Development Officer, Curators Circles

Reporting to the Director, Annual Programs and Philanthropy Insights, the Development Officer, Curators Circles, is responsible for the overall management and growth of the MFA’s curatorial affinity group program, Curators Circles, access to which is a benefit of elevated membership at the MFA. The Development Officer coordinates all aspects of the Curators Circles program including membership growth and renewals, event and (in conjunction with the Travel Officer) travel programming, and marketing and communication strategy. The Development Officer also plays a key liaison role between Development and Curatorial colleagues as related to the program.

Essential Functions:

Program Management, Solicitation, Recruitment, and Communications

• The Officer is the primary point of contact for all external inquiries related to the Curators Circles program.

• Fields telephone and email requests regarding the Curators Circles program and handles inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Adds related contacts and notes to the Museum’s CRM.
• Supports Officers in conversations with Curators Circles members, and regularly seeks feedback from members regarding the program.

• Collaborates closely with Annual Programs colleagues to incorporate solicitations into Patron and Museum Council renewals, conduct monthly renewals, and identify strategies for re-joining lapsed members.

• Tracks renewals due on a monthly basis and executes follow-up letters, emails, and phone calls.
• Tracks lapses and drafts outreach. Coordinates with curatorial departments and Development staff on strategy.

• With Annual Programs colleagues, tracks prospective Curators Circles members and develops strategies and outreach communications to convert prospects into new members.
• Works with Creative and Database Marketing on production and best practices for all Curators Circles communications, including event invitations, Curators Circle web page, fliers, and annual brochure.

Programming

• Works with the Director, designated curatorial staff, Special Events staff, and colleagues in Annual Programs to support well-conceived, meaningful programs for all groups, planned by the Curatorial Departments.
• Plans and oversees one combined event for all Curators Circle members each year.
• Enters Curators Circles event registrations into CRM and sends reports on guests lists to relevant Development and Curatorial staff.
• In partnership with the Travel Officer, curatorial chairs, and Curators Circles managing curators, advises on planning for Curators Circles excursions each year.

Administration

• Schedules and participates in the quarterly meetings of the Curators Circles Executive Committee and the annual meeting of the Curators Circles Working Group. Drafts agendas, prepares materials, takes meeting notes, and coordinates follow-up and next steps.
• Schedules quarterly meetings with the Curators Circles managing curators to ensure that the goals of the Curators Circle program are being met.
• Serves as a resource for the individual volunteer Curators Circles Steering Committees and attends meetings as appropriate.
• Serves as primary administrative Coordinator for Curators Circles: Black Arts and Artists.
  • Schedules and participates in twice annual Steering Committee Meetings
  • Oversees and coordinates logistics on 3-5 events per year, in coordination with Special Events and managing curators.
  • Manages CC: BAA budget for honoraria, event expenses, and ad hoc allocation of funds for extra initiatives such as new acquisitions.
  • Other tasks as necessary.

Provides back-up support, as needed, for Curators Circles programs and events.

Secondary Functions:

• In high-volume moments, participates in outreach to and stewardship of Patron Program, MFA Fund, and Museum Council donors.
• Supports Annual Programs by assisting with events on a periodic basis
• Performs other related duties as required.

Requirements and Characteristics

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in development, program management, and/or a related field.
• Experience in a complex arts organization/museum or other related office environment.
• Experience in the areas of event planning, group travel, and/or fundraising.
• Strong project management experience.
• Exceptional organizational skills and a demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks fluidly. Keen attention to detail and strong work ethic.
• Poise, maturity, flexibility, initiative and ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to work and manage priorities independently.
• Strong client-service orientation and enthusiasm for working with donors.
• Highly creative and resourceful; ability to generate new ideas.
• Excellent written communication skills, presentation skills as well as strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to elicit cooperation in the absence of direct reporting relationships.
• Ability to succeed in a complex and demanding environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• A commitment to support the Museum’s values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)
• Some evening and weekend hours required.

Salary Range

Full-time Salary 35 hours per week

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

This position is affiliated with the UAW union

The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.