Director of Development

 The Springfield Museums is seeking a Director of Development who will be responsible for providing leadership to the Springfield Museums’ development efforts.  The incumbent will work closely with the President and will oversee all aspects of the design and implementation of a comprehensive strategic fundraising effort to raise more than $1 million annually in restricted and unrestricted gifts, grants and sponsorships in support of exhibitions, education programs, general support, capital projects and other special projects.  The Director of Development will supervise the Grants Coordinator, the Membership Coordinator and the Part-time Membership Assistant.  This position reports the President/CEO.

Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following:

• As a member of SMA management, the Director of Development contributes to the overall mission, goals and objectives of the institution.  In addition to accountability for assigned areas of responsibility, she/he will participate in shaping and achieving the goals, objectives, policies and practices of the Museums, ensuring that staff, volunteers, the public and others are aware of the Museums’ missions, goals and objectives, and their integration with departmental goals and activities.
• Develop and maintain a long-range plan for areas of responsibility with strategic directions consistent with the Museums’ mission, purpose, goals and objectives.  Ensure that long range plans reflect analysis of markets and activities, anticipate and project trends, and identify and articulate key issues and contingencies to insure the stability of the Museums.  Present plans and policies to the President for approval.
• Plan and initiate fund raising strategies, oversee major fundraising appeals and cultivation events for current and prospective donors.
• Oversee the research of current and potential funders and cultivate national, regional and local prospects for the support of the Museums’ programs. Manage solicitation of new and renewing funders and the personal portfolio of individual donors to include prospect identification, qualification, engagement, solicitation, stewardship activities and special fundraising events.  Develop and implement a plan of action for generating major gifts of $1,000,000+ with an emphasis on five (5) and six (6) figure gifts to enhance ongoing revenue growth with a strategic focus on retaining and upgrading donors while building a robust pipeline of prospects tied to the annual measurement of goals.
• Set goals, plan and implement all campaigns and similar efforts for capital improvements, operating support, special exhibitions, programs, and projects. Identify and solicit prospects, organizations, and volunteers with recommendations on the design and preparation of fund raising materials and all related support activities to insure successful attainment of the goal.
• Regularly evaluate the Development and Membership operations, monitoring quality and cost effectiveness.  Oversee and monitor the annual operational budget for the Development department, ensuring effective cost controls.
• Work with all departments to develop fundraising plans that coordinate with the Museums’ exhibitions and programs.
• Establish a giving program for local businesses and individual campaigns.
• Develop, implement and maintain reporting mechanisms in order to track and evaluate fundraising plans for corporate, foundation, individual, and membership campaigns, and to monitor income and analyze the current status toward achieving the annual goal and to project funding needs.  Make recommendations for changes as warranted.
• Oversee grants and the grant reporting process; provide assistance to the Grants Coordinator as necessary.  Ensure that key foundation, government and corporation grant opportunities are pursued, and that grant reporting and communication are carefully managed and communicated on a timely basis.
• Conceptualize and collaborate with the Public Relations and Marketing staff to create a comprehensive communications plan for cultivating donors and soliciting gifts, including developing new marketing materials for prospective members and the solicitation of gifts.
• Meet frequently with department staff and maintain close communication with Trustees and committees members.  Serve as a liaison between staff, the Board of Trustees, the Development & Membership Committee, the Society of William Rice Subcommittee and related subcommittees and task force groups as assigned by the President.
• In collaboration with the Grants Coordinator and the Membership Coordinator, design a strategic plan for the Museum’s membership programs aimed at increasing membership and upgrading members to the Museums’ highest membership level, the Society of William Rice.  Contribute to the design and implementation of membership and special fundraising events.
• Keep apprised of the computerized donor database; the matching gifts and in-kind gift solicitation and responses; the acknowledgement process for all gifts and grants; the reporting mechanisms, and ongoing contact with donors.
• Represent the Springfield Museums at various public functions, including evening and weekend receptions, dinners and donor cultivation events.
• Keep abreast of trends, significant advances through professional associations, publications, seminars and similar means.
• Perform other tasks as assigned or requested by supervisor.

Qualifications include but are not limited to the following:

• A Bachelor's degree, an advanced degree is desirable, and seven (7) years of experience in Development Management.
•  A self-motivated individual who has a passion for development and fundraising.
• Knowledge and a demonstrated ability to apply best practices and industry standards as well as creative thinking in order to lead and manage a successful development effort.
• A successful fund raiser with the ability to establish fundraising priorities and achieve fundraising goals.
• A creative, energetic and entrepreneurial individual who is well organized and thrives in a fast paced and challenging environment.
• Knowledge of non-profits, preferably Museums, with a background in donor relations, long-term cultivation, solicitation of major gifts, planned giving, foundations and funding sources, grants management, and event management (including virtual events).
• Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with staff, administration, prospective and current donors, trustees, members, and volunteers.
• Demonstrated experience writing competitive grant proposals for high level national funding sources (public and private).
• Strong administrative, time management, and organizational skills, with the ability to plan, organize, and implement numerous projects simultaneously.
• Experience managing multiple competing needs, interests, and personality types of staff, donors and upper level members within a museum or educational organization.
• Respectful handling of confidential and sensitive information.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours and the ability to travel as needed are required.

Salary:  The salary range for this position is $80,000-$90,000.

Benefits Include:

• Healthcare: medical, dental, vision
• 100 % employer paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Term and Voluntary Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Generous paid time off
• Retirement plan 401(k)
• Free parking
• Family Membership to the Springfield Museums
• Generous discounts for Museum School courses
• Museum Store discount

Interested candidates should submit their application and cover letter by Friday, July 2, 2021 to: mseddon@springfieldmuseums.org.

The Springfield Museums is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace, dedicated to fair and inclusive employment practices for all individuals.