Description

About the Museum

The Rubin Museum of Art is a dynamic environment that stimulates learning, promotes understanding, and inspires personal connections to the ideas, cultures, and art of Himalayan Asia.

Now in its second decade, the Rubin welcomes over 175,000 visitors annually and has a growing membership of more than 4,000 households. Contained within five floors of galleries are several long-term rotating installations drawn from the permanent collection as well as frequent short-term loan exhibitions that are more broadly conceived in concept, art, geography, medium, and time. The Museum presents over 250 films, performances, and on-stage conversations annually as well as a robust roster of other educational initiatives. The ground floor is free-to-all and is a lively nexus for conversation, shopping, and refreshment.

The Museum’s collection includes over 3,000 objects spanning more than 1,500 years up to the present day. Renowned for its quality and depth, the collection focuses on art from the Tibetan Plateau and is broadened by a significant number of important examples from surrounding regions, including Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and Mongolia.

About this Position

The Rubin seeks an entrepreneurial and collegial fundraising leader to serve in the position of Director of External Affairs.  Reporting to the Executive Director, the successful candidate will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, will have three (3) direct reports and will oversee a team of fifteen (15) in the Development and Marketing & Communications departments. S/he will further build a culture of philanthropy and develop a comprehensive fundraising plan to diversify funding sources, expand the constituency base, and increase individual, foundation, corporate, and government donations and engagement.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about the arts and the Rubin’s mission, with demonstrated success creating new fundraising constituencies and increasing philanthropic support.  S/he will be a collegial and strategic leader, with the ability to inspire, mentor and coach the team.  The qualified candidate will have exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the stature and sophistication to engage high-level volunteers, a worldwide network of funders and the arts community.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES:

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute broadly to all aspects of the fulfillment of the Rubin’s mission and growth.  The organization seeks an innovative fundraising leader with both the capacity and the demonstrated track record to respond effectively to the following key opportunities and challenges:

  • Lead the effort to build a philanthropic culture across the Rubin and enhance engagement with Board members, staff members, prospects, donors and other stakeholders.
  • Create and execute on a coherent development vision that is aligned with the Curatorial, and Programs & Engagement departments.
  • Execute and develop philanthropic strategies and build a fundraising program that relate to the strategic plan.
  • Create and execute a strategic comprehensive fundraising plan to increase support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government.
  • Develop plans to increase annual giving.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts.
  • Help identify and engage potential Board members and enhance the engage of current Board members.
  • Collaborate across the Rubin to strengthen brand awareness and increase the Rubin’s visibility and engagement in New York City and around the world.
  • Serve as a public philanthropic spokesperson for the Rubin.
  • Plan and participate in the annual gala and other events, including those featuring well-known speakers and guests.
  • Lead the efforts to create a migratory fundraising pipeline for major gifts from Rubin Members and other friends.
  • Working with the Board and executive leadership, curators, and other staff, create, prepare and launch a comprehensive fundraising campaign.
  • Oversee the development and execution of a Museum-wide marketing plan and communications strategy.
  • Oversee agency relationships and strategic direction.
  • Develop and analyze data-driven research to help inform Museum-wide initiatives.
Requirements

IDEAL QUALITIES & EXPERIENCE:

The ideal candidate will be an innovative, entrepreneurial, collegial, and collaborative fundraising leader.  The Director of External Affairs will have the stature and professional experience necessary to effectively meet the opportunities and challenges listed in the preceding section.  Expected experience and personal qualities include:

  • Passion for the arts and an understanding of the Rubin’s mission.
  • Comprehensive fundraising experience including annual fund, major gifts, planned giving, fundraising events, and capital campaigns.
  • Stature and interpersonal skills to engage Board members, collectors, curators, executive leadership, and external constituencies.
  • Creativity; innovative and entrepreneurial approach to fundraising with ability to inspire change.
  • Visionary, determined, fearless diplomat with a high level of integrity.
  • Ability to work as a team member and work effectively with diverse groups.
  • Ability to inspire, manage, mentor, coach, recruit, and retain both staff and Board members.
  • Stature, poise, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage and support doors and prospects to achieve the strategic funding goals of the Rubin.
  • Collaborative with the ability to thrive in a matrix environment.
  • Diplomatic and strategic change agent with a strong sense of accountability and intellectual ownership.
  • Experience within the New York City cultural philanthropic sphere.
  • Passion for other cultures, with international fundraising experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
  • High level of resilience and comfort managing strong personalities with patience and a sense of humor.
  • Knowledge of professional standards and legal parameters regarding fundraising activities.
  • Knowledge of fundraising software systems.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

  • The Rubin Museum offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Please provide the following as part of your application:

  • Complete resume, including salary history and salary requirements.
  • A cover letter addressing both your interest in the Rubin Museum and your qualifications for this position.

Application:

  • Indicate “Director of External Affairs” on the subject line of email, or in the body of cover letter.
  • Applications in electronic format preferred, and accepted at jobs@rubinmuseum.org
  • Mailed applications – Manager, Human Resources, Rubin Museum of Art, 150 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011
Job Information
  • 150 W 17th Street, New York, 10011, United States
  • 29691567
  • July 27, 2016
  • Director of External Affairs
  • Rubin Museum of Art
  • Directors/Administrators
  • Full-Time
  • Indefinite
  • BA/BS/Undergraduate
  • 5-7 Years