The Director of Development is responsible for creating and executing fundraising strategies that generate both restricted and unrestricted support from foundations, corporations, governments, and individuals. Serving as a key donor cultivator and solicitor, this position inspires higher levels of giving while working collaboratively with museum staff and volunteers to ensure success in building strong constituent relationships. The Director of Development will play a critical role in meeting or exceeding revenue and donor engagement goals. They will also work closely with the Executive Director, senior leadership, and the Board of Trustees to align and implement organizational goals and objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead fundraising activities to support the Museum, including:
Identifying and Qualifying Prospective Donors: Research potential individual, corporate, and foundation donors capable of supporting the organization.
Funding Opportunities: Identify grants, sponsorships, and partnership opportunities that align with the museum's mission.
Donor Interests and Capacity: Evaluate prospects by understanding their philanthropic interests and ability to make significant contributions.
Key Stakeholders: Identify stakeholders who can help cultivate donor relationships.
Current Donor Relationships: Ensure existing donor relationships are maximized.
Strategic Partnerships: Explore partnerships that provide financial support and other collaborative resources.
Market Trends: Stay informed on trends in philanthropy to align development strategies with current opportunities.
Manage the development effort to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded, and donors are effectively engaged according to best practices.
Collaborate with all departments, building strong collegial relationships to support fundraising strategies.
Assist the Executive Director in key donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
Develop materials and programs to strengthen the museum's philanthropy program in both the short and long term.
Oversee strategies for annual, legacy, and Visionaries giving programs.
Administer gift processing and donor acknowledgment procedures.
Work closely with the Stuart Society and support groups on fundraising and membership efforts, including the annual Gala.
Lead the Development team in establishing robust contact records, ensuring individual knowledge is transferred into institutional knowledge.
Manage the Development operations budget, prepare monthly revenue and expense reports, and reforecast quarterly as needed.
Participate in all staff and department meetings.
Perform other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
Education/Experience:
5-10 years of fundraising or development experience.
BA/BS degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Preferred background in nonprofit administration, business administration, communications, or a related field.
Certified Fundraising Professional (CFRE) designation is a plus.
Skills and Abilities:
Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, including relationship development, staff management, and grant writing.
Track record of producing programs on time, within budget, and that generate increasing philanthropic support.
Experience cultivating corporate and individual donor relationships.
Familiarity with Altru or other CRM platforms.
Personable, confident, self-starting, creative, collaborative, and authentic.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster trust and handle sensitive financial information discreetly.
Knowledgeable about or quick to learn best practices for museum development.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook).
Demonstrated leadership and coaching skills.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while operating a computer and other office devices.
Ability to occasionally lift or move light objects (up to 25 lbs).
May be required to work late nights, weekends, and in outdoor conditions.
All current employees are vaccinated against COVID-19; vaccination is strongly encouraged.
Must meet ADA, FMLA, and other federal/state standards for regular attendance and job function.
TO APPLY
Please send a resume, letter of interest, and salary requirements to Human Resources (Attention: Director of Development position) via email at hr@mfastpete.org or by mail: