Director of Development & Advancement

$60,000 - $80,000/Yr

Wisconsin Maritime Museum - Manitowoc, WI

Full-time - Mid Level

Manitowoc, WI

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions

About the position

The Director of Development & Advancement at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum is responsible for leading fundraising efforts to support the museum's mission and sustainability. This role involves writing grants, securing major gifts, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance the museum's financial support for capital projects, collections care, and educational programs. The position requires strategic planning and execution of fundraising initiatives while managing a team and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and senior management to develop a robust fundraising infrastructure.
• Write and oversee grant proposals aligned with funding agency criteria.
• Strengthen relationships with local, state, and national stakeholders.
• Maintain a portfolio of prospects and implement donor engagement strategies.
• Plan and oversee cultivation activities with donors and corporate representatives.
• Evaluate giving trends and recommend strategies for increasing support.
• Build the Museum's endowment for sustained financial support.
• Work with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees on fundraising strategies.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to team members.
• Collaborate with the communications team for effective messaging and proposals.
• Represent the organization at fundraising events.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree with at least five years of direct fundraising experience.
• Experience managing a team and setting annual staff goals.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• An entrepreneurial approach to developing a prospect pool.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with confidentiality and discretion.
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

Nice-to-haves

• Proven record of cultivation and solicitation of major gifts.
• Grant writing experience and successful grant awards.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, history, technology, or the arts.
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekend hours.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance