Director of Development

Amazement Square; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous health plan

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Amazement Square is seeking a seasoned Development Director to lead fundraising programs and supervise the development team, reporting to the President & CEO. The role focuses on cultivating major donors, coordinating with the board, and guiding philanthropic initiatives across individuals, corporations, foundations, and grants.

The ideal candidate has strategic thinking, strong donor relations skills, and a track record of meeting deadlines in a nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience with a database where financial reports, statistics, and information management were required.
• Experience in Development Services, higher education, or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management, and leadership skills.
• Strong working knowledge of development and accounting procedures; proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven track record of meeting deadlines and supervising staff.
• Ability to write and speak persuasively about the museum.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for the museum Development department.
• Provide leadership and guidance for the department’s staff; plan and administer the department's annual operating budget.
• Develop and execute strategies for obtaining private donations; identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects (individuals, corporations, foundations, grants).
• Prepare and track development campaign materials and correspondence; provide minutes of development meetings for tracking purposes.
• Collaborate with VP & COO and Marketing in planning Annual Fundraising events.
• Provide donor recognition and stewardship for philanthropy.
• Support strategic planning for communications that strengthen relationships with donors, the board, and friends.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the President.

Skills

Fundraising expertise

Donor cultivation

Leadership

Communications skills

Time management

Staff supervision

Strategic planning

Attention to detail

Education

Graduate Degree in humanities, education, or business

Tools

Excel

Job description

Amazement Square, a nationally recognized hands-on museum, seeks a successful development professional with progressive experience in diverse development programs and supervisory roles. We're looking for a goal-oriented, natural leader who is passionate and committed to Amazement Square’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Reporting to the President & CEO, the Director of Development will collaborate with and support the board of directors in building engagement, identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major donors annually, and will direct fundraising initiatives to support the museum’s programs and exhibitions. As a senior member of the team, the Development Director will think strategically about securing philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other granting agencies, and Amazement Square’s annual Gala.

• Minimum 3 years of experience with a database where financial reports, statistics, and information management have been required, preferably in a nonprofit environment. Experience in Development Services, higher education, or a related field is preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational, time management, and leadership skills.
• Strong working knowledge of development and accounting business procedures and processes, a familiarity with Microsoft Office products, especially Excel, in a P.C. environment.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated track record of meeting deadlines and the capacity to supervise staff. Attention to detail is a must.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to write and speak persuasively about the museum.

Preferred qualifications:

• Graduate Degree in the humanities, education, or business
• Experience working in a museum or non-profit cultural organization.
• Demonstrated success in activities to coordinate, attract, and close major gift funding support for a cultural or other non-profit organization.

Duties Include:

• Developing and implementing strategic plans for the museum Development department.
• Providing leadership and guidance for the department’s professional personnel; planning and administering the department's annual operating budget.
• Planning, developing, and executing strategies for obtaining private donations; identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects (individuals, corporations, foundations, and grants).
• Prepare and track development campaign materials and correspondence, including tracking of solicitations, gifts, and pledges. Provide minutes of all development meetings for tracking purposes.
• Collaborate with the Museum’s VP & COO and Marketing Coordinator in the planning for the museum’s Annual Fundraising events.
• Providing stewardship in recognition of donor philanthropy.
• Reports to the President and assists in strategic planning for communication activities that support relationships between the museum and its constituents, the board, donors, and friends.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the President.
• Salary ranges from $85,000 to $90,000, with generous health plan/PTO,/Retirement benefits, and commensurate with experience. EOE