Description
Director of Advancement Job Description
The Director of Advancement leads fundraising and external relations for the Newport Art Museum, driving philanthropic support for the Museum's mission, exhibitions, educational programs, and long-term strategic priorities. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role will shape and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy during an exciting period of institutional growth and community engagement.
Building on the Museum's 114-year legacy as a cornerstone of Rhode Island's artistic community, the Director of Advancement will cultivate support from longtime donors while expanding the Museum's philanthropic reach among Newport's growing population of seasonal and year-round residents, including many new arrivals from major metropolitan areas. The successful candidate will inspire investment in the Museum's future through individual giving, major gifts, grants, foundation and corporate partnerships, membership, special events, and planned giving.
The Director of Advancement works closely with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and other department directors, oversees the Museum's Advancement Assistant and Advancement Intern, and is responsible for building and sustaining a vibrant community of donors, with particular emphasis on growing leadership-level giving and identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding new prospects. They will lead the Annual Fund, manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, and support board engagement in fundraising. They will also oversee the Museum's signature fundraising events, including the annual Summer Art Party gala, a premier fixture in Newport's cultural and philanthropic calendar.
The successful candidate will be a creative, strategic thinker with a collaborative spirit and a passion for advancing the Museum's curatorial and educational mission. They will possess the skill to lead fundraising and external relations initiatives both independently and in collaboration, while embracing opportunities to contribute to projects large and small. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional writing, communication, and organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail; the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team; and demonstrated
experience managing and mentoring support staff.
Principal Responsibilities:
Sets annual fundraising goals with Executive Director
Works closely with the Board of Trustees on Annual giving Advancement Committee leadership
Oversees and directs Special events, especially the Summer Art Party
Oversees the growth of the Museum's membership program, particularly at the upper levels
Manages the Advancement team, and works closely with other Department heads to advance the Museums development efforts
Drafts and/or supervises and approves all Advancement Department materials, including acknowledgments, renewals, solicitations, and the annual report
Works with the Director of Operations to support all institutional and government grants, along with interim and final reports, as well as the maintenance of the grants calendar
Works with and supervises the Director of Marketing in the production of all marketing materials
Leads major gift prospecting, solicitations, and stewardship
Plans a calendar of annual cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events
Develops and manages department budget, with close monitoring of revenue andexpenses
Oversees the annual report
Requirements
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Strong written and verbal English skills
- 3-5 years experience in museum/non-profit setting
- Prior experience leading a small team
- Proficiency in Salesforce/CRM database
- Proficiency in donor engagement
- Ability to collaborate as a team
