Jobs
Development Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Core Function: Manages and implements all fundraising, membership and development activities of MVM.
Position: Works in close partnership with the Executive Director and the MVM Board to plan, implement and review fundraising and membership activities, and to develop and sustain donor relationships. Coordinates and manages the Development Committee of the Board. Develops the fundraising-related strategy, organizational capability and infrastructure to build and sustain MVM’s new phase of growth and the implementation of the MVM Strategic Plan.
Overall, it is expected that the Development Director will systematically and effectively strengthen the organization’s long-term fundraising capacity. Serves as a member of the senior management team. Expands and diversifies MVM’s donor base and pipeline, and works closely with all staff to secure funding to sustain operations and create new initiatives. Manages all gifts, donor and prospect contacts, staffing matters, and administrative issues of the development program. Develops and maintains collaborative philanthropic efforts and alliances with other island non-profit organizations.
RESPONSIBILITIES-
Fundraising and Development:
- Develop, manage and implement the “Development Plan” to include strategies for and supervise staff responsible for major gifts, annual appeal, membership program, grants, and special fundraising events that enable MVM to meet its annual revenue goals. This includes the setting of objectives and metrics for annual development goals.
- Work with the Executive Director and Board to manage and complete a Centennial Campaign.
- Research, develop and execute all fundraising requests and proposals.
- Solicit and steward a portfolio of select major donors with specific fundraising goals and aggressively execute them in concert with the Executive Director and the Board.
- Manage Board Development Committee and work with Board members to secure individual and corporate gifts.
- Build a multi-faceted membership program to increase membership annually.
- Develop a grant program to increase grant revenue from private foundations, corporate and government sources. Coordinate all metrics for reporting on grants.
- Develop strategies for and administer a Planned Giving Program to increase the endowment for MVM’s core mission.
- Develop a portfolio and schedule of creative and compelling fundraising and cultivation events.
- Coordinate and oversee writing and publication of all fundraising-related communications, including website, media (including social media), and newsletters.
- Maintain a CRM system of gifts, pledges, cultivation conversations and stewardship communications. Ensure that gift and grant acknowledgements are prepared in a timely manner.
- When mutually beneficial, establish partnerships or participate in collaboration with other nonprofit organizations.
Organization and Administration:
- Prepare annual budget for development department and project annual revenues in collaboration with Executive Director and Director of Finance.
- Collaborate with Director of Finance to develop, monitor and assess the revenue projections for MVM’s annual and long-term financial strategy.
- Advise Executive Director, all Senior Managers and Board on funding forecasts and trends on a regular basis and when preparing MVM’s annual budget. This will include monitoring, analyzing and assessing donor and membership data.
- Communicate regularly on the progress of the development program.
- Supervise and mentor the development staff, interns and volunteers, and consultants, as needed.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS-
- Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree desirable
- At least five years successfully leading a significant multi-million-dollar development program, with a working knowledge of all areas within development, including major gifts, annual giving, membership, corporate sponsorship and foundation giving, planned giving, campaigns and research.
- Experience in an arts/culture organization, or educational institution, or equivalent, a plus.
- A proven record of personal achievement exceeding ambitious revenue targets including: securing gifts of six figures or more, securing gifts in a campaign environment, and creating new and/or reinvigorating existing programs.
- Experience raising funds throughout a large geographic region and/or nationwide.
- Specific knowledge of MV’s philanthropic landscape is a plus.
- Proficiency in setting goals and evaluating and communicating success.
- Ability to understand, extract and analyze data for effective prospect strategy and programmatic reporting and tracking.
- Strong skills with CRM or prospect databases, MS Office suite, Google suite, wealth management and project management software, and similar apps and programs.
- Knowledge of and proficiency in social media communication.
- Exceptional planning and organizational skills. Results and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines. Able to construct, articulate, implement and evaluate written development plans and budgets.
- Successful, collaborative supervisor who encourages new ideas and creativity. Able to build a strong team and a creative, healthy work environment, yet willing to make tough decisions when necessary.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; attentive listener; and engaging storyteller able to plan and execute strategic communications to advance philanthropic initiatives and achieve goals.
- Ability to engage diplomatically with and engender the trust of donors, colleagues, board members and other stakeholders at all times.
- Able to attract, influence, engage and build long-term relationships with all types of donors and key stakeholders.
- Energetic and skilled networker who enjoys community engagement, attending events and participating in activities to position the Museum for success.
- Commitment to diversity and a history of working effectively with all people irrespective of their economic status, ethnicity, gender, educational level or sexual orientation.
- Flexible and adaptable work style with the ability to work nights and weekends, manage competing demands and work independently.
- In-state and out-of-state travel may be required.
- Confident self-starter with a positive attitude and affable personality who exudes composure, especially under pressure.
- Demonstrated commitment to MVM’s mission and a passion for Island History; ability to articulate the vision and mission of the Museum to a wide audience
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Interested candidates should resume and list of three references to jobs@mvmuseum.org with the subject line: Development Director. Successful applicant must be willing to undergo a criminal background check.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status.