DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum seeks a dynamic, knowledgeable, and highly-motivated leader for the position of Deputy Director for External Affairs (DDEA). Reporting to the Museum Director, the DDEA serves as the chief development officer for the institution and is an integral member of the senior leadership team, charged with the strategic growth of philanthropy and the visibility of deCordova in support of the organization’s mission.

SCOPE OF POSITION

This position represents an opportunity to join a museum poised for significant advancement at a critical juncture in its organizational growth. The DDEA will play a critical role in the planning and execution of a comprehensive capital campaign, working closely with John Ravenal, deCordova’s recently appointed Executive Director, and with the Board of Trustees to implement a Master Plan for the institution.

The DDEA plays a central role in enhancing the visibility and fundraising capabilities of deCordova, leading it to greater prominence within the region and throughout the national/international art community. He/she will continue to build deCordova’s culture of philanthropy through effective communications, operations, goal-setting, and organizational alignment. The DDEA partners with museum leadership to ensure the institution reaches its $2 million+ annual operating fundraising goal (of a $5 million operating budget), along with raising project and campaign support.

The DDEA leads deCordova’s development efforts including overseeing staffing and operations. He/she is responsible for the creative planning and execution of successful fundraising and positioning programs, including the ongoing evaluation and development of an institutional prospect pool, the successful implementation of the annual fund, major gifts, planned giving and special project campaigns, the growth and leveraging of both individual and corporate membership programs, the oversight of the annual Party for the Park gala, and the overall marketing and PR efforts of the institution and management of nine FT and PT staff in support of these efforts.

Qualifications:

 

  • Proven track record of leadership, strategy and development of multi-faceted fundraising program including oversight and implementation and meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
  • The ability to be a compelling and informed presence to donors and patrons in a manner that contributes to excitement about deCordova and its future; the successful DDEA will attract and engage a wide array of individuals and partners on deCordova’s behalf.
  • Great interest in and enthusiasm for contemporary art and the ability to engage others with that enthusiasm.
  • Ability to advance deCordova through active and regular participation in the Boston artworld and donor social circles and to compellingly speak and write about deCordova’s mission and a shared vision for the future.
  • Ability to advance an intentional, data-driven strategy to cultivate, solicit and steward support, and to support the Director, Board of Trustees and senior staff in advancing those efforts.
  • Knowledge of marketing strategies for the Boston community, familiarity with generating editorial coverage of museum activities, and skill in guiding staff to shape social and traditional media communications to attract attention and drive attendance.
  • Facility with non-profit finances as they relate to Development as well as campaign finance strategies. Work with museum leadership to develop and monitor departmental revenue goals and expense budgets.
  • Ability to work in concert and with colleagues across the institution as an inspiring and positive advocate for institutional mission. A sense of humor, empathetic outlook, and the ability to build rapport with colleagues essential.
  • Ability to strike the balance between the external (i.e. cultivation and solicitation) aspects of the position with the administrative, financial and hands-on management duties. All deCordova staff undertake much of their own planning and administrative work.

 This position requires additional evening, weekend, and early morning hours in support of department events and meetings.

 EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated and documentable record of achievement in fundraising, including operational and programmatic fundraising as well as prior exposure to a capital campaign. Prior experience as a departmental manager, organizational leader, or deputy director of a development program required. Familiarity with marketing and communications and experience leading staff are very desirable. DeCordova is an EOE employer and welcomes applications from all candidates.

How To Apply:

Via email, please submit a cover letter and resume as pdf files (no MS Word please) by February 6, 2015 to hr@decordova.org and add DDEA to subject line. By post, address applications to DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Attn:  Human Resources, 51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA 01773.  Nominations and suggestions are also welcome. All applications will be held in confidence.

Apply by:
February 06, 2015

About this Organization:
Established in 1950 and located just 20 miles west of Boston, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is dedicated to fostering the creation and exploration of contemporary sculpture and art through a dynamic slate of rotating exhibitions, innovative learning opportunities, and a constantly changing landscape of large-scale, contemporary sculpture and site-specific installations in its 30-acre park.

To learn more about deCordova visit decordova.org.

DeCordova is a member-supported, 501(c)3 tax-exempt non-profit organization incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts , which receives funding support from federal and state cultural agencies, private and corporate foundations, and individuals.