Job Description

“For lovers of European and American art, few museums anywhere in the United States feel as well-rounded and satisfying as the Wadsworth Atheneum.” —The Boston Globe Organization Ranked by the Washington Post as one of the top 20 best museums in the U.S., the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (the Wadsworth) is an art museum of vital regional impact and global importance. With over 55,000 works of art, the Wadsworth’s collection spans 5,000 years of human creativity from antiquity to the present. Known for its European and American art collections, the Wadsworth holds works by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Artemisia Gentileschi, Claude Monet, and Vincent Van Gogh, as well as works by living artists including David Hockney, Kehinde Wiley, Kara Walker, Ai Weiwei, and Sean Scully among many others. Position Summary The Director of Development (DoD) will have primary responsibility for all aspects of the museum’s fundraising and philanthropic programs and will serve as a key member of the leadership team. Reporting to the CEO, the DoD will be responsible for conceiving, planning, and executing the museum’s fundraising strategy and engaging donors in the museum’s strategic direction while fostering a vibrant culture of philanthropy. The DoD will work closely with the CEO, board, senior staff, volunteers, museum partners, and community to cultivate new donors while energizing the donor base. The DoD will identify and secure six-figure major gifts, corporate partnerships, and institutional grants. They will also conceive and implement annual and capital fundraising campaigns, energize and grow membership, reinvigorate special fundraising events, and expand the legacy gift program. The DoD will be responsible for leading the division team of eight and directing the activities of Major Gifts, Membership, Grants, Database Management, and Events and Rentals to achieve fundraising goals of more than $5 million annually. Role and Responsibilities Develop a vision and strategy to increase contributed revenue, including restricted and unrestricted support from individual, government, foundation, and corporate donors, for exhibitions, major initiatives, acquisitions, endowment, and annual operating support. Guide, cultivate, and increase the regular and premier membership base and affinity groups while actively developing a pipeline for community engagement and support. Drive the planning and execution of the annual museum gala, establishing and working with a robust committee structure to coordinate all activities necessary for its success. Cultivate and inspire legacy gifts and oversee the stewardship and benefit of planned gifts to the museum. Prepare and organize for a major capital campaign in 2026-27 to help build the endowment, fund capital improvements, and support financial well-being. Collaborate with the CEO and Nominating and Governance Committee Chair to strengthen and expand the Board of Trustees, deepen existing relationships, and serve as a primary point of contact and an effective partner with the board. Support the Board’s development activities to advance development goals. Serve as one of the Wadsworth’s key representatives in the community, actively seeking opportunities to engage with the broader stakeholders and participate in events that position the museum for improved support. Advise the CEO and board on ways to increase their community, regional, national, and international networking capabilities and advance the museum’s community engagement plan. Embrace other fundraising leadership tasks as needed. Qualifications A bachelor’s degree is preferred (advanced degree desirable) with a minimum of eight years of fundraising experience leading an integrated multimillion dollar annual fund. Significant knowledge of museums, art galleries, or related educational institutions is strongly preferred. Familiarity with the New England philanthropic landscape is a plus. Experience working in a leadership role with board members, senior management, staff, patrons, and support organizations is needed. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office and donor research and customer relationship management systems, are necessary. Compensation and Benefits The Wadsworth provides a competitive and equitable compensation package, with a salary range between $135,000 to $175,000 commensurate with experience, coupled with a robust package of benefits, generous paid vacation, and an employer funded retirement savings plan. Applications and Inquiries To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please click here or visit artsconsulting.com/opensearches . For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity, please contact: The Wadsworth is a progressive, equal opportunity employer and all candidates are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr Arts Consulting Group

Job Tags

Similar Jobs