This year, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA), a leading nonprofit art museum and school, will begin its Centennial celebration with various exhibitions, events, and programs to commemorate its 100th anniversary.  Since 1924, the institute has offered art classes, exhibitions, lectures, events, activities and a permanent collection. The KIA's mission is to cultivate the creation and appreciation of the visual arts in West Michigan. We believe the visual arts are for everyone. They inspire, fulfill, and transform.

Under the direction of the Director of Advancement, the Advancement Officer will develop, organize and implement strategies, proposals, presentations and one-on-one gift solicitation for direct fundraising growth through individual, corporate and foundation giving efforts.  The role will be centered around developing a pipeline for gift solicitation and managing an assigned portfolio of patrons and prospects as well as cultivating these relationships in all responsibilities outlined in this description.

Responsibilities:

• Works collaboratively with the Director of Advancement and the Advancement Team in the development and implementation of all fund development activities including but not limited to annual memberships, planned giving, annual fund, major gifts, donor recognition and sponsorship of programs and exhibitions, and special fundraising or fund development events
• Provides strategic leadership in the securing and management of philanthropic resources across the organization and in conjunction with the Director of Advancement
• Ensures the fulfillment of the mission, strategic plan, adherence to established policies and the maintenance of the museum’s integrity and public trust
• Achieves fundraising goals through significant weekly interactions, prospecting of existing and new donor outreach
• Utilizes numerous strategies and touchpoints to identify, connect with and engage, cultivate and grow personal and corporate memberships, sponsorship and overall support
• Creates and maintains an annual giving schedule with “best practices” to effectively manage the stewardship and cultivation of donors in a timely and organized manner. Including follow-up for patrons, events and fundraising goals with relevant marketing needs. This may also include planned giving and capital campaign initiatives
• Works closely with departments as needed to serve as a fundraising consultant. Collaborate on strategies that will grow philanthropic support in alignment with institutional goals all while enhancing engagement with prospective & current donors across programs, events and activities at the KIA
• Writes and assists with proposal requests to individuals, corporations and selected foundations.  Working hand in hand with the Director of Advancement in the department's donor pool
• Collaborates on production, research, materials, designs and communications to be implemented for the fundraising and marketing activities associated with the aforementioned patron/donor giving cycles
• Establishes new and maintain existing relationships with individuals, businesses, and corporations in the current portfolio, and position those individuals for fundraising requests consistent with KIA priorities
• Stays engaged and cultivate lapsed supporters to re-engage with the KIA
• Prepares and maintains tracking of documents for established giving categories and related Office of Advancement priorities
• Establishes measurable goals and objectives for individual and corporate members including sponsorship sales
• Builds on the existing Annual Fund giving campaign in conjunction with other Advancement team members
• Designs and implements events for the various giving categories. Assist the Director of Advancement with other relevant giving events including the 100th anniversary event schedule
• Spearheads and update the recognition of donors within the Annual Meeting, KIA Donor Boards, Annual Report and other creative ways to show our appreciation
• Participates in community and other relevant functions, industry events/conferences, and local community and networking events, associations and collaborations in the community that will build positive relationships and a strong connection with the KIA. Deliver presentations about the KIA to area organizations
• Ensures proper notification and track implementation of applicable sponsorship benefits as sold
• Maintains accurate donor, prospect, member records, contact reports and constituent transactions via Altru (CRM) database
• Facilitates member high end renewals and messaging, working with Membership Associate position
• Creates monthly reports, as required by management, that accurately reflect caseload activity and performance
• Attends KIA donor events as needed developing relationships with engaged and new donor prospects
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Director of Advancement

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, CFRE preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years related non-profit and/or museum experience in fund development to include corporate sponsorships, individual giving, memberships, planned gifts, etc
• Equivalent combination of education and experience
• Record of success with five to six-figure gifts and higher
• Creative and possesses an entrepreneurial spirit with closing experience, exceptional customer service and successful fundraising portfolio
• Ability to develop productive relationships with members/donors/clients and internal staff
• Ability to represent the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts effectively through public speaking engagements and other community events
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, expert level written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in Google Workspace
• Experience with Blackbaud Altru or comparable nonprofit donor database
• Willingness to be a team player and support the overall organization and department goals
• Knowledge of American Sign Language and/or multilingual a plus

How to Apply:

Follow the link below to be redirected to the KIA Careers page. 

https://jobapply.page.link/zc5Hz

For full consideration, submit a letter of interest and resume.  References will be requested of final candidates only.

Submission Deadline:
Initial review of submissions will begin February 19, 2024. Application materials received by this date will be given priority consideration.  This job listing will remain open until the first interview phase is complete or until a sufficient number of qualified candidates have been identified. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude museum employment. The KIA considers conviction reports on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

Due to the volume of application submissions we receive, we are regretfully unable to respond to phone calls and emails regarding the status of applications and our recruitment process.