Mission Statement
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is committed to interpreting the history and culture of African Americans who contributed to the rich history of Maryland. Through its collections, programming, and advocacy, the museum engages and educates our shared communities.
BACKGROUND
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture opened in June 2005, in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The 82,000 square foot building houses 10,000 artifacts showcasing 400 years of Maryland African American history and culture. The museum is the premier experience and best resource for information and inspiration about African American Marylanders. As the gateway to history through living culture, the museum showcases groundbreaking collections, exhibitions, performances, public and educational programs for all ages, and bridges the gap between the past and the present.
The Lewis is the second largest African American museum on the east coast. The museum is named after Reginald F. Lewis, a native of Baltimore and the first African American to close a billion dollar international leveraged buyout deal in 31 countries. He was one of the first African Americans to open a law firm on Wall Street.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Development is responsible for the asset development efforts of the Museum. They direct all donor and financial support including membership, grants, donor relations, major donor development, strategic fund sourcing, capital and expansion programs, endowment, planned giving, and the planning and supervision of special fundraising events. The Director of Development works closely with the Executive Director to develop new funds by identifying new donors and intermediaries for the purpose of securing outright and planned gifts and formulates strategies and programs for growing philanthropy and investment communities. The Director ensures that donors are recognized and are provided superior customer service. The position is responsible for writing grant proposals and submitting reports to funders, foundations, and corporations. The Director of Development also develops donor communication in partnership with External Relations and the Development Committee of the Board of Directors.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Reports to the Museum Executive Director and is a member of the Executive team
- Participates with other Executive Management team members in setting the vision, mission, values, and strategic planning for the Museum
- Responsible for management of development staff
- Hires, trains, monitors, and evaluates performance, and develops assigned staff
- Plans, organizes and directs all Museum development activities, including forecasts/evaluations of fundraising potential and strategies
- Working with other members of the executive team, researches grant opportunities; analyzes and develops fund sources including soliciting and cultivating strategic donors
- Develops and directs all fundraising activities associated with benefit events, fund drives, personal solicitations, and direct mail campaigns as well as other development activities including individual membership, corporate sponsorship, and planned giving for all Museum operations as well as special projects
- Produces and communicates detailed accountability reports regarding the Museum’s fundraising for the Museum Executive team and board
- Develops and implements project plans for fundraising campaigns, including action items, deliverables, milestones, and timelines
- Works with External Relations to prepare and produce collateral materials related to fundraising; this includes direct mail, brochures, other printed and digital media, and web content
- Creates corporate partner opportunities and increases local, regional, and national support of the Museum
- Makes presentations to current and prospective donors, community leaders, media, and corporate representatives
- Develops, maintains, and updates a philanthropic database
- Manages donor records and generates reports as needed
OTHER FUNCTIONS
The Director of Development performs additional functions (essential or otherwise), which may be assigned from time to time. The position may require work on weekends, nights, and holidays to accommodate facility programming and utilization.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL /SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Requires the ability to operate general office equipment and occasionally move various office items weighing approximately 15 lbs. or less
- Must exhibit strong people skills and be comfortable interacting with the general public
- While the majority of the work is performed inside, some outdoor work is required during various Museum related functions
- Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
- Requires the ability to maneuver throughout Museum facility, including areas with limited lighting and grounds to conduct tours for individuals such as prospective/current donors
Employer Name:
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
Job Title:
Director of Development
Job Submission Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree required in Marketing, Public Relations, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field; MBA or Masters preferred
• Six years of experience in development, sales, fundraising, or marketing, including grant writing, with four of the six years in a management capacity or any combination of experience and training which enables one to perform the essential job functions
• Must be computer proficient, understand data base management, and spread sheets, internet research, and website marketing
• Presentation and public speaking skills essential
• Must have solid relationship management skills
• Critical thinking skills and sound judgment is essential
• Must be able to travel as needed
• Must have senior level development experience and a proven track record of major gifts and planned giving funds generation
• Must be willing to work in a fast paced environment
• Must be willing to do the wok, not just manage
• Bilingual skills are a plus
• Sense of humor required
Benefit Package
State of Maryland benefits package
