Associate Director of Philanthropy - FT

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Philanthropy is a member of the Philanthropy team and serves as a front-line fundraiser responsible for generating revenue through leadership annual giving and corporate giving. This position actively solicits gifts, manages key donor and corporate relationships, and develops strategies to grow philanthropic support aligned with institutional priorities.

This role plays a central part in building a sustainable culture of philanthropy by connecting donors and corporate partners to the museum’s mission, exhibitions, and community impact. Through consistent and thoughtful communication, solicitation, and stewardship, the Associate Director of Philanthropy works to increase participation, strengthen retention, and expand long term support.

The Associate Director of Philanthropy supervises the Donor Engagement Manager and ensures that donor solicitation, benefit fulfillment and engagement activities are executed at a high level. This position also serves as the primary staff liaison to the Individual Giving Committee and the Corporate Committee, working closely with trustees and volunteers to support solicitation strategies, strengthen relationships, and advance fundraising goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITES

Reporting directly to the Director of Philanthropy, duties include, but are not limited to:

Leadership Annual Giving

• Lead strategy and execution of the Founders Society, including acquisition, retention, and upgrade efforts
• Actively solicit leadership annual gifts and renewals through direct outreach including meetings, calls, and written proposals
• Develop annual plans and measurable goals to grow leadership annual giving
• Manage a portfolio of leadership donors and prospects with a focus on relationship building and solicitation
• Create and implement targeted communication and renewal strategies
• Partner with trustees and volunteers to engage donors and support solicitation efforts
• Plan and implement recognition and stewardship events that strengthen donor connection to the museum

Corporate Giving and Sponsorships

• Lead the strategy, cultivation, and active solicitation of corporate gifts and sponsorships to meet and exceed budgeted fundraising goals
• Work closely with the Corporate Committee and Board members to identify, cultivate, and solicit corporate support
• Manage and grow relationships with current corporate partners through consistent communication and stewardship
• Develop and execute strategies to secure new corporate donors and expand participation
• Create customized sponsorship opportunities tied to exhibitions, programs, and events
• Prepare proposals, presentations, and agreements to secure corporate funding
• Position the museum as a strong partner for corporations seeking community impact and visibility
• Track progress toward revenue goals and adjust strategies to meet fundraising targets

Donor Engagement and Stewardship

• Oversee fulfillment of donor and corporate partner benefits
• Ensure timely and accurate execution of all stewardship activities
• Develop engagement opportunities that connect donors to programs and impact
• Collaborate across departments to support events and recognition experiences
• Maintain a high level of service and responsiveness to donor needs

Staff Management

• Supervise the Donor Engagement Manager
• Provide direction, feedback, and support to achieve program goals
• Ensure coordination between engagement activities and fundraising priorities

Board and Committee Engagement

• Serve as primary staff liaison to the Individual Giving Committee and Corporate Committee
• Partner with committee members to develop and execute fundraising and solicitation strategies
• Prepare materials, reports, and updates for meetings
• Engage trustees and volunteers in donor cultivation and corporate partnership development
• Support board members in their role as ambassadors and fundraisers for the museum

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Five or more years of relevant fundraising or corporate relations experience
• Demonstrated experience in frontline fundraising and solicitation
• Strong relationship building and communication skills
• Experience working with boards or volunteer committees preferred
• Experience with donor databases and reporting
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively