Description

Position Description
The Donor Relations Manager develops and executes the Museum’s fundraising strategies in close partnership with the Executive Director and Major Gifts Manager. This role oversees Annual Fund Drives and Donor engagement activities, assists with endowment and planned giving programs, and supports the broader efforts of the External Affairs Department. The Donor Relations Manager collaborates with team members, including the Grants Manager, the Major Gifts Manager, the Communications Manager, and the Membership and Events Associate. This position reports to the Executive Director.

Requirements

Primary Responsibilities/ Essential Functions

• Establishes fundraising objectives that support the Museum’s Vision and Mission. 
• Creates and implements annual fundraising and personalized engagement plan that includes metrics for contributed income and donor participation in collaboration with the Executive Director and senior leadership,
• Advances major endowment campaign currently underway and identifies, researches, and solicits individual, government, and foundation prospects. 
• Assists with the development of a formal planned giving program, including structure, timeline, documents, and regulations. 
• Works with staff and Trustees to identify, cultivate, and steward donors; tracks donors and gift solicitations. 
• Maintains accurate donor data and processes regular reports for Trustees and senior leadership.  
• Ensures special requests are recorded and accomplished.  
• Develops and manages committees and related staff; develops and implements specialized, creative advancement events and campaigns. 
• Works closely with the Executive Director to evaluate previous campaign donors and convert them to annual giving by developing and implementing Annual Fund Campaigns.
• Assists with endowment campaigns, capital campaigns, and planned giving methods. 
• Researches and analyzes donors; manages and solicits a portfolio of prospects and donors; creates personalized engagement, stewardship, and giving plans for current and prospective donors. 
• Invests necessary time and energy into building relationships with donors to understand donor goals and align with the Museum’s Mission and Vision. 
• Offers strategy council to the Executive Director, Trustees, and committee members, including preparation of donor profiles, talking points, and presentation materials.  Assists with solicitations. 
• Builds relationships with financial planners, trusts, and estate professionals to disperse Museum information and giving opportunities with their clients. 
• Reviews and revises communication materials, donor benefits, giving systems, and tools. 
• Participates in the development of a capital campaign to support an off-site art storage facility and a planned giving program. 
• Advocates for art philanthropy and stays abreast of gift planning and current tax laws, and provides training to staff and Trustees on planned gift vehicles and solicitation strategies. 
• Regularly reports on metrics involving giving across the Museum. 
• Collaborates with and supports External Affairs staff on corporate membership and sponsorship solicitations; provides direct mentorship to the External Events and Fundraising Associate and Membership Associate
• Interacts with the arts community and civic bodies as an advocate for the arts and the Museum. 
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Special Requirements & Compensation

This year round, full-time position is eligible for full benefits and requires some after-hours participation in Museum events, exhibitions, openings, lectures, etc.  Annual compensation includes a salary of $60,000, depending on experience, plus paid time off, health insurance, and retirement benefits after the required probationary period.  The incumbent should be authorized to work in the United States, be able to navigate the Museum’s building and grounds, and travel periodically for meetings or Museum business.  

 Education/ Experience

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ experience in donor relations and advancement, including a demonstrated track record of identifying and engaging donors in creative and impactful ways; be a flexible leader and astute manager with a collaborative spirit; strong research, writing, and editing ability; intimate understanding of traditional and emerging fundraising strategies and goals; and an interest in building authentic and trusting relationships with donors. Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, including public speaking, are highly desirable.  The incumbent must be able to work independently, collaboratively, and effectively in a fast-paced, creative environment.