Current Opportunities
Sr. Director, Development
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Sr. Director, Development
Department: Advancement
Reports to: The David C. Copley Director & CEO
Employee Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Pay Range: $156,500 – 174,400
JOB SUMMARY: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) seeks a Sr. Director, Development, with a proven track record of success to lead the Museum’s comprehensive institutional advancement initiatives and fundraising strategy. The Sr. Director, Development, will value the mission of MCASD and appreciate the esteemed place it occupies within the region and the museum field, as well as possess the ability to inspire and engage others as a senior representative of this cultural resource.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Steward and grow MCASD’s individual giving programs, expanding corporate partnerships and sponsorships via strategic relationships, developing support from foundations, and managing a related program of special events to support brand building, benefit fulfillment, and donor cultivation.
• Key partner contributing to the strategies and direction of Museum decisions and priorities. Work closely with, and help shape the development of, the Museum’s Board of Trustees and other key patrons and constituents to advance strategic, long-term relationships for the financial health and sustainability of the institution.
• Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as an executive team member to establish fundraising strategies and goals, oversee execution of strategies, monitor overall progress toward goals, and address any unanticipated shortfalls.
• Provider leadership, strategic management, and day-to-day management of fundraising team, including philanthropy, membership, institutional giving, special events, and marketing and communications. Implement advancement strategies and develop support through major gifts, annual fund, membership, government and foundation grants, corporate sponsorships and grants, endowment, legacy gifts, special events, and other sources. Manage, train, mentor, and evaluate team to align with strategy.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with trustees, major donors, and major-donor prospects. Support the CEO, curators, and key trustees in managing relationships with prospects and donors.
• Maintain and expand healthy donor pool, identifying new donor prospects. Oversee the maintenance of clean, up-to-date donor and prospect records.
• Oversee and support the fundraising events team as well as other development staff and event volunteer leaders for the Museum’s signature fundraising events.
• Oversee the membership department, including identifying annual goals and objectives; performance management; department budget; and coordination between fundraising initiatives, audience development, and marketing initiatives.
• Work additional hours including some weekends and/or after regular business hours as needed.
• Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: The candidate will have a proven track record of strategic planning, data-driven decision making, responsibility for revenue growth, and the ability to lead teams to successful return-driven outcomes. Possess strong managerial and motivational skills; a keen understanding of fundraising best practices; business and marketing savvy; and a track record of personal success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at major and principal gift levels. Ability to extract and analyze data to make effective, efficient decisions about donor strategy and process. Working knowledge of modern data management practices and techniques, including database information systems, data modeling, and analysis. Familiarity with technology and other innovations that can streamline the development process and contribute to the integration of advancement functions. Bachelor’s degree and 10 years recent, relevant experience as well as experience in increasing responsibility within a fundraising department, including work in individual giving, institutional giving, annual campaigns, planned giving, donor stewardship, and Board relations, preferably within a major cultural institution, nonprofit organization, educational institution, or other environment of similar complexity, or any equivalent education and experience. Advanced degree and strong academic credentials are preferred. Interest and knowledge in contemporary art preferred.
OUR WORK CULTURE: MCASD provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.
ABOUT MCASD: It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building’s overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. From the coastal community of its La Jolla flagship building, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.
INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCEPTANCE: MCASD is committed to the diverse and full inclusion of all qualified applicants. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experiences. Studies show that people from underrepresented backgrounds and/or identities apply to positions only when they are confident that they meet 100% of the qualifications. We’d like to change that dynamic, so we don’t miss out on great candidates. If you have equivalent skills, experience, and/or education relevant to the job and are willing to learn, we value your expertise and encourage you to apply. MCASD will ensure that people with disabilities and/or qualifying medical conditions are provided reasonable accommodation.
BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING: Professional references, criminal background checks, and DMV check.
VACCINATION STATUS: Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and demonstrate proof of vaccination upon hire, unless approved for a disability or religious accommodation.
EOE STATEMENT: We thrive by supporting and celebrating our diversity as a creative and collaborative team. MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.