Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Director, Philanthropy

Department: Advancement

Reports to: Chief Advancement Officer

Employee Status: Full-time, Exempt

Primary Work Location: La Jolla/Hybrid

OUR WORK CULTURE: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (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 for the region with our La Jolla flagship building. With its two locations, MCASD is the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time, presenting works across all media created since 1950. Located in the heart of downtown San Diego and in the coastal community of La Jolla, 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.

JOB SUMMARY: In collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer, the Director will work to strategically develop and implement the organizational fundraising goals. Director will lead a team of fundraisers in a collaborative and creative environment, overseeing the Membership and Advancement teams, with three direct reports including the Membership Manager, Database Manager, and the Giving Circles & Individual Giving Manager. The Director will be a highly motivated, dynamic, and an experienced fundraising professional who will, in collaboration with the Membership and Advancement team, identify and research individual and corporate prospects, develop cultivation and solicitation strategies, and solicit and close major gifts. The Director will be a motivational manager, supporting the efforts of the Membership and Advancement team, managing their own portfolio of donors, and work collaboratively with the Chief Advancement Officer in developing fundraising strategy for the Advancement department overall. The Director will maintain accountability standards to donors and ensure compliance with the code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives. Support the mission and vision of Museum throughout performance of their duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• In collaboration with the Chief Advancement Officer, create the annual fundraising strategy, inclusive of developing personalized work plans for the Director, the Membership, and Advancement team with specific goals and objectives in coordination with overall institutional priorities.
• Provide strategic direction for the Membership and Advancement team and execute discovery/cultivation/stewardship and solicitation strategies for donors and prospects using a Moves Management approach.
• Plan, implement, and supervise increased fundraising efforts by establishing long and short-term revenue goals.
• Work closely with the Membership Manager to strategically grow The Core Membership, Avant Garde, and Art Pass Members.
• Work closely with the Giving Circles & Individual Giving Manager to strategically grow Giving Circles supporters.
• Collaborate with team members on work plans for all fundraising areas, including membership, major gifts, planned giving, institutional giving, capital campaign fundraising, corporate giving, and more. This will include funding for exhibitions, education programs, and other general operating needs.
• Contribute to Board of Trustee identification and recruitment of board prospects. This includes preparing and providing reports and updates to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Board, and committee meetings as needed.
• With support from the Advancement team members, develop strategies for acknowledging, recognizing, and stewarding donors. Work collaboratively with the Giving Circles & Individual Giving Manager to maintain the digital donor walls, signage, and donor recognition.
• Actively participate in the planning and creation of members and giving circles programs and events. Attend programs and events.
• Prepare written and verbal proposal, concepts, and informational materials and other materials needed to secure major gifts.
• Solicit gifts and underwriting sponsorships for fundraising events, including The Gala and Art Auction.
• Travel locally and out-of-town as necessary on MCASD public and collectors’ trips.
• Attend Advancement committee meetings and prospect review meetings; provide communication updates to departmental management.
• In collaboration with Advancement department managers, track and report on Advancement revenue and expenses.
• Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: Results-oriented with excellent organizational and planning skills. Entrepreneurial self-starter and team player with enthusiasm and flexibility. Forward-thinking, strategically minded, positive in attitude, and full of energy and ideas. Strong negotiation and presentation abilities. Confident and skilled at managing internal team members and building relationships with donors and other key external stakeholders. Have an appreciation for the impact of performing arts, music, and visual arts in a community and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Proven track record in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of philanthropic gifts from a variety of donors (individuals, foundations, corporations). An ability to maintain the highest level of professionalism, decorum, and confidentiality. Bachelor’s degree and 10 years recent relevant experience or equivalent education and experience. Experience in major gifts and capital campaign fundraising a plus. Knowledge of and/or experience in contemporary art preferred.

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING: Professional references and criminal background 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

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