American Sign Museum seeks a Director of Development.

Summary of Position: The American Sign Museum is seeking an experienced, results-oriented fundraiser with strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills for a Director of Development leadership position. This detail-oriented self-starter will be responsible for building and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy while cultivating the Museum’s next generation of donors. Reporting to the Director, this is a full- time position with a competitive salary and benefits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Currently in the final phase of a 20,000 sq. ft. expansion, the successful candidate will leverage this pivotal moment in the Museum’s history to lead a multi-constituency fundraising program to include the closing of the capital campaign fundraising efforts while reimagining the Museum’s annual fund and membership and special events programs.

A Campaign for the American Sign Museum

• Responsible for leading all aspects of a broad-based fundraising plan to conclude the final stages of the Museum‘s expansion project.
• Identify prospective foundation support while cultivating and providing final /follow-up reporting.
• Use key messaging for support to create and distribute campaign communication pieces for donors and prospective donors, including electronic newsletters, mailings, and campaign updates.
• Ensure gifts are acknowledged in a timely fashion and donor recognition is properly recorded.

Annual Fund and Membership Programs

• Outline and execute a comprehensive annual development plan and calendar with clearly defined goals, timelines, and measurables.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive membership plan including member-only incentives and events.
• Research, draft and submit corporate and foundation proposals in support of the organization’s financial goals including annual fund and restricted funding needs.
• Manage the database for annual fund and membership campaigns, including gift entry/ processing, administering membership benefits, and monitoring and reporting.

Special Events

• Collaborate with the Director and volunteers on the curation and execution of an annual signature event.
• Ensure appropriate stewardship of gifts and completing the entire acknowledgement process for donors, including in-kind forms, thank you letters, auction receipts, letters to attendees and supports, etc.
• Create a post-event plan for continued stewardship of event attendees, sponsors, and donors.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Some evenings and weekends are required to support Museum programming and activities.
• Uphold a good working relationship with board, staff, donors, volunteers, and community sources while representing the Museum at key donor and foundation meetings and events.
• Reporting to the Director, this position is part of the Museum’s leadership team which assists with the development and management of budgets, strategies, and planning initiatives, and assesses programs and experiences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Expectations: The ideal candidate will have a college degree with a minimum of 5 years of progressive work experience in nonprofit fundraising. Proven achievement in executing fundraising strategies, including experience with CRM software, special event planning, and managing a membership program is required. A team player, this role requires flexibility and excellent customer-service skills.

The candidate should have excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and achieve goals. Exceptional attention to details and follow through is required.

Position Title: Director of Development

Reports To: Director

Hours: Full-Time; Exempt Employee

Compensation: $65,000 – 70,000 annually, commensurate with experience

Workdays: Flexible schedule to meet the needs of organization; evening / weekends and local travel may be required

Benefits: The American Sign Museum offers an extensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; employer contributions to HSA; fifteen (15) days PTO; six paid holidays; free parking; and more.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access (DEIA) Statement: The American Sign Museum is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board leaders, staff, volunteers, and visitors feel respected and valued regardless of gender, age, race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation or identity, disability, or education. The American Sign Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applications are reviewed upon receipt and will be reviewed until the position is filled. ASM seeks to begin this position ASAP. No calls, please.

Salary range: 65,000-70,000

Job classification: Full-time

To apply: Send resume, a letter of interest, and writing sample to [email protected] with the subject “Director of Development – [Your Last Name].” For more information, visit www.americansignmuseum.org.

Posted: October 3, 2023