Director of Annual Giving at George Eastman Museum in Rochester, New York

Job Description:

Job Summary:
The Director of Annual Giving reports to the Vice President of Development oversees membership and annual-fund programs to secure unrestricted operating support for the museum. The Director of Annual Giving manages the Member Services and Annual giving Coordinator and the Development Database Administrator, while leading day-to-day operations, strategy development, solicitation, and stewardship activities. In collaboration with the VP of Development, the Director of Annual Giving plays a key role in achieving the museum's Annual Campaign goal ($1,825,000 in 2024).

The Director of Annual Giving will collaborate with Development department staff and colleagues across the institution to lead growth and expansion of the Annual Campaign and ensure its integration into priority museum initiatives, such as exhibitions, public programs, and special fundraising events.

Job 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 (in collaboration with the Member Services and Annual Giving Coordinator).
• 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 (currently gifts of $1,000+).
• 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.

Campaign Planning.

• Collaborate with VP of Development on establishing and implementing Annual Campaign plans to increase the museum's general operating funds.
• In collaboration with Development Database Administrator:
  • 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.

Special Events

• Attend special events, exhibition previews, public programs, and Eastman Museum Council programs to engage with local constituents and support relationship development. (Some evening and weekend participation in these events is required.)
• Assist with major fundraising events and related initiatives, including ticketing and member communications for George Eastman Award events (the museum's largest fundraisers).

Staff Supervision

• Supervise the work and performance of the Member Services and Annual Giving Coordinator and the Development Database Administrator.
• Assist VP of Development in supporting involvement of the museum's Director and Development
  Committee of the Board of Trustees in prospect identification, engagement, and solicitation.

Other responsibilities and projects, as assigned by the Vice President of Development.

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

Please submit your cover letter and resume for consideration.

The Eastman Museum is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. The Eastman Museum will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

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