Director of Development
The Fitchburg Art Museum (FAM) seeks a dynamic and experienced full-time Director of Development (DoD) to lead, manage, and plan FAM’s fundraising to ensure philanthropic support of FAM’s mission and core operations and programs. This includes a $5M campaign associated with FAM’s centennial celebration. The DoD reports to and works closely with the Director and serves on FAM’s Senior Staff.
This position requires 5-10 years of experience in non-profit fundraising with a proven track record of success in major gifts solicitation, and advanced skills in leadership, strategic thinking, stakeholder relationships, staff management, time management, non-profit finance, and oral and written communications. The successful candidate will also possess integrity, creativity, self-confidence; a personal commitment to fostering a culture based on inclusion, respect, teamwork, and compassion; and a full understanding of and passion for FAM’s Mission, Institutional Core Values, and Strategic Plan.
The Director of Development works closely and collaboratively with the Director, Board of Trustees, Senior Staff, Development Team, and key community partners.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Leadership, planning and oversight of FAM’s annual fund, major gifts, grant writing and management, individual and corporate membership programs, sponsorships, museum events, function rentals, front desk, and tracking of constituent and financial information in Altru (a Blackbaud product).
- Cultivation and stewardship of FAM Trustees, Community Advisors, and major donors.
- Leadership, planning, and implementation of a $5M fundraising campaign, associated with FAM’s centennial.
- Management of a full- and part-time Development team of four.
- Leading and sustaining an institutional culture of philanthropy.
- Board and community relations experience.
- Staff liaison to FAM’s Development Committee. Service on Board Development and Personnel Committees.
- Attends quarterly meetings of the Board of Trustees.
- Partnership with FAM’s Treasurer and Business Manager to ensure sound fiscal operations, including timely, accurate, and comprehensive budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
- Participation in FAM’s ongoing equity work.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Experience/Qualifications:
- Proven track record of attracting and inspiring donors, major gift solicitation, and participating successful fundraising campaigns.
- Demonstrated success in personally cultivating and soliciting gifts of $100K+ from individuals and foundations.
- Proven track record of successful grant writing and reporting.
- Experience with CRM software, preferably ALTRU.
- Strong leadership, decision making, planning, and organizational skills.
- Significant and effective staff and volunteer management experience, with a mentoring mindset, emotional intelligence, compassion, and sense of humor.
- Strategic planning/thinking abilities.
- Outstanding written and oral communications skills, and ability to serve as an effective FAM spokesperson.
- Proven ability to forge mutually respectful, trusting, and effective relationships with a diverse group of staff, Board members, community leaders, and decision makers; experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Excellent multi-tasking and time management skills.
- Ability to maintain a high level of discretion, judgment, and confidentiality.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, experience utilizing CRM databases (Altru preferred).
- Bachelor’s Degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Fundraising/Capital Campaign leadership experience.
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Demonstrated fundraising success in a museum or arts/culture context.
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Spanish language skills.
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Knowledge of arts/culture/philanthropy in Central Massachusetts.
Compensation:
Salary range: $85,000-$100,000/year, depending on qualifications, skills and experience. Generous health insurance and paid time off, 403b retirement plan.
Some weekend and evening work will be expected. Work is onsite a majority of the time.
To Apply:
Please send the following documents by September 19, 2025, to FAM Director Nick Capasso ([email protected]): letter of interest, resume, and three reference contacts. Please attach these documents to an e-mail message with this subject line: FAM DoD. We seek to fill this position as soon as possible.
Fitchburg Art Museum is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
For more information about FAM and our mission of art, education, and community well-being, please visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org
Please send the following documents by September 19, 2025, to FAM Director Nick Capasso ([email protected]): letter of interest, resume, and three reference contacts. Please attach these documents to an e-mail message with this subject line: FAM DoD. We seek to fill this position as soon as possible.
