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Director of Development - Biggs Museum of American Art

  • December 07, 2018
  • Dover, DE

The Biggs Museum of American Art is a dynamic regional art museum in Dover, Delaware founded in 1993 by collector Sewell C. Biggs. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the Biggs Museum is nationally recognized for its exceptional collections of American decorative arts of Delaware and the Delaware River valley, and for its collections of American art from 1700 to the present. In its first 25 years, the Biggs has tripled its operating budget, and doubled its exhibition space and programs. As it enters its second 25 years, the Director of Development will play a key role as a senior member of the administrative staff working closely with the Director and the Board to ensure the successful growth of the institution as it looks to the future.

Job Summary

The Director of Development for the Biggs Museum of American Art is responsible for planning, coordinating and implementing the fundraising activities of the Biggs Museum including, donor cultivation, major gifts, sponsorships, as well as overseeing planned gifts, annual fund, and special campaigns. The Director will also consult on grants and fundraising events.

Education and Experience

A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field coupled with 5 -7 years comprehensive experience in a non-profit development operation, preferably in a public museum or cultural institution in the Mid-Atlantic region. You will have a demonstrated track record of successful major gift generation and effective capital campaign management. Warm, professional interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with potential donors/sponsors, board members, and staff will be integral to your success.

The successful candidate must be a strategic thinker and strategist. They must be equally competent in the external relations aspect of the position and the internal management functions including accessing and employing job related computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office, Donor Perfect) at an effective proficiency level.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Works in conjunction with the Executive Director and Board to develop fundraising priorities and strategies.
  • Implement and enhance the museums five year development plan including a major capital campaign.
  • Oversees and implements donor centered fundraising programs. Designs cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to increase levels of involvement of individuals, corporations and foundations in the organization. Makes personal visits and creates other relationship building activities.
  • Manages major gift prospects, corporate donors and provides appropriate follow up. Coordinates solicitation activities for executive director and/or other key volunteers. Solicits gifts, sponsorships and other forms of support.
  • Conducts with other staff, research on donors, corporate prospects, foundations and other potential supporters.
  • Supervises staff support of one person working jointly with the Director.
  • Works closely with the Development Committee to maximize volunteer engagement in the development process.
  • Contributes to and consults on institutional and program grants in collaboration with Executive Director and Curators.
  • Maintains an accurate and current donor database in collaboration with support staff, and produces reports, solicitation brochures, and strategies for prospects, board and director.

Experience Requirements:

  • Interest and conviction in the Mission and Vision of the Biggs Museum.
  • Strong demonstrable fundraising background including gift solicitation, cultivation and stewardship, annual or special campaigns, planned giving programs, sponsorships and development communication at the $500,000 – $1,000,000 range annually.
  • Supervisory and team participation experience. Ability to motivate, supervise, collaborate and work effectively with staff and volunteers. Committed to a team approach and to a congenial collegial atmosphere of mutual respect.
  • Strong written and verbal skills using various media to communicate with diverse audiences.
  • Must be gregarious, eager and comfortable engaging personally with the public as well as donors and prospects.
  • Computer literacy, (word processing, spreadsheets, budgets and database systems).
  • Ability to work later hours for special events, openings, and gatherings as appropriate.
  • Willing to keep up to date in the field and to continue training as necessary.
  • Must be able to travel State-wide in Delaware and possibly the region.

Working Conditions:

Congenial, fast paced office and museum environment.

Time Commitment

Full time (35 hr. per week) exempt position, periodic evening and week-end events.

Salary and Benefits

Commensurate with experience and qualifications. Generous package of health, personal time off and retirement benefits.

Interested candidates

Please send a resume and cover letter addressed to Executive Director, Charles Guerin and emailed via amoore@biggsmuseum.org



Contact Us:
Office: (302) 588-1342
info@philanthropydelaware.org

Address:
100 W. 10th Street, Suite 500
Wilmington, DE 19801

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Philanthropy Delaware, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization

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