George Eastman Society members and prospects.
• Manage and support development of print and digital communications with members, in collaboration with colleagues in Marketing and Engagement Department.
• Support achievement of Annual Fund goal and continued growth in unrestricted operating support.
• Plan and implement two major direct-mail campaigns annually.
• Collaborate with the VP of Development and the Development Officer to ensure seamless donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of Annual Fund prospects.
• Collaborate with VP of Development on establishing and implementing Annual Campaign plans to increase the museum's general operating funds.
• Provide weekly performance report to the VP of Development, measuring year-to-date performance versus established annual goals and prior year's figures.
• Provide monthly campaign progress reports and analysis to the VP of Development.
• Create quarterly Annual Campaign projection reports.
• Collaborate with colleagues in marketing communications/publications functions to promote the benefits of membership and the importance of unrestricted operating support.
• Manage and steward all Annual Campaign communication efforts.
• Attend special events, exhibition previews, public programs, and Eastman Museum Council programs to engage with local constituents and support relationship development.
• Assist with major fundraising events and related initiatives, including ticketing and member communications for George Eastman Award events.
• Supervise the work and performance of the Member Services and Annual Giving Coordinator and the Development Database Administrator.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree