The Wharton Esherick Museum (WEM) is the home and studio of Wharton Esherick (1887-1970), an internationally significant figure in the landscape of art history andAmerican modern design. Set on 12 wooded acres, the Museum campus is comprised of multiple buildings including Esherick’s highly individual, hand-built Studio, which was constructed over a 40-year period beginning in 1926, and his 1928 Expressionist garage, which is now our Visitor Center. In 1973, just one year after its official opening as a museum, the Studio was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1993, the Museum was designated a National Historic Landmark for Architecture.
WEM celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 and is now working toward a campus expansion plan that would create new interpretive spaces and expand opportunities for visitors to experience Esherick’s sense of fun and endless possibility. Guided by a thoughtful long-term campus planning process, the vision includes both new capital projects as well as programming that will give Esherick’s story fresh relevance, introducing his life and work to a wider circle.
Summary:
The Director of Development (DOD) is a new role which will work to further the mission and reach of the Wharton Esherick Museum by creating, leading, and executing a comprehensive development effort to support our organizational growth and exciting future plans. This position offers a seasoned, energetic, and creative development leader the opportunity to partner with WEM’s Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors in taking the organization into its next phase. The DOD will be a passionate and informed advocate for WEM, effectively engaging existing and potential supporters in its mission and programs. Comfortable balancing both relationship-oriented and task-focused responsibilities, the DOD will structure compelling opportunities for support at a time when this dynamic organization is preparing to embark on an ambitious fundraising effort.
Key Responsibilities:
* The DOD will develop and implement the organization’s first comprehensive fundraising strategy and programinclusive of institutional, corporate, and individual giving.
* Oversee all fundraising activities, including prospect identification, solicitations, cultivation, stewardship, and reporting. Act as primary point of contact for funders.
* Work closely with colleagues, including curatorial, program, and operations, to ensure that fundraising efforts align with the organization’s overall strategy, values, and goals.
* Work closely with the Board of Directors to communicate fundraising goals and support the Board’s efforts in reaching goals through a variety of engagements and activities.
* Collaborate with the Communications team on development strategies using WEM’s media and digital platforms.
* Lead, plan, and manage development events to include cultivation events and annual fundraisers.
* Oversee the management of the fundraising CRM, Little Green Light.
* Develop and implement strategies for successful grant-seeking including researching prospective sources, writing, monitoring, and tracking grants from private, corporate and government sources.
Qualifications:
* Demonstrated experience leading a comprehensive development operation, including individual and institutional giving, event planning, and communications.
* Strong track record of closing major gifts, preferably in an art museum or cultural institution.
* An attentive listener and engaging storyteller, able to attract, influence, engage and build long-term relationships with all types of donors and key stakeholders.
* Energetic and skilled networker who enjoys community engagement, attending events and participating in activities to position the Museum for success.
* Commitment to diversity and a history of working effectively with all people irrespective of their economic status, ethnicity, gender, educational level or sexual orientation.
* Ability to prioritize, ideate and implement projects effectively in a highly collaborative and creative environment.
* Experience in grant writing and skills in proposal development.
* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of experience and education.
* Familiarity with the local, regional, and national funding community a plus.
Position Type:
This position is full-time with benefits and a salary range of 75 to 90k. Part-time will also be considered.
Location:
The Wharton Esherick Museum is located in Malvern, PA. This position will require in-office hours with flexible work schedule options and occasional evenings and weekends.
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