ABOUT SBMA: As one of the leading art museums on the West Coast, the SBMA serves a diverse audience of approximately 70,000 people annually. In addition to its significant collections and first-rate exhibitions, the Museum offers a wide variety of educational and interpretive programs and has ambitious plans to increase these activities to reach as broad and diverse audiences and participants as possible. Its 75-member Docent Council provides over 800 gallery tours and slide talks annually. The Museum’s travel program offers extraordinary, behind-the-scenes experiences for participants.

The institution is embarking upon a strategic planning process to build on its strong reputation and success and ensure greater impact and broader reach for its communities and to ensure that the Museum is sustainable and continues to thrive and grow for years to come. For more information about this vibrant institution, please visit sbma.net.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The Director of Institutional Advancement (DIA) is a newly created role designed to enhance engagement, philanthropy, and awareness of the Museum and its mission and role in the cultural and educational landscape of Santa Barbara and beyond. The DIA will lead all the fundraising activities of SBMA including the development of a fundraising strategy, execution of fundraising programs, and overseeing development operations for the Museum.

Working closely with their Development team, the Director, Board, Curatorial and Education teams, the DIA will advance both short- and long-term institutional funding priorities, build the philanthropic pipeline, establish meaningful and lasting relationships with major donors, and help secure the overall financial health of the Museum. In partnership with the Director, the DIA is tasked with initiating and leading planning for large-scale capital campaigns, growing the endowment (currently $60 million), and fundraising toward and ultimately aiming to expand the operating budget.

The DIA reports to the Eichholz Foundation Director, Amada Cruz, and works closely in partnership with the leadership team and the Board of Trustees. The DIA will also collaborate with the entire range of disciplines and departments of the Museum. Reporting to the DIA is a team of 11 in Advancement, Events, and Travel and Special Programs.

FUNDING: SBMA has a current annual operating budget of approximately $10 million and a staff of approximately 100. Plans call for a major campaign to increase the endowment and to support curatorial, programmatic, and operating needs. A campaign consulting firm has been retained to assist in the planning and execution of the campaign.

IDEAL Qualifications: Minimum 10 years of progressive experience and responsibility in the field of non-profit development, five of which include holding a supervisory position, directing a multifunctional staff; extensive experience in fundraising with a deep knowledge of fundraising principles that span capital and endowment campaigns as well as annual giving, planned giving, and gifts of art; substantial leadership experience within a sophisticated fundraising operation, preferably in a museum or other cultural institution; a demonstrated track record of success recruiting, retaining, and leading a diverse team and ensuring an inclusive culture at all levels; direct experience leading and expanding a successful major gifts program, as well as robust membership, grants, donor relations, capital, endowment, and special events programs; a frontline major and principal gift solicitor capable of negotiating high-level gifts and a history of successful solicitation and closing of six- and seven-figure individual and institutional gifts; track record of identifying and engaging new communities of prospective donors; proven success in building strong and lasting relationships; knowledge of best practices in arts fundraising is beneficial; ability to partner effectively with a CEO/Director to lead a vibrant, sustainable advancement program; extensive experience working with an engaged and active board; knowledge of the local and national philanthropic communities; passion for art and the Museum’s mission and the ability to hold meaningful conversations and foster relationships with prospective donors, collectors, curators, and other stakeholders; experience across digital and social as well as traditional platforms to extend development outreach; experience with common business software, fundraising prospect management tools, budgets, and finance; willingness to attend evening and weekend events and activities on a regular basis and to serve as a highly visible ambassador for SBMA in and beyond the local community; a bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

The compensation range for this role is $200,000-$225,000 commensurate with experience and accomplishments, plus attractive benefits.

Howe-Lewis International is pleased to assist SBMA with this exciting search. Please click here to apply online via the Howe-Lewis Talent Portal. You may also email your resume and letter of interest to kirk@howe-lewis.com