Careers

Join Our Team

Join a talented team of people passionate about their work. 

CAREERS

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


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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Visitor Services Assistant 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
Visitor Services Manager

JOB SUMMARY
The Visitor Services Assistant Manager will actively support the Visitor Services Manager in directing the daily activities, schedules, and assignments of staff to operate the Museum’s front desk, gift shop, café & seasonal lighthouse operations.  The Visitor Services Assistant Manager is responsible for working to create the best possible experience for all visitors and members entering the Museum.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists with scheduling to ensure that proper staffing levels are in place throughout each day and in the assignment of jobs and projects

Promotes a positive, professional work environment, cross-training department staff in all visitor services functions.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensures visitor satisfaction with all aspects of the museum experience.

Strives to ensure that every visitor to the Museum experiences a warm welcome, a sense of belonging, and genuine hospitality.

Collaborates with the Visitor Services Manager to make recommendations to improve the visitor experience.

Maintain an awareness of ongoing exhibitions, programs, and events at the Museum.

In the Visitor Services Manager’s absence will handle customer complaints, resolve issues in a diplomatic and courteous manner, and involve members of the senior management team as needed.

Promotes membership in the Museum in all facets of work.

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

Responsible for opening and closing in the absence of the Visitor Services Manager

Provide occasional support for Museum events and programs.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

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

Supports business development team with on-site handling of group tours, cruise ship visits, bus tours, etc.

Coordinates the distribution of information at the front desk (maps, brochures, catalogs, activities, marketing, etc.)

Handles and balances cash and related financial entries from admissions on a daily basis and programming events when applicable.

Continually seeks and identifies methods to increase store sales and profitability; makes recommendations and/or implements changes as appropriate.

Ensure visitors feel comfortable visiting the shop through greeting, positive interactions, and answering questions about merchandise.

Oversees the ordering, receipt, and verification of shop inventory. Assists in reordering and monitoring merchandise turnover in the shop.

Ensures the professional appearance of the shop and works to include items that are pertinent to exhibitions and programs in advance of their opening when possible.

Oversees the ordering, receipt, and verification of cafe inventory and purchases food and supplies. 

Ensures professional appearance of the Café, including staffing.

Ensures all items have not passed their expiration date and properly records all spoilage.

Approve all expenses, reimbursement, and pay stubs related to Café.

Conducts daily inspection of Café and equipment to ensure compliance with health, safety, food handling, and hygiene standards.

Periodically evaluates equipment for repairs and maintenance; schedules for service.

Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills with a focus on customer service.

Demonstrate the ability to prioritize duties effectively and efficiently while managing multiple projects/tasks simultaneously.

Flexibility to work weekends and some nights.

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

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

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

Possess excellent organizational and communication skills.

Have strong interpersonal and creative problem-solving skills.

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

Fluency in other languages in addition to English a plus.

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Customer service experience & retail sales experience preferred

Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at a time and operate heavy doors.

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Ability to walk a half mile on sandy, uneven terrain, in all weather conditions. 

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. Candidates interested in the Visitor Services Assistant position may submit the Employment Application to careers@mvmuseum.org. 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.