Director of Development

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Director of Development will lead the development efforts and financial growth for the Museum & Library to ensure it transitions into a full-fledged public charity. The Director of Development is responsible for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of existing and prospective donors, providing a stable and growing base of both short- and long-term financial support for Museum & Library operations. Duties include conducting research to identify potential donors and sponsors, developing solicitation materials, planning and organizing donor cultivation and recognition activities in conjunction with public programs, and overseeing management of the donor database. The Director of Development carries primary responsibility for developing new donor relationships and serves asthe key fundraiser for new initiatives , existing programs, and the annual Liberty Gala. Working with the senior leadership team, the Director will ensure that development activities are deeply embedded within the mission, work and culture of the Museum & Library. This individual also has oversight of the Museum & Library’s membership program.

ESSENTIAL POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree is a plus
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a fundraiser at a cultural institution, university or other not for profit, with at least 2 years of experience leading development departments required
• Proven fund solicitation success at various levels, including annual, major and capital gifts, and planned giving
• Demonstrated experience in organizing cultivation programs and activities to engage donors
• Experience managing and growing membership programs preferred
• Grant writing experience helpful
• Excellent writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills; able to work in a team-oriented setting, as well as independently
• Self-starting, entrepreneurial, outgoing, creative, enthusiastic and able to be flexible in a dynamic environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Tessitura, or transferrable skills with similar donor database software
• Experience with web based and crowd-sourced fundraising vehicles
• Financial acumen, particularly in annual budget development
• Ability to fulfill night and weekend commitments in association with activities of the Museum & Library to include occasional overnight travel as needed
• Military background (personal or family), personal interest in military history/international affairs, and museum and/or library experience a plus but not required

ASSIGNED RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Lead the Museum & Library’s Development Department; develop strategies for an innovative, comprehensive and integrated multi-source fundraising plan to specifically advance the Museum & Library’s mission and services and grow its member and donor base
• Actively identify, cultivate, solicit and steward new and existing donors for the PMML, including and especially at the major gifts level; assist the President & CEO with the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of VIP and/or principal gifts donors
• Identify and cultivate new corporate, foundation, and individual donors for annual giving, program sponsorship, planned giving, and other forms of support; learn more about the interests of existing donors as they relate to the service provide by the Museum & Library
• Participate in outreach events such as internal and external open houses, museum tours with VIPs, and select city events
• Develop and oversee execution of processes, systems and timelines for all membership and annual fund mailings and email communications, including solicitations, acquisitions, renewals, invitations, packets and general communications
• Oversee member and donor database to ensure fundamental standards for donor data management are being used in the database and to ensure that the database is up to date at all times
• Solicit major donors in partnership with the President & CEO
• Serve as the fundraising lead for the annual Liberty Gala and other fundraising events; work with internal staff as well as external contractors for events
• In collaboration with other staff, produce the annual report, membership mailings, notices and newsletters, and all internet-related fundraising information
• Perform such duties necessary to ensure successful completion of Museum & Library mission and fundraising objectives
• Perform other duties as assigned by the President

Benefits (Full-time Employees): 

• Paid time off
• 401K
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage