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Development Director Detailed Position Description

The Museum of Durham History is a 21st-century museum that uses stories about people, places, and things to foster curiosity, encourage further inquiry, and promote an understanding of diverse perspectives about the Durham community and its history. The Museum is putting its mission into action through a personal approach to history that sets it apart: an innovative, community model that engages with history through stories—the personal memories, experiences, and family lore of our shared heritage.

The Museum seeks to hire a full-time Development Director to oversee all aspects of business development, fundraising, communication and marketing related to these initiatives. This position will work closely with Museum board and staff members to create, manage, and execute an organizational development plan and maximize revenue from all funding sources. Ideally, candidates have a familiarity with Durham, North Carolina, and national charitable/philanthropic networks.

Primary responsibilities include grant writing and contract management, corporate and in-kind sponsorships, donor stewardship and cultivation, calendar and fiscal year-end appeals, annual report, marketing and communications, and supporting exhibit development, community programming, and special events as needed. The organization has employed a small staff over its 11 years, operating with a modest budget. This is a full-time position that may require occasional evening and weekend hours (events). Salary: $70,000/year, plus health benefits.

Development Plan and Strategy

• Create and implement an annual organizational development plan outlining goals for all revenue sources and actions for achieving these objectives.
• Work with Museum leadership and the Board Development Committee to execute all aspects of the development plan and strategize on approaches for achieving goals.
• Engage staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to help cultivate donor relationships and build community awareness to generate interest and form new relationships.

Donor Stewardship and Cultivation

• Manage donor database (Bloomerang), gift entry, record updates, reminders, and weekly reporting.
• Develop and manage donor acknowledgement process, including acknowledgement letters, handwritten notes, phone outreach, and recognition at events as appropriate.
• Lead major donor stewardship through ongoing communication, private events, and connections to Museum leadership and board members.
• Create mid-level donor strategy to build relationships, maximize gifts, and move donors through the giving cycle.
• Plan and execute donor acknowledgement, fundraising, and “friend-raising” events in collaboration with Museum staff and the Events Committee.
• Establish planned giving program

Calendar and Fiscal Year-End Fundraising Appeals

• Develop strategy, messaging, and format of two fundraising appeals in June and December each year and work with Museum leadership and marketing team to execute strategy.
• Collaborate with staff to draft content for marketing and communications, including newsletters, blog articles, social media posts, website verbiage, and toolkits for partners and media.
• Design support for a holiday card as a supplement to the calendar year-end appeal and the annual report as a supplement to the fiscal year-end appeal and create mailing lists for both.

Grant Writing, Reporting, and Administration

• Maintain grant calendar to track upcoming opportunities, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Draft letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and program budgets and work with Museum leadership on content and financials for specified programs and exhibits.
• Create invoices, ensure all deliverables are executed, and work with Museum staff and bookkeeper to track expenses and impact metrics for each award.
• Manage reporting process and funder relationships to sustain and grow commitments.

Corporate and In-Kind Sponsorships

• Draft sponsorship and support design of brochure and pitchbook detailing opportunities and benefits, including exhibits, community events, educational programming, and fundraisers.
• Curate lists of sponsor prospects and work with Museum staff and volunteers to conduct outreach and convert leads.
• Draft sponsorship proposals and agreements and manage sponsor relationships.
• Coordinate all sponsorship deliverables, including logo placement, signage, brand guidelines, event invitations, and recognition.

Desired Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit management, including demonstrated success in securing funds from private funders, corporations, civic organizations, and major donors.
• Familiarity with Durham, North Carolina, and national charitable avenues.
• Skillset which includes donor stewardship and cultivation, grant writing, sponsorships, fundraising appeals and campaigns, and marketing communications.
• Experience using CRM programs, WordPress, graphic design software, social media platforms, Microsoft Office, and Google Suite.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach, innovative mindset, passion for the Museum’s mission and values, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

To apply, email the following to Executive Director Patrick Mucklow, pmucklow@modh.org: cover letter, resume/CV, and 2-3 references with affiliation, phone, and email.