About the Wende Museum
The Wende is an art museum, historical archive of the Cold War, and center for creative community engagement that explores and inspires change.
Job Description
We are looking for a collaborative, outgoing professional to play an important role in fundraising for the Wende’s programming, operations, sustainability, and expansion.
Reporting to the Executive Director (the Wende’s founder and lead fundraiser), the Development Specialist supports fundraising by engaging and cultivating individual donors and foundations, liaising with the Board of Directors, and assisting in the overall efforts of a small development team that consists of the Executive Director, Development Specialist, and an Assistant to the Executive Director.
With the Executive Director, the Development Specialist plans and implements donor recruitment and development strategies including face-to-face solicitation, grant writing, fundraising events, and donor stewardship.
This position is ideal for energetic self-starters with previous experience in nonprofit management and development, philanthropy, retail or corporate sales, hospitality management, fundraising event production, or community partnership programming.
Key Responsibilities
Meet and communicate regularly with current donors to ensure they are engaged with the programs and activities of the organization
Identify and cultivate individual and foundation prospects
Liaise with the Board of Directors and manage administrative and logistical aspects of Board meetings
With the Executive Director and Head of Visitor Engagement, plan and execute donor cultivation/appreciation events
Track all donations and development expenses
Write and archive development-related correspondence such as thank-you letters and gift receipts
Maintain donor-recognition lists
Write compelling proposals, reports, invitations, thank-you letters, and other donor communications; liaise and collaborate with consultant grant writers
Maintain updated documentation needed for grant applications
This position reports to the Executive Director and works in direct cooperation with the Deputy Director, Director of Finance, Head of Visitor Engagement, Assistant to the Executive Director, and Communications Manager. This position requires the flexibility to work an unconventional schedule, including some evenings and weekends, to support the Executive Director with donor visits and special events. A flexible, hybrid on-site/remote work arrangement is available, with the understanding that while some of the role can be performed remotely, regular on-site attendance is required for this role, including for some night and weekend events.
Compensation commensurate with experience
Medical/dental/vision benefits, 10 days paid vacation, paid sick time, and holidays.
This is a full-time position available May or June 2022.
Required Qualifications
Professional verbal and written communication skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (in particular Word and Excel), Apple OS, and Google Docs
Familiarity with donor management software
Project management experience in a public-facing environment
Valid California Driver’s License and reliable automobile with insurance coverage for use on the job
Willingness and availability to work some nights and weekends, as needed
Ideal Candidate
Responsive, resourceful, and creative problem solver
Organized and detail-oriented
Excellent time management, emotional maturity and interpersonal skills
Able to represent the Wende in public-facing opportunities with donors, community members, and partners
Able to quickly acclimate to a fast-paced environment and exercise independent judgment to prioritize a diverse range of projects
Can multitask a wide variety of activities, prioritizing conflicting needs
Familiarity with cultural organizations or nonprofits
The Wende Museum requires proof of vaccination against COVID-19 for all new employees unless exempted for medical purposes or a seriously held religious belief.
Recognizing that this is an ongoing process, the Wende Museum is committed to continually increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability. People of color, LGBTQIA+ people, people without formal education, and others who may have been marginalized by conventional hiring practices are encouraged to apply.
Submit a resume and cover letter in a single PDF attachment with the subject line “Development Specialist” to opportunities@wendemuseum.org.