Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Leadership

• Provide innovative and strategic operational planning and leadership for the museum’s development department

• In partnership with the Executive Director create, manage, and monitor the annual development budget and track progress through regular and annual reports

• Oversee and evaluate all processes and procedures related to prospect identification, donor engagement and stewardship activities, and contributions management in MCD’s software donor management system, Altru.

• Train, mentor, and support the Board of Directors in their fundraising and prospect cultivation efforts while seeking ways to maximize their personal giving and participation in museum fundraising

• Act as staff liaison to the Board of Directors’ Development Committee

• Serve as strategist and supervisor for special fundraising and cultivation events including annual galas and auctions

• Serve as a visible and informed ambassador for MCD as one of its key spokespersons, actively seeking opportunities to engage with the broader community for improved visibility and relationship building opportunities

• Develop and maintain positive, ongoing relationships with donors, members, and community partners

• Develop, promote, and document best practices and policies associated with member, donor, and prospect management

Fundraising

• Identify, cultivate, and successfully solicit major gifts from a diverse group of individuals, corporations, and foundations; ensuring high-quality and appropriate stewardship of donors and members at all gift levels

• Manage a portfolio of at least 75 top donors and prospects; assist and support the Executive Director and Associate and Design Director with their portfolios of donors and prospects

• Research, develop, and implement best strategies in stewardship for new, renewed, and upgraded donor and member gifts including execution of the donor renewal cycle and solicitation campaigns including but not limited to the Annual Fund appeal and exhibitions and event sponsorship appeals

• Supervise the membership program, services, benefits, and policies with the support of the Development Manager

• Work with the museum’s contract Grant Writer and Development Manager to oversee grant administration while researching new granting prospects

• Supervise and optimize the use of the museum’s donor database system, Altru; utilize the database to accurately archive prospecting and cultivation efforts, as well as contributions and patron information while maintaining the security, accuracy, and integrity of the database

• Additional responsibilities as necessary

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

• Minimum of 5 years experience in the development field

• Proven success in managing portfolios of 75+ donors and and an annual operating budget of $2.3M

• Demonstrated knowledge and practice with “moves management” including donor identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and solicitation

• Knowledge of principles and best practices within the fundraising field

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail, strong proofreading and writing skills with the ability to articulate a compelling case for philanthropic support

• Experience with non-profit development database programs (Blackbaud/Altru experience a plus)

• Previous success in a forward-facing role while meeting organizational fundraising goals through diverse funding streams

• Provide friendly, donor-centered customer service and represent the museum and our mission in a professional and positive manner

• Demonstrated organizational and managerial skills and ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines promptly in a fast-paced work environment

• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive information and communications with members, donors, and stakeholders with integrity and confidentiality

• Ability to work within a budget and set project budgets

• Highly proficient in the use of computers and software applications including database management; willingness and ability to learn new applications

• Possesses initiative, sound judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills, positive attitude, and ability to work independently as well as in team environment