Director, Development

Cincinnati Museum Center; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cincinnati Museum Center and The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center seek a Director of Development to lead strategic fundraising. The focus is on gifts of $10,000 and above and commitments in the $25,000–$50,000+ range, developing and executing comprehensive strategies to strengthen donor engagement and grow the museum’s base of committed supporters.

The Director will manage a portfolio of major donors, tailor cultivation and solicitation plans, and coordinate with internal teams to

Qualifications

• 5+ years of fundraising or major gift experience.
• Proficiency with donor management software or CRM tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of individual and corporate prospects for gifts $10,000+.
• Lead cultivation, solicitation and stewardship to reach annual fundraising goals.
• Coordinate proposals, donor materials, and CRM reporting.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and volunteer groups to maximize fundraising outcomes.

Skills

Donor relationships

Communication

Project management

Tools

Raiser’s Edge NXT

Microsoft Office

Job description

Thank you for your interest in working for Cincinnati Museum Center and The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center!

All positions listed here are current openings. We only accept applications and resumes for positions that are listed. Applications for positions that are not listed will not be processed. Due to the volume of applications we are unable to respond to inquiries regarding the status of applications or more detailed information about positions.

Cincinnati Museum Center and The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Position:Director, Development

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Job Id:1027

# of Openings:1

Position: Director, Development

Reports to: Senior Director, Development and Campaign Director

FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Anticipated Start Date: January 4, 2027

Position Overview:

The Director, Development, reporting to the Sr. Director, Development and Campaign Director, will provide strategic leadership in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with individual, corporate and community donors, with a primary focus on gifts of $10,000 and above and commitments in the $25,000–$50,000+ range. This position will develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that strengthen donor engagement, increase philanthropic support and expand the museum’s base of committed donors.

The Director will manage a portfolio of current and prospective major donors, identifying opportunities for meaningful engagement, increased investment and long-term partnership with the museum. The Director will lead thoughtful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies tailored to donor interests and organizational priorities, while using data and fundraising insights to inform portfolio development and pipeline growth.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Develop and maintain a portfolio of individual and corporate prospects with the capacity of giving $10,000+
• Actively solicit for gifts $10,000 and above; include internal partners, volunteers, and leadership where appropriate for greatest possible outcomes toward the philanthropy team goal of $10,000,000 annually.
• Identify prospective donors and opportunities to increase giving among current supporters.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Curiosity Council, guiding priorities, meetings and follow-through.
• Utilize moves-management techniques to move current and future donors through the engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship cycle.
• Coordinate proposals, donor materials, pledge documentation, tracking and progress reporting.
• Prepare timely contact reports and ensure the accuracy of monthly reports in the organization’s CRM.
• Works with staff museum-wide to match their funding needs with potential funding sources.
• Support donor cultivation events, fundraising events and other engagement activities.
• Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Qualifications and Experience:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in fundraising, annual giving, individual donor development, major gift experience or a related field.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT or other prospect management software preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be team-oriented, self-directed and able to effectively manage priorities and projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling, donor-centered messaging.
• Ability to build authentic and productive relationships with donors, prospects, volunteers, colleagues, leadership, and community partners.
• Takes initiative, works both independently and collaboratively and thinks creatively to solve problems.
• Possess a high level of motivation and integrity.

Additional Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, including long periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending and occasional lifting associated with events and office operations.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Cincinnati Museum Center and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.