Assistant Director, Gifts of Art

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is seeking an Assistant Director for the Gifts of Art Program. This role involves managing donor relationships and collaborating on art acquisition initiatives while promoting diversity and inclusion within the organization. The ideal candidate should possess strong project management and communication skills, along with substantial experience in museum or gallery environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in development, curatorial, or museum collections work.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential materials with discretion.
• Museum registration or collections management desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee functions of the Gifts of Art Program including donor management.
• Develop strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.
• Plan and execute recognition and events for art donors.

Skills

Project Management

Communication

Collaboration

Strategic Thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Art History or related field

Job description

The mission of the Gifts of Art Program is to foster engagement with and secure support from art collectors to strengthen the MFA’S collection. Reporting to the Director, Gifts of Art, and working closely with collections and curatorial staff, the Assistant Director, Gifts of Art will oversee the general functions of the Gifts of Art Program including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors of artworks and funds for the purchase of art. The Assistant Director will manage a departmental pool of art donors; lead gifts of art projects in partnership with curatorial colleagues; prepare gift proposals and gift documentation; oversee stewardship of art donors individually and through Ross Society programs; and lead special projects as needed.

The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment with varied projects and responsibilities, requiring active leadership and collaboration with internal staff, and excellent communication with donors.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Cultivation

• Work with curatorial staff, development staff, and Board members to identify potential donors to strengthen the Museum’s collection.
• Collaborate with development colleagues to develop and execute strategies for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects in support of the MFA’s curatorial collecting priorities.
• Prepare briefing materials and donor communications related to gifts of art for the MFA Director, Chief Development Officer, and Director, Gifts of Art as needed.
• Support institutional commitment to diversity and inclusion in our donor relationships and curatorial collecting strategies.

Gift Development and Curatorial Collaboration

• Anticipate and respond effectively to donor needs related to outright gifts, promised gifts, and bequests of art. Serve as a knowledgeable resource for donors and their professional advisors regarding museum practices, gift planning, and basic tax reporting issues for gifts of art.
• Act as project manager for multi-departmental gifts of art and ensure streamlined and timely communications to donors. Organize curatorial participation in gift proposals, including donor visits, lists of desired artworks, and preparation of written materials.
• Coordinate occasional fundraising initiatives related the purchase of artwork for the Museum.
• Support the Director, Gifts of Art, with high-level collection proposals, including those related to funding solicitations and Principal Gift prospects ($5M+).

Stewardship

• Plan and execute recognition, communications, and events for the Ross Society, in collaboration with other External Relations colleagues, to ensure stewardship of all gifts of art donors.
• Develop individualized stewardship for significant art donors; cultivate relationships to maintain donor engagement at the MFA.
• Attend events, often in the evenings, in support of Development goals.

Planning and Administration

• Contribute to overall planning, goal-setting, and budgeting for the Gifts of Art Program.
• Track and ensure timely and responsive follow-up to public inquiries and offers of gifts of art.
• Participate in the selection and oversight of department interns.
• Perform other related duties as required or directed.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Art History or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in development, curatorial, or museum collections work
• Proven track record of working successfully within a complex, fast-paced environment with staff at all levels, including the Museum’s leadership
• Strong project management skills including team leadership, budget, planning, time management, attention to detail, and follow-through
• Excellent event planning skills
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve problems, make decisions, work independently and as a team player
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• Museum registration, collections management, or curatorial work desirable
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential materials with discretion
• Commitment to fostering respectful communication and collaboration within a diverse community
• Some evening and weekend work required

Salary and Schedule:

Salary: $70,000 - $76,000

Full-Time, 35 hours per week

This position is affiliated with the United Auto Workers Union.

The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.