Hiring Organization Information
Position Information
About Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA)
The Bainbridge Island Museum of Art is a non-profit art museum that strongly believes in our mission to inspire curiosity, wonder, and understanding by connecting people with the contemporary arts and craft of the Puget Sound region. Just ten years old, BIMA has established itself as a thriving cultural destination for more than 100,000 guests a year, and a year-round cultural resource to its community: it is open free to the public seven days a week. Community-centered, artist-focused and values-driven, BIMA is an organization dedicated to inclusivity, diversity and creativity, as it works to create a welcoming gathering space in which to share and grapple with art, ideas, issues and experiences. We strive to ensure all voices are heard, valued, and welcomed into our spaces regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. These are all elements that play into an individual’s uniqueness, and here at BIMA, uniqueness is celebrated.
About the Search
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art seeks a transformational and charismatic leader to serve as its next Director of Development (DOD) as the museum shapes its next defining moment as a regional arts and cultural organization. The DOD is a key face to our community, building authentic relationships with the individuals, organizations, foundations and funders who share our dream and vision. The Director of Development is the chief strategist for BIMA’s general fundraising, including longer-term initiatives in planned giving and endowment, and helps cultivate a culture of philanthropy, generosity and giving at every level of the organization. The DOD supervises the Senior Manager of Fundraising & Sponsorship and the Membership & Database Manager in a department of five, sharing expertise, leadership, resources, and strategies to accomplish the departmental goals. The position focuses on the stewardship of BIMA’s current major donors, cultivation of prospective major donors, and securing six- and seven-figure major gifts and leadership circle annual fund gifts. This position is a key liaison to the Board of Directors for fundraising and is primary liaison to the Fundraising Committee of the Board and its various subgroups. The position is a critical face to the core community of BIMA and understands that the museum is designed to serve the community.
The Director of Development works as part of a central Leadership team known as the Directors Group. Together this group serves as the core decision-makers on the inquiry, planning and execution of the Museum’s mission, vision and values. Key organizational decisions are all informed by the experience, opinions and interests of the Director Group. While responsible for their specific area of focus and supervision, BIMA’s Directors all share an interest in advancing the organization as a whole and can understand the evolving strategies and priorities that occur in a fast-moving organization that strives to be culturally, artistically and socially responsive.
The DOD has in-depth knowledge and a proven track record in non-profit fundraising, passion for the visual arts and education, experience managing complex projects and competing deadlines, and significant experience working with active committees and volunteers.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Initiates and strengthens the museum’s relationship with donors, creating an individual strategic plan for each donor based on the donor’s history of giving and the organization’s knowledge of that donor’s potential.
- With a departmental team, coordinates day-to-day initiatives to meet annual fundraising goals (Major Gifts, Annual Fund Drive, Annual Art Auction, Corporate Sponsorships, Foundation and Government Grants, Memberships, Special Events).
- Serves as the staff liaison to the Endowment Campaign, completing pledges receivable and providing reports to the Endowment Committee
- Works closely to support the Fundraising Committee of the Board and assigns other staff to related initiatives and subgroups.
- Supports the Development team in the areas of sponsorship, grant writing, events, and fundraising efforts of all types.
- Works within the Director Group to help shape the foundational priorities of the museum
- Gathers and tracks information using museum prescribed systems to build donor knowledge
- Supports staff in planning and execution of large events like the BIMA Bash! Auction and Membership Parties, including Major Gift planning component.
- Serves as primary staff for early organizational efforts to create planned giving tools and to strategize and fulfill near-term endowment goals. These are newer initiatives per the Fundraising Committee.
- Creates and follows an annual plan so major gifts are secured and individual annual fund gifts are retained and upgraded.
- Works with the Deputy Director & Marketing Manager to fully integrate fundraising initiatives with BIMA’s overall branding and messaging goals, and to distinguish fundraising efforts from other programs.
- Works with the BIMA team to fosters positive community relations through various partnerships and collaborations.
- Supervises key staff members and staff team efforts, under the oversight of the Executive Director, and according to Museum policies and procedures and as required by law. Assists in defining effective staff orientation, development, mentoring, project management and team evaluation efforts.
- Coordinates budget planning and fiscal controls of fundraising efforts, and assists in the coordination and supervision of related consultants and contractors. Maintains all required planning documents and reports. Works closely with the Finance Director and Executive Director on timely follow-up, close-outs, and reporting.
- Responsible for other duties as required to meet the needs of this position and/or other critical needs of the museum.
- Minimum 5 - 7 years of experience in museum and/or not-for-profit management, with an emphasis in frontline fundraising and development.
- Bachelor’s degree and/or certificates in a related field, such as Fundraising, Public Service, Business, Museum Studies, or comparable education and training.
- Proven track record in broad-based non-profit fundraising, including at least five years of experience in grants writing and management, direct solicitation, special events management, marketing, public relations, community relations, and public speaking.
- Strong background in budgeting and project reporting.
- Excellent organizational development skills, including the ability to foster a diverse, compelling, and positive organization and arts culture.
- Experience recruiting, managing, supervising, and evaluating staff and volunteers.
- Knowledge of the workings and best practices of non-profit boards and organizations.
- Strong team player with excellent listening skills, and ability to consider the ideas of others.
- Excellent interpersonal, customer service, written, and oral communication skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with diverse audiences, including current and potential donors, members of the Board of Director, past board members, docents, museum staff, and the general public.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and a commitment to learning with the organization as we work to advance social justice and race equity as an organization and community.
- Proven track record resolving problems in a timely, effective, and legal manner.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, setting priorities and meeting deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and organize effectively.
- Strong writing skills, specifically for creating and editing effective gifting proposals and asks.
- Ability to work with team members and individual donors to cultivate and secure major gifts.
- Is a strong and supportive manager to his/her/their team, providing staff with the counsel, wisdom, tools, and information they need to succeed.
- Ability to travel in and beyond the Puget Sound Region, as part of our highest membership offering, the BIMA circle membership.
- Regional and local relationships with donors, supporters and funders a plus
- Availability to work flexible hours, including weekend and evening hours as required, major BIMA events as needed, especially the annual Auction, other special events, and member parties.
- Possesses an interest in building long term relationships, a sense of humor, a passion for the work, and a strong work ethic