Position: Director of Development
Department: Development
Department/Division: Development
Reports To: Museum Director
The Museum
Located in the downtown arts district, the Portland Museum of Art has grown over two centuries to become a vibrant authority in the art world of Maine and the nation. The PMA strives to enrich the lives of people through acquisition, preservation and interpretation of the visual arts as well as the Museum’s architecturally significant buildings, while aspiring to engage audiences through exhibitions, programs and partnerships both locally and nationally. The restoration of the Museum’s Winslow Homer Studio, which will open concurrently this fall with the capstone exhibition Weatherbeaten: Winslow Homer and Maine, is providing the Museum with unprecedented national exposure and opportunities to examine the life and art of one of America’s most iconic artists.
Background and Context
For the first time in more than 20 years, the Portland Museum of Art is conducting a search for a chief development officer. The current Director of Development position was vacated on May 31, 2012, with the retirement of Marilyn Lalumiere.
Careful stewardship by the Museum’s Board of Trustees has positioned the Museum to address opportunities by planning for the future during complex economic times. With the arrival of Director Mark Bessire in 2009, the Museum has moved forward on many fronts. A strategic plan has been adopted, and assessments of the Museum’s programs, the Development effort, and the Learning and Interpretation Department have been undertaken. Recommendations from those assessments have been or are in the process of being implemented.
Strong leadership, coupled with the commitment and generosity of members and friends, has enabled the Museum to maintain its strong financial position during a period of continued economic volatility, and to balance its operating budget for the 18th consecutive year in 2011. The Development Department has implemented major improvements in direct fundraising, events management, and technology. Three extraordinarily talented key staff members have been hired: a Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations, a Director of Individual Giving and Membership, and a Database Administrator and Information Strategist. With the encouragement of the Board and the Director, and with the guidance of a consultant, the department has made progress on introducing a major gifts culture; conducted wealth screening, prospect research, and tracking; and is completing a successful $10.5 million campaign to restore Winslow Homer’s Studio. The membership program has been revamped and major annual leadership giving programs are being evaluated and refocused. Foundation and corporate giving activity has increased, and strong corporate relationships are being built. There is still much to be accomplished; however, the current team understands and embraces the scope of the work.
Membership and annual giving continue to provide a solid and growing base of support for the Museum and its programming. In 2011, the Committee of One Hundred, the Museum’s highest level of membership, generated more than $406,000, breaking all records since it was established in 1983. The 1882 Circle, comprised of donors who support the operating budget at $10,000 or more annually, now has 32 members. Since its inception in 2003, the Contemporaries, an enthusiastic group of younger members, has grown to more than 270 members and has developed its own program of mission-driven educational and social events, ensuring a bright future for the institution. The Museum has excelled relative to its peers, and with its clear vision and strong foundation of support, is well-positioned for the next Director of Development to lead and continue the transformation of its philanthropy programs.
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction of and in collaboration with the Museum Director, leads and continues the transformation of fundraising efforts at the Museum. Serves as a key cultivator and solicitor of donors, inspiring Museum constituents to higher levels of giving, and works collaboratively with museum staff and volunteers to ensure the Museum’s success in building strong constituent relationships and ensuring that revenue and donor interaction goals are met or exceeded.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Manage the Development effort so that revenue goals are met or exceeded and donors are served seamlessly and according to best practice. Oversee preparation of annual and long-term activity plans and revenue goals and budgets. Establish benchmarks, metrics, and systems of data management and analysis to monitor activities in order to be proactive and change plans, if needed.
- Manage the Development Staff as a collaborative team emphasizing accountability and communication, encouraging creativity, welcoming new ideas, and fostering autonomy. Work effectively across all departments developing strong and collegial relationships with all managers, staff, and volunteers to serve the best interests of the Museum, build support for all projects, and implement the strategic plan.
- Staff and assist the Museum Director who serves as lead fundraiser and spokesperson for the institution. Ensure that key donors and prospects are well-cultivated; the Director and solicitors are prepared for meetings; and briefing materials are accurate and delivered in a timely manner. Work with the Director to develop a “culture of philanthropy” internally and externally and ensure that all staff and volunteers understand the Museum’s relationship-building goals and their role as “donor ambassadors.”
- Staff the Development Committee of the Board. Maintain regular contact with the Chair, develop meeting agendas collaboratively with the Chair, and create opportunities for trustee cultivation and solicitations of major donors and prospects. Working with the Committee, subcommittees, and the Director, develop a program to increase philanthropic awareness and action among board members.
- Collaborate closely with those managers responsible for marketing, public relations, learning and interpretation, and communications, leading the effort to ensure that philanthropy becomes a key part of the Museum’s message. Demonstrate an understanding and interest in these areas and serve as a resource, contributor and leader, when appropriate.
- Oversee the implementation of a strong major gifts program that is designed to ensure annual giving but is focused on each donor’s ultimate gift to the Museum. Carry a portfolio of key prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward, assign donor portfolios to staff, develop revenue and visit goals, and conduct prospect action meetings regularly.
- Manage the overall strategy and programs for annual leadership giving programs (1882 Circle, the Committee of 100, and the Contemporaries); current and new affinity programs (Friends of the Collection, and Friends of Photography); general membership effort, including collaborations within the Museum to boost attendance, build loyalty, acquire new members, and upgrade current supporters. Oversee the foundation and corporate effort emphasizing research, planning, strong proposals, and the development of personal relationships of potential donors with staff, the Director, and appropriate members of the Board.
- Lead the effort to develop plans for the next campaign for the Museum, preparing staff and board, and strengthening infrastructure.
- Ensure that materials and programs are developed that will build the strength of the philanthropy program. Working with the Director, development staff, and staff museum-wide, develop an “opportunities list” that is updated regularly; create stewardship opportunities; oversee events, lectures, and receptions.
- Manage the department’s effective use of technology including full utilization of the database in anticipation of a major campaign. Work with Museum colleagues to promote new technologies for communication with members and the general public.
- Administer the gift processing and donor acknowledgement effort. Ensure that best practice materials and processes are in place for the department to accept pledges, planned gifts, and gifts to the endowment.
- Perform special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.
- Comply with all Portland Museum of Art safety rules and procedures.
- Regular attendance at the workplace is required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Supervise the Director of Leadership Gifts and Planned Giving, Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations, Director of Individual Giving and Membership, and development staff and volunteers. Responsibilities include interviewing and selection, training and development, scheduling and assigning work, counseling, disciplining, terminating, evaluating performance, and recommending pay increases.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree required with at least 7-10 years of broad experience in a best-practice development department with at least three years of management responsibility. Major gifts and significant campaign experience and direct solicitation of six and seven-figure gifts are desired. Previous experience in a museum or arts organization is preferred. A passion for art and college coursework in the history of art is an important attribute. Valid State of Maine Class C Driver’s License required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent planning, organizational and multi-tasking skills.
- Strong strategic and analytic skills as well as the ability to create new programs and implement a vision
- Excellent management skills, including a collaborative management style and the ability to effectively supervise and motivate staff.
- Knowledge of budget planning and administration.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with coworkers, volunteers, donors, and others outside the organization.
- Ability to effectively operate computers and specialized software and a commitment to try cutting-edge applications if they will improve the ability to meet goals.
- Ability to pass a criminal background check.
WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The majority of work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment. Work involves extended sitting, computer use, and small muscle tasks. Local, regional and national travel will be required.
TERMS:
This is a full-time, full benefits, salaried, employment-at-will position.
APPLY:
Please send cover letter, resume’, and completed PMA application (available atwww.portlandmuseum.org or at the front desk) to: business@portlandmuseum.org or mail to: Business Manager, Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The Portland Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Applications for this position require a completed PMA Job Application in addition to any materials requested above.
