Director of Development at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

Job Title: Director of Development

Job Status: Full-time

Location:  Hagerstown, MD

Introduction to Washington County Museum of Fine Arts

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts’ (WCMFA) mission is to provide a vibrant place for the presentation and exploration of art of lasting quality for the benefit of a diverse public through intentional art collecting, lively interpretation, diligent preservation and care, active education programs, and opportunities for social interaction. A beloved community resource for over 90 years, WCMFA has welcomed four generations of local residents and is considered one of the finest small museums in America.

Founded in 1931, WCMFA is a premier regional fine art museum with a collection of more than 6,500 works of art. WCMFA is the only fine art museum within a 65-mile radius and the only American Alliance of Museums-accredited institution in Western Maryland. WCMFA has an ambitious schedule of temporary exhibitions, classes, lectures, concerts, and online interpretive programs.

The Opportunity

Washington County Museum of Fine Arts seeks a strategic and experienced development leader to oversee the growth and evolution of the organization’s fund development strategies. The Director of Development will be a thought partner to a visionary Executive Director and a peer to an experienced, committed team of leaders who share an unwavering commitment to become a nationally recognized campus in the art world and serve as a cornerstone for an enhanced arts district in Hagerstown while contributing to the city’s revitalization.

It is an extraordinary time for WCMFA. The Museum is at the cusp of a transformational capital campaign and is embarking on the creation and construction of a new education center and arts campus. The Director of Development will play a critical role in achieving this growth, while also building and growing the development program and creating the infrastructure to support the growth of WCMFA.

The Director of Development will be a strategic and dynamic fundraising leader who has a deep understanding of fundraising principles, methods, and tactics. They will be highly collaborative and a strong motivator who will promote a culture of philanthropy among the board, volunteers, and staff that will result in increased philanthropic support to the organization. The new director will have a passion for the arts and the community of supporters who make the work possible.

About the Position

The Director of Development works in partnership with the Executive Director to ensure the organization continues to build its resources:

  • through effective donor relationships (new and existing);
  • leveraging relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and government partners in the communities WCMFA serves;
  • developing and implementing a comprehensive development plan that grows contributed revenue;
  • managing day-to-day needs of the development office and capital campaign; and
  • elevating WCMFA’s brand awareness in the region.

Key Position Functions

  • Fundraising Strategy, Planning, and Execution
  • Capital Campaign
  • Partner with all departments of Museum to ensure consistent voice
  • Culture of Philanthropy and Case for Support
  • Board Relations
  • Donor Relations and Stewardship
  • Development Communications
  • Membership Services

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in appropriate field
  • Five years’ experience in fundraising
  • Demonstrated experience building and managing relationships with diverse groups and audiences
  • Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government
  • An understanding of and experience with donor databases and systems

Desired

  • Experience with grant writing
  • Experience with planned giving and endowments
  • Capital campaign experience
  • Master’s degree
  • CFRE

Application Process

Benefactor Group is pleased to be assisting WCMFA with this executive search. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. All applications are considered highly confidential. To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to:

Benefactor Group Recruitment Team

HR@benefactorgroup.com

Home

Candidates are urged to visit the WCMFA website at: https://wcmfa.org/

You may view the full position profile, here: https://bit.ly/WCMFA-DoDprofile