Director of Development

Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience; Gulfport (MS); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The MAX in Mississippi seeks an experienced, relationship-driven fundraising leader to serve as Director of Development. Reporting to the President + CEO, you will lead all philanthropic efforts while guiding a new chapter of organizational growth.

This role aims to raise about $1.5 million over three years, strengthen fundraising infrastructure, and prepare for a potential capital campaign. Regular travel to Meridian is required; location within Mississippi is acceptable.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of progressive fundraising experience with major gifts and revenue growth.
• Proven ability to cultivate and secure gifts of $10,000+.
• Experience with donor CRM systems such as Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, Versai.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute The MAX's comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, foundations, corporations, and government partners.
• Partner with the President + CEO and Board of Directors to expand philanthropic support.
• Grow major gifts, planned giving, endowment, grants, and membership programs.
• Strengthen fundraising systems, CRM reporting, and donor engagement strategies.
• Represent The MAX throughout Mississippi while building relationships with donors and stakeholders.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Leadership

Tools

Salesforce

Raiser's Edge

DonorPerfect

Versai

Job description

Director of Development

Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX)

Location: Mississippi or surrounding region (regular travel to Meridian required)
Salary: $85,000-$105,000 plus benefits

Help Shape the Future of Mississippi's Premier Arts & Culture Institution

The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven fundraising leader to serve as its Director of Development. Reporting directly to the President + CEO, you'll lead all philanthropic efforts while helping guide an exciting new chapter of organizational growth.

This is a rare opportunity to build something meaningful. The MAX is embarking on an ambitious fundraising initiative to generate approximately $1.5 million in new contributed revenue over the next three years, strengthen its fundraising infrastructure, and prepare for a potential future capital campaign.

What You'll Do

• Lead and execute The MAX's comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, foundations, corporations, and government partners.
• Partner with the President + CEO and Board of Directors to expand philanthropic support.
• Grow major gifts, planned giving, endowment, grants, and membership programs.
• Strengthen fundraising systems, CRM reporting, and donor engagement strategies.
• Represent The MAX throughout Mississippi while building relationships with donors, community leaders, and key stakeholders.

What We're Looking For

• Five or more years of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gifts and revenue growth.
• Proven ability to cultivate and secure gifts of $10,000 or more.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience with donor CRM systems such as Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect, Versai, or similar platforms.
• A passion for arts, culture, education, and Mississippi's remarkable creative heritage.

Experience with campaign planning, planned giving, grant fundraising, and board engagement is highly desirable.

Compensation & Benefits

• $85,000-$105,000 salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement plan
• Flexible scheduling
• Cell phone stipend
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates

Why The MAX?

The MAX celebrates Mississippi's extraordinary artistic, literary, musical, and cultural legacy through world-class exhibits, educational programming, and live performances. This is an opportunity to help build the next generation of philanthropic support for one of the state's most distinctive cultural institutions.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to those received by August 31, 2026.