The Director of Development will serve as a fundraising partner to the Executive Director and COO and will be responsible for donor cultivation, solicitation, and relations. This is a key, high-profile position representing the Petersen Automotive Museum across the organization and to all internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of executive administration, prior experience supporting a board of directors, and a passion for customer service. The ability to self-start, coupled with a natural ability to be flexible and handle anything that might come their way is a must. A strong commitment to continuous improvement and the ability to contribute to the overall success of the Museum is imperative.
The Director of Development is responsible for creating and implementing the comprehensive development strategy for the Petersen Automotive Museum, in partnership with the Executive Director and COO. The Development Director is the lead professional responsible for achieving the Museum’s fundraising goals and engaging donors in ongoing programs and activities. These efforts will include leveraging key relationships and contacts within and outside of the Museum’s network to ensure capital and operating fundraising goals are met and surpassed.
Duties/Responsibilities
Supervision of the Development and Membership team
Setting and meeting aggressive fundraising goals
Managing meeting and appointment schedules, travel arrangements, correspondence, and various reporting requirements
Oversight and support of all administrative duties in the office to ensure the smooth operation of office needs including staff supervision and supply inventory
Designing, implementing and managing all fundraising activities including annual giving, endowment and capital campaigns, membership, special projects, and other related solicitations in coordination with the ED and COO
Developing and executing strategic plans for donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and ongoing engagement, including personal engagement with major and mid-level prospects
Maintaining contact with and developing grant proposals for foundation, corporations and government funding sources
Developing a comprehensive planned giving program
Producing all development reports, including reports for the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other agencies as requested
Assisting Board, ED & COO with research and identification of potential new major donors and board members
Creating and/or supervising personnel and office systems to support all development projects and operations
Overseeing the management of membership and donor databases and all records, files, and gift processing
Ensuring all donors are kept informed about museum initiatives, activities, and events in coordination with the Marketing Dept
Organizing annual donor appreciation events
Collaborating with the Marketing department to develop a public relations plan and an advertising plan that promote the Museum’s fundraising goals
Working closely with the COO in the design and production of all major publications, including the Annual Report and digital marketing initiatives
Required Skills/Abilities
Ability to communicate a compelling case for donations to a charitable organization
A record of fundraising success for a single organization over 3 or more years
Proven success in designing and managing donor and/or member relation programs
Experience with developing and maintaining productive working relationships with board members and donors
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to work as a leader and as part of a team
In a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, must have the ability to effectively multi-task, pivot effectively between projects, maintain strong attention to detail, is goal oriented and able to meet deadlines