Careers

Join Our Team

Join a talented team of people passionate about their work. 

MISSION & HISTORY STAFF & BOARD CAREERS RENTALS CONTACT US

CAREERS

We are currently looking for career-minded individuals to fill the following positions:

Development Director

Facilities Manager

Visitor Services Associate

Development Director

Come be a part of the team that is leading the Martha’s Vineyard Museum (MVM) into its second century. As the pre-eminent cultural institution in this historic, culturally rich and diverse community, MVM is poised to meet the growing demand for its exhibits, programs and educational offerings. Having recently completed a major transformation, the Museum inspires all people to discover, explore and strengthen their connections to the Island, tracing its history back 10,000 years. As historians and storytellers, MVM strives to provide a framework for understanding the past in order to create a better future. Every visit to the Museum, like every visit to Martha’s Vineyard, surprises, challenges, delights, and leaves lasting memories.

We know that a museum is much more than a collection of buildings, art and historic artifacts, and we have made great strides towards becoming a community museum truly representing the entire Island population, both year-round and seasonal. Thus, as we enter our Centennial Celebration in 2023, we look to the future as well as the past. We are committed to telling the untold stories, and to elevating the voices of those who were overlooked, ignored, and omitted in our first century of collecting. To realize this and other strategic priorities, we must increase and rebalance all of our revenue streams. With ambitious annual fundraising goals in addition to a $10m+ Centennial Campaign, the Development Director will be instrumental in helping to secure the future of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

REPORTS TO
Executive Director

CORE FUNCTION
Manages and implements all fundraising, membership, and development activities of Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

POSITION
Working in close partnership with the Executive Director and the MVM Board, the Director is responsible for the creation, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive fundraising plan that supports the Museum’s Strategic Plan and next phase of growth. As a member of the senior management team, the Director will support and manage the Development Committee of the Board and will develop fundraising strategies, organizational capacity, and create necessary infrastructure to systematically and effectively strengthen MVM’s long-term fundraising capacity.

The Development Director will expand and diversify MVM’s donor base and pipeline, and will work closely with staff to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward existing and future leadership donors. Additionally, the Director will be responsible for managing all aspects of development activities, including staffing and administrative responsibilities of the program. As a leader and ambassador of the Museum, the Director will be responsible for developing and maintaining collaborative philanthropic efforts and alliances with other island non-profit organizations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT

Develop and implement an overall fundraising strategy to achieve both annual and Centennial Campaign fundraising goals for the organization. Specifically, this includes all duties associated with the management and continued growth of the annual appeal, membership program, fundraising events, and major gift fundraising on an ongoing basis.

Develop a Planned Giving program as well as enhance and expand the foundation and corporate fundraising efforts including developing metrics to report and manage the administration of awarded grants and gifts.

Responsible for the creation and implementation of strategic fundraising events to, directly and indirectly, support fundraising activities, including the planning and execution of MVM’s annual gala.

Manage a portfolio of prospects and support the Executive Director and Board of Directors with the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual and corporate major gift prospects.

Lead the development of a grant program and manage a grant writer to maximize revenue from federal, state, and local sources, both public and private. Coordinate all metrics for reporting on grants.

Manage Board fundraising committees and work with Board members, in coordination with the ED, to secure individual and corporate gifts.

Maintain a CRM system (Bloomerang) of gifts, pledges, cultivation conversations, and stewardship communications. Ensure that gift and grant acknowledgments are prepared in a timely manner.

Promote a culture of philanthropy throughout the Museum, collaborating with other departments on a regular basis. When mutually beneficial, establish partnerships or participate in collaboration with other nonprofit organizations.

COMMUNICATIONS

Develop and implement annual fundraising communications plan in coordination with other Museum departments.

Craft fundraising communications, including annual giving materials, messaging themes for fundraising events, talking points for solicitation meetings, etc.

Coordinate and oversee writing and publication of all fundraising-related communications, including website, media (including social media), Annual reports, and newsletters.

ORGANIZATION & ADMINISTRATION

Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Finance to develop, monitor, and assess the revenue projections for MVM’s annual and long-term financial strategy.

Prepare and manage the annual budget for the development department.

Advise Executive Director, all Senior Managers and Board on the progress of the development program, funding forecasts and trends which includes monitoring, analyzing and assessing donor and membership data.

Supervise and mentor the development staff, vendors, fellows, volunteers, and consultants, as needed.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree desirable.

At least five years successfully leading a significant multi-million-dollar development program.

Preferably has experience in an arts/culture organization, or educational institution, or equivalent.

Demonstrate a commitment to MVM’s mission and have an authentic passion for the Island’s history and the ability to articulate the vision and mission of the Museum to a wide audience.

Specific knowledge of MV’s philanthropic landscape is helpful.

Exceptional planning and organizational skills are necessary. Results and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines.

A successful, collaborative supervisor who encourages new ideas and creativity. Is able to build a strong team and a creative, healthy work environment, yet willing to make difficult decisions when necessary.

Comfort with technology tools for collaborative purposes. Strong skills with CRM or prospect databases, MS Office suite, and Google suite.

Demonstrated 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.

Travel may be required.

Facilities Manager

Come be a part of the team that is leading the Martha’s Vineyard Museum (MVM) into its second century. As the pre-eminent cultural institution in this historic, culturally rich and diverse community, MVM is poised to meet the growing demand for its exhibits, programs and educational offerings. Having recently completed a major transformation, the Museum inspires all people to discover, explore and strengthen their connections to the Island, tracing its history back 10,000 years. As historians and storytellers, MVM strives to provide a framework for understanding the past in order to create a better future. Every visit to the Museum, like every visit to Martha’s Vineyard, surprises, challenges, delights, and leaves lasting memories.

REPORTS TO
Finance and Operations Director

CORE FUNCTION
Cares for the Museum properties and manages vendor relationships.

POSITION
The Facilities Manager oversees the facilities and infrastructure at MV Museum with the goal of creating welcoming, accessible, safe physical assets that enhance the visitor experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

Perform routine short and long-term maintenance of the Museum’s buildings and campus in Vineyard Haven, the Cooke House & Legacy Gardens in Edgartown, East Chop Lighthouse, and Edgartown Lighthouse, prioritizing the visitor experience at each of our properties.

Monitor and maintain appropriate climate controls for the safety of collections.

Schedule and coordinate with all vendors doing work on our properties including but not limited to landscapers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC engineers, state and town inspectors, security services, equipment maintenance, painters, general repair work, etc.

Oversee system replacement plans, recommending capital improvements when necessary.

Assist the Curatorial team with the management of exhibition installation periods.

Schedule and supervise a custodial team to assure positive visitor experience.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Oversee all safety and security protocols for the Museum, including fire safety, emergency response, and alarm systems; providing appropriate training on procedures.

Serve as the Museum’s main point of contact for periodic inspections with the Town of Tisbury related to annual fire, elevator, and public assembly permits.

Facilitate the periodic updating of MVM’s Emergency Response Plan.

Serve as the primary emergency contact for all MVM facilities.

Serve as the community liaison for the Museum with local law enforcement, fire department, and public works.

LANDSCAPING

Oversee extensive landscaping plans at both Marine Hospital campus and Cooke House Legacy Gardens.

Act as liaison between landscaping/irrigation companies and the Museum to assure budgeted funds are being used effectively and efficiently. Tend to irrigation schedule and request adjustments based on precipitation, temperature and campus events.

Monitor use of the campus from visitors and private renters and organize landscape restoration as necessary.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & EVENT SUPPORT

Manage activity to the facilities budget for the Museum, taking a proactive approach to cost savings and carefully allocating resources.

Prepare capital expense requests for Finance Director and Executive Director for ultimate Board approval, when necessary.

Draft requests for proposal (RFPs) when necessary and make recommendations to Building & Grounds Committee of the Board of Directors.

Assist with logistics for all campus events, including private rentals.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Respects the unique aspects of working within a Museum setting.

Adept at working within deadlines and juggling several projects and priorities at once.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Working knowledge of trade skills such as carpentry, painting, landscaping, etc.

Positive attitude and affable personality; exudes composure, especially under pressure.

Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.

Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team; ability to take directions and feedback.

Takes initiative to anticipate next steps and potential roadblocks.

Has a flexible schedule, especially in the summer months, to provide assistance with after hours activities at the Museum campuses. Requires occasional night and weekend work.

Must be able to stand and walk on uneven ground for extended periods of time and lift/haul +50 pounds.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

High school diploma required, facilities management certification preferred

Experience using a variety of tools and performing general repairs & maintenance

3+ years in property management

Visitor Services Associate

Come be a part of the team that is leading the Martha’s Vineyard Museum (MVM) into its second century. As the pre-eminent cultural institution in this historic, culturally rich and diverse community, MVM is poised to meet the growing demand for its exhibits, programs and educational offerings. Having recently completed a major transformation, the Museum inspires all people to discover, explore and strengthen their connections to the Island, tracing its history back 10,000 years. As historians and storytellers, MVM strives to provide a framework for understanding the past in order to create a better future. Every visit to the Museum, like every visit to Martha’s Vineyard, surprises, challenges, delights, and leaves lasting memories.

REPORTS TO
Visitor Services Manager

CORE FUNCTION
Create an exceptional visitor experience.

POSITION
The Visitor Services Associate is a crucial member of the Martha’s Vineyard Museum team, working to create the best possible experience for visitors, members, and volunteers at the Museum. Visitor Services Associates are responsible for staffing the Museum’s welcome center, gift shop, and First Light Café.

RESPONSIBILITIES

STANDARD DUTIES

Carry out daily operations at the front desk, gift shop, and First Light Café with a focus on customer service, organization, and efficiency ensuring visitors are attended to professionally, promptly, and graciously.

Handle and balance cash and related financial entries from admissions, gift shop, and café sales.

Participate in walk-throughs of the Museum during operating hours to ensure the highest level of visitor experience, safety, and security.

Restock pre-packaged items in the First Light Café from the Museum staff kitchen.

Promote the Museum through membership, special exhibitions, and upcoming programs and events.

Be a source of knowledge on current exhibits, upcoming events, and general knowledge of the Museum.

Respond to visitor inquiries and phone calls in a prompt, professional manner.

Provide occasional support for Museum events and programs.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

Enjoy working with the public, meeting new people, partnering with volunteers, collaborating, and being a team player.

Flexibility to work in multiple operational areas within a single day.

Possess excellent organizational and communication skills.

Have strong interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills.

Flexibility to work some nights and weekends.

Radiate a commitment to customer service and the ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

Comfortable with multiple software programs including Point of Sale, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.

Interest in the Museum’s mission and Martha’s Vineyard history is a plus.

Fluency in other languages in addition to English is a plus.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Previous experience in customer service

Prolonged periods of standing

Prolonged periods of sitting at a workstation

Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times

Interested candidates should email a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to careers@mvmuseum.org with the position title in the subject line. Successful applicants must be willing to undergo a criminal background check.

At the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, we value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals from all identities and backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive equitable consideration for employment based on their experience and qualifications, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.