Museum Development & Grants Specialist

Western Kentucky University; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness benefits

Tuition discount for employees

Job summary

The Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University is seeking a Museum Development Specialist to advance fundraising, grants, external relations, and exhibitions planning. The role develops funding opportunities, writes proposals, and guides exhibition projects with staff and external partners.

Key duties include grant writing, budgeting, donor relations, and membership growth. This on‑site role is based at WKU's Bowling Green campus in Kentucky.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communication, humanities, social studies, museum studies or related field.
• Minimum three years professional experience in grant writing, non-profit development, and/or fundraising.
• Demonstrated experience securing funding from foundations, corporations, government agencies, or individuals.
• Experience writing successful grant proposals and funding requests for public audiences.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Identify funding priorities and translate museum activities into funding proposals.
• Manage grant submission calendars, deadlines, reporting requirements, and renewals.
• Lead exhibitions development with staff and external collaborators, managing timelines.
• Develop external communications and grow the museum's membership program.

Skills

Strong writing/editing

Project management

Budgeting and scheduling

Donor relations / fundraising

Collaboration with partners

Communication excellence

Leadership and teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communication, humanities, social studies, museum studies or related field

Job description

The Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University is seeking a Museum Development Specialist to advance fundraising, grants, external relations, and exhibitions planning. The role develops funding opportunities, writes proposals, and guides exhibition projects with staff and external partners.

Key duties include grant writing, budgeting, donor relations, and membership growth. This on‑site role is based at WKU's Bowling Green campus in Kentucky.