Development Director

The Development Director is responsible for the Museum’s advancement activities, including the planning and implementation of a comprehensive development strategy approved by the Erie Art Museum Executive Director. This position plays a key role in maintaining effective communications with members and donors, as well as individual and corporate sponsors, community organizations, and foundations, in support of the Erie Art Museum’s mission. The Development Director coordinates cultivation events and programs in collaboration with other staff. 

This position reports to the Executive Director of the Erie Art Museum. This position is full-time, exempt with health, vision, and dental benefits, starting at $50,000/year depending on experience.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish, monitor, and maintain a development plan, calendar, and goals.

• Investigate new funding sources for the EAM.
• Implement gift and major gift prospect tracking.
• Plan, create, and implement annual fund & major gift programs plans/strategies.
• Develop and maintain effective gift acknowledgment and stewardship programs.

Management of individual and corporate support

• Manage membership program, strategy, and outreach with support from Development Associate and Visitor Services and Marketing.
• Plan, implement, and manage annual and special appeal drives at Erie Gives and at year-end.
• Cultivate members and donors to solicit gifts of all sizes.
• Create and implement cultivation events and programs with assistance from the Administrative and Events Coordinator.

Management of grants, proposals, and reporting

• Maintain a calendar of grant applications and reports to funding agencies.
• Assist in writing LOIs and proposals, and collect required documents for proposals.
• Liaison to various state, federal, and county agencies as well as private foundations on grant requirements, letters of support, and government and community relations

Support Executive Director

• Prepare strategies/draft communications for the EAM Director and/or Board members in fundraising solicitations and follow-up.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to support, plan, and execute major initiatives, capital campaigns, and partnerships.
• Oversee Museum in Director’s absence.

Manage donor management system

• Prepare monthly fund-raising progress reports.
• Annually evaluate the effectiveness of EAM development programs in a written report.
• Oversee administrative staff member(s) that coordinate events and assist with membership and donation requests.

Other duties as assigned.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate professional experience with 5 years of experience in development or advancement
• Excellent writing and organizational skills.
• Enthusiastic self-starter able to see projects through from beginning to end.
• Strategic thinker able to diversify funding streams and build endowment.
• Able to create a plan and grow a national network for membership, donors and grants.
• Excellent time management skills to balance multiple and ongoing deadlines.
• Experience with CRM systems to maximize insight on membership and donors.
• Nonprofit arts organizations and/or arts background.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Laura Domencic at [email protected]. Interviews will begin as applications are received.

The Erie Art Museum advances visual art by developing and preserving the region’s art collection, presenting exhibitions and education programs, fostering lifelong learning, and supporting a diverse community of artists, students, and the public. The Erie Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer.