Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, collaborative and proactive leader to join the team at History San José as our new Director of Development and Marketing. Under supervision of the President & CEO, this position will strategize, implement, and grow initiatives that advance the Museum mission and produce contributed income through leadership development and donor cultivation. The Director of Development & Marketing supervises the Marketing & Membership Associate; manages individual, corporate, foundation, government grants and sponsorships; the Museum Membership Program; the annual Valley of Heart’s Delight fundraising event; and ongoing cultivation of new funding sources.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

  • Support President & CEO in planning and implementing a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to meet budgeted goals;
  • Manage Membership & Marketing Associate: collaborate to expand current marketing, communications, and social media strategy;
  • Serve as a staff liaison to the Board of Directors and Leadership Committees;
  • Oversee day to day operations of development and membership, such as gift processing and donor acknowledgement, and with support from the Membership & Marketing Associate and the Administrative Assistant;
  • Forge strong relationships with individuals, foundations, government officials, and corporate representatives to proactively seek support for the Museum;
  • Expand, support, and develop events for Heritage Circle Membership donor group;
  • Enhance and expand current Museum Membership Program;
  • Develop and update stewardship and development collateral for all fundraising events, exhibits, and programs: including membership materials, annual appeal asks, annual report, and reporting materials;
  • Plan and execute a robust schedule of cultivation and stewardship events including quarterly Behind the Scenes receptions, Donor Thank You Event, exclusive member receptions, and exhibit openings;
  • Manage annual fundraising events as lead organizer to achieve fundraising goals;
  • Pursue and develop grant applications, letters of interest, and grant reporting activities to support Museum departments and their projects;
  • Promote museum membership at Hands-On History weekend events;
  • Proactively seek opportunities to raise visibility and profile of History San José;
  • Evening and weekend hours required to attend and work programs and events;
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • MA degree in Museum Studies, Art History, Anthropology, Public History, Nonprofit Management or related field;
  • Minimum five years of successful, progressively challenging experience at an arts, humanities or non-profit institution.

Desired Skills, Competencies & Characteristics

  • Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and strategies for successful cultural fundraising in a highly competitive market;
  • Knowledge of the current fundraising market in San José and the Bay Area;
  • Fluent use of technology, including, but not limited to: Microsoft Office Suite, PastPerfect database, Constant Contact, Greater Giving, and social media channels;
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills;
  • Superior interpersonal skills required to establish and maintain long-term relationships;
  • Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a multi-cultural community and work environment;
  • Familiarity with working in a fast-paced environment of competing demands;
  • Maintain a sense of humor and a flexible demeanor in a fast-paced environment;
  • Fluency in one or more non-English language(s) appropriate to the population of the Santa Clara Valley highly desirable.

Specifications

  • Classification: exempt, management
  • Reports to President & CEO
  • Salary: Commiserate with Experience
  • Benefits in accord with HSJ personnel policies

Mission & Organizational Overview

History San José (HSJ) is Silicon Valley’s largest and most comprehensive historical organization. We preserve and enrich the cultural heritage of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley through research, collections, partnerships, educational programs and events.

We have a Collection Center and Research Library & Archive with a permanent collection of more than a half a million artifacts. HSJ also manages 32 historic and replica structures at two locations: History Park and the Peralta Adobe-Fallon House Historic Sites. Most importantly, we have 19 Affiliate non-profit organizations based at History Park. Together our passion is to preserve and celebrate Santa Clara Valley’s dynamic history by: creating exhibitions featuring our collections; engaging the community in fun, hands-on programs and events; and, offering award-winning school programs—that align with and support the Common Core State—for more than 24,000 students and their teachers each year.

Please send your resume and cover letter to Alida Bray, President & CEO of History San José at abray@historysanjose.org.