Director of Development
About The Position
The Director of Development serves as a key member of the Museum’s leadership team and oversees all aspects of operational fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic communications. While the Executive Director (ED) is focused on the impending capital campaign, this leader will design and execute a comprehensive development plan that supports the Museum’s strategic programmatic priorities, strengthens donor relationships, and elevates the Museum’s profile among local, national, and international supporters. The DOD and ED will work closely together on developing appropriate tactics for the growing donor base. The DOD will supervise a development team, including a Philanthropy Officer and Grants Manager, and will be supported by a Philanthropy Analytics Manager who ensures data integrity, reporting accuracy, and performance insights.
Requirements
- Proven success in nonprofit fundraising, raising over $1MM philanthropically
- Demonstrated experience building and executing comprehensive development plans.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring staff.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive fundraising materials.
- Experience overseeing events and cultivating high‑level donors.
- Comfort working in a metrics‑driven environment with global supporters.
- Familiarity with CRM systems and data analytics in a fundraising context.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a multi‑year development plan aligned with organizational goals and revenue targets.
- Establish clear metrics, KPIs, and reporting systems to drive performance and accountability across the department.
- Partner closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to advance a culture of philanthropy.
- Lead all aspects of annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, planned giving, and membership growth.
- Create compelling fundraising materials, including sponsorship packets, case statements, campaign collateral, and donor impact reports.
- Cultivate and steward donors from around the world, ensuring meaningful engagement and long-term relationships.
- Oversee all fundraising and cultivation events, donor receptions, sign lightings, and community engagement activities.
- Develop sponsorship strategies that align with the Museum’s mission and appeal to corporate and philanthropic partners.
- Support board members in their fundraising responsibilities through coaching, materials, and strategic guidance.
- Provide regular development updates, forecasts, and performance dashboards to the Executive Director and Board.
- Work across teams to manage fundraising initiatives that engage Learning, Collections, Marketing, Finance, and Front of House.
- Supervise, mentor, coach, and evaluate the Philanthropy Officer and Grants Manager.
- Collaborate with the Philanthropy Database & Analytics Specialist to ensure data‑driven decision‑making and accurate donor insights.
- Foster a collaborative, high‑performance culture within the development team.
Benefits
- Subsidized employee health insurance, including dental and vision coverage.
- Employer-contributed 403(b) retirement plan.
- Fifteen days paid vacation annually, increasing with tenure.
- Additional 10 days observed paid holidays per annum.
- Paid sick leave.
- Museum store discount and other discount programs.
- Counseling and advice benefits.
- Employee complimentary museum ticket program for friends and family.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
