ICA Director of Development - College of Fine Arts

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

12d

About The Position

Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Fine Arts is seeking an ICA Pittsburgh Director of Development in anticipation of the museum’s permanent home opening in early 2028. The Director will design, implement, and grow a comprehensive fundraising program supporting ICA Pittsburgh’s exhibitions, programs, operations, and long-term sustainability. As the inaugural development leader focused on the ICA, this person will join the College of Fine Arts Advancement team and partner closely with the ICA Pittsburgh Director, museum staff, and University Advancement colleagues. The role will establish the museum’s philanthropic identity through fundraising strategies, systems, and donor engagement programs that expand its regional and national supporter network. This collaborative role calls for an entrepreneurial fundraiser who can build new programs, cultivate donor relationships, and work with academic, artistic, and community partners. The Director reports to the Chief Advancement Officer for the College of Fine Arts, with a dotted-line relationship to the Director of ICA Pittsburgh. Occasional travel around the Pittsburgh area may be required. Applicants must already be legally authorized to work in the United States; Carnegie Mellon will not sponsor an employment visa for this position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; a combination of education and relevant experience demonstrating comparable knowledge may be considered.
Seven or more years of progressively responsible fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success securing major gifts from individuals.
Experience managing annual giving, membership, volunteer boards, or comprehensive fundraising programs.
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills.
Strategic, entrepreneurial approach to fundraising and donor engagement.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States; Carnegie Mellon will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Experience in museums, arts organizations, higher education, or cultural nonprofits preferred.
Experience building or significantly expanding fundraising programs is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising program intended to generate $500,000 or more in annual contributed revenue and build endowment support.
Design and oversee the ICA annual fund in collaboration with the University Advancement Annual Giving team.
Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Represent and advocate for ICA Pittsburgh across University Advancement and partner on major gift opportunities.
Partner with the College of Fine Arts Associate Director of Institutional Partnerships and University Advancement to secure foundation and corporate support.
Lead the ICA Patrons Council and serve as its primary staff liaison, overseeing membership, meetings, fundraising, and engagement opportunities.
Develop and implement donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events.
Coordinate donor communications and stewardship materials with museum marketing and communications staff.
Manage fundraising operations, including donor records, reporting, CRM utilization, and fundraising analytics, in partnership with University Advancement Record Administration.
Contribute to broader College of Fine Arts Advancement initiatives and priorities as needed and appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.