Director of Institutional Advancement [Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland]

ABOUT MOCA

As the region’s only contemporary art museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland leads the way in shaping and advancing contemporary culture. We are global and local, Cleveland at our core with a cosmopolitan skin. MOCA enthusiastically promotes experimentation and exploration through engaging with contemporary art and ideas. Grounded in the community, MOCA welcomes all audiences and employs a smart, creative, and diverse workforce. MOCA encourages strategic risk, thinking outside the box and stepping out of comfort zones. MOCA values an entrepreneurial spirit in our work culture, supporting an enterprising staff that anticipates and reacts nimbly to change while embracing new opportunities and challenges. Success of the individual directly impacts success of the institution, so MOCA holds every employee to a high standard of excellence with the expectation that everyone understands and participates in the institutional goals.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

MOCA Cleveland is seeking to hire a director of institutional advancement, who is responsible for the design and implementation of a strategic fundraising program of over $3M annually from individuals, corporations, and foundations, which will maximize the museum’s ability to realize the ambitious vision of MOCA’s exhibitions, education programs, special projects and events.

The director of institutional advancement reports to the executive director and works with her and the board of directors as lead staff to the board’s development committee to develop, implement and manage a plan of action for cultivating and soliciting principal and major gifts from current and prospective donors. S/he will be responsible for managing his/her own portfolio of high level prospects.

The director of institutional advancement is responsible for developing strategies to enhance MOCA’s ongoing stewardship program in recognition of the extraordinary support the museum received through its capital and operating campaigns and will continue to receive as the “new” MOCA.

The director of institutional advancement also serves as lead staff to the board’s governance committee and is charged with working with the executive director and the governance committee to identify potential board members, and to create individual engagement strategies for new and existing directors, who will play a key role in leading MOCA successfully into its future.

The director of institutional advancement is a member of the senior management team and works with the team to identify funding priorities as well as opportunities for institutional support, and engages the team in the execution of the comprehensive strategic fundraising plan. The director works collaboratively with the senior management team on institutional initiatives in support of each other’s objectives including program development, branding, audience development, earned income generation, budget balancing, exhibition planning and the visitor and member experiences.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 7 years senior-level development experience.
• Senior-level management and leadership responsibility in a museum or related institution that is known for quality and excellence.
• Demonstrated track record as a relationship builder and successful fundraiser of principal and major gifts.
• Experience in overseeing and executing successful planned giving and grant writing programs.
• Bachelor’s degree required, advanced degree preferred.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends to accommodate cultivation and other events.

• Fluency in English: speaking, reading and writing.
• Current valid driver’s license and insurance.

IDEAL PROFESSIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Relationship Skills

• Demonstrated ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of board members, community leaders and decision makers.
• Effective experience working with a board to build public support.
• Connected to a vibrant network of philanthropists, arts professionals, and collectors that can be called upon to enhance the museum’s mission and financial position

Management Skills

• Demonstrated success managing people and operations with a proven ability to attract, motivate, professionalize, mentor and retain talented staff.
• Track record as a team builder who can delegate and empower while creating a positive and effective work environment.

Professional Skills

• Demonstrated ability to plan and operate strategically.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable and up-to-date with current technology.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The successful candidate should be:

• A passionate advocate for the arts, personally and professionally committed to MOCA’s mission, objectives and programs.
• A strategic thinker and relationship builder.
• A persuasive and articulate communicator who is able to connect with a broad spectrum of people in a meaningful way.
• Able to energize and engage potential supporters.
• Emotionally mature, with a sense of humor to maintain balance and perspective.