Managing Director of Philanthropy
About The Position
The Missouri Historical Society (MHS), operating the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers’ Memorial Military Museum, and the Library and Research Center, is seeking a dynamic Managing Director of Philanthropy and Engagement to guide the organization into its next chapter. MHS is undergoing significant transformations, including revamping its permanent galleries, expanding collection accessibility, and redefining the role of historical societies as civic leaders. The ideal candidate will believe in the power of local history to strengthen communities, lead fundraising efforts to build emotional connections to place, increase annual giving (currently averaging $2.5 to $3 million from over 4,000 donors and members), and identify new ways to engage existing and new donors. This role involves managing a team responsible for fundraising and donor cultivation, providing vision and optimism, and partnering with the president and leadership team to advance the mission of engaging and inspiring audiences by connecting them to their past and using it to inform the present and future. MHS has an annual budget of $28 million and a staff of 200, with approximately half of its funding provided by the Zoo Museum Tax District.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree is required.
- A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in fundraising, including major gifts, special events, and team leadership.
- Experience planning and executing multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns with verifiable results.
- Knowledge of museum or nonprofit best practices in philanthropy.
- Proven track record of successfully closing 7 and 8-figure gifts.
- Extensive experience serving as an institutional spokesperson and ambassador; comfortable with media appearances and formal presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain key relationships and raise funds through annual giving, membership, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, special events, and grants.
- Demonstrated proficiency with all planned giving vehicles (e.g., bequests, charitable trusts, endowments) and a broad and thorough knowledge of the principles of tax-encouraged philanthropy.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Must be organized, results-oriented, creative, and able to motivate others toward team goals.
- Demonstrated success leading in a team environment – fostering a productive, collaborative, and respectful culture within the department.
- Track record as an effective communicator with excellent writing and public speaking skills.
- Experience with donor management software, particularly Altru and its interface with Financial Edge.
Nice To Haves
- A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
- CFRE or CAP designation is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Leading development strategies to achieve MHS goals for fundraising and membership, as well as donor cultivation and stewardship.
- Supervising staff to plan and implement ongoing annual, major, and planned giving programs, and membership initiatives.
- Developing strategies for the implementation of capital or sustained giving campaigns when appropriate.
- Providing cross-departmental leadership, collaborating with Marketing and Communications, Community Outreach and Education, Public History, Collections, and Finance teams to achieve strategic goals.
- Providing strategic leadership for the MHS philanthropy program, fostering a culture of philanthropy, and advancing the mission through sustainable fundraising strategies.
- Leading, mentoring, and inspiring a high-performing philanthropy team, creating a collaborative, accountable, and supportive environment.
- Developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies in partnership with the President and Board of Trustees, including capital campaigns, principal and major gifts, annual giving, membership, planned giving, foundation and corporate relations, and special initiatives.
- Personally managing a focused portfolio of the organization's highest-capacity (Tier 1) donors and prospects, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding transformational philanthropic investments.
- Providing strategic guidance, coaching, and oversight to gift officers in donor identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and long-term engagement.
- Establishing measurable fundraising goals and performance metrics, regularly evaluating departmental effectiveness, and monitoring progress.
- Leading the department's annual planning, budgeting, forecasting, and goal-setting processes.
- Overseeing and strengthening annual giving, membership, donor engagement, and stewardship strategies.
- Serving as a visible ambassador for MHS in the community, cultivating relationships with donors, civic leaders, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
- Partnering with Communications and Marketing teams to develop compelling philanthropic messaging and donor communications.
- Serving as staff liaison to the Development Committee and assisting the Governance & Nominating Committee of the Board of Trustees.
- Participating in relevant museum and philanthropy professional development organizations and identifying opportunities for team members.
Benefits
- Zoo Museum Tax District funding (provides roughly half of yearly funding)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
