VP of Development

Position Summary:

BBCM is seeking a proven fundraiser and pivotal leader to serve as the next Vice President (VP) of Development. The VP of Development is responsible for leading the organization's fundraising and development strategies and goals. This role will build a robust and comprehensive fundraising program, playing a key role in shaping the organization's financial sustainability to create a stronger and more diverse network of stakeholders to enhance the Museum's impact.

Primary responsibilities include creating and leading the implementation of a comprehensive development plan, designing, executing, and monitoring a robust moves management fundraising operation aimed at securing funding from a diverse array of individual, corporate, and foundation contributors, overseeing donor communications, and nurturing strong donor relationships. The VP provides guidance and direction to the development team, ensuring that their goals, outcomes, and expectations align with the Museum's mission. This position directly supervises the Annual Fund Director and Grant Writer.

The VP of Development collaborates closely with the Board of Directors and serves as a member of the BBCM leadership team to advance the organization's vision, with a specific focus on leading the Museum through a Capital Campaign to secure a new location in Milwaukee.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive development and fundraising strategy aligned with the Museum's mission. This includes providing leadership of a portfolio of current and prospective donors with the capacity to make annual donations of $10,000 or more, providing fundraising strategy and direction for the BBCM leadership and development teams to support their moves management activities, creating and implementing a comprehensive development plan to enhance donor retention, increase donor engagement, boost visibility and meet the ongoing annual and capital needs of BBCM. 
• Oversee and drive campaign activity, including strategic planning, campaign reporting, campaign communications, and a robust moves management plan aimed at meeting, if not exceeding, campaign goals and priorities. 
• Design strategies to enhance donor retention, increase donor engagement, and identify new donors. 
• Provide fundraising strategy, direction, and support to the board in learning about the fundraising function, identify those activities in which they will support fundraising and support/train them in their moves management activities. 
• Identify and qualify prospective donors to support donor acquisition and BBCM’s focus on establishing a major gift program. 
• Elevate donor engagement through effective communication, stewardship, and retention strategies to foster deeper relationships and support. 
• Work with the finance function to create annual fundraising goals, budgets and fundraising projections. 
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and expand the number of individual annual, mid-level, and planned giving prospects and donors. 
• Provide analysis and reporting on the overall performance of fundraising against goals and strategic plans, thereby ensuring financial sustainability and growth for the organization. 
• Create fundraising strategies to maximize revenue opportunities at appropriate events, initiatives, and programmatic work. 
• Collaborate across the organization to develop fundraising goals and strategies that align with the organization’s mission and vision. 
• Partner with the marketing function to create an intentional and integrated communications strategy that includes collaboration on message creation, donor communications (including direct mail and other writing currently done by development staff), and membership strategies. 
• Serve as a key leadership team member and active participant in making strategic decisions.

Qualifications:

Seven years of progressive experience in development and fundraising, with a minimum of three years in a senior leadership role overseeing operational and performance outcomes.

Skills and Abilities:

• Joy for fundraising, including a passion for making asks and managing donor relationships. 
• Verified track record of meeting or exceeding measurable fundraising goals in a medium to large, fast-paced nonprofit environment. 
• Demonstrated fundraising success in corporate, foundation, workplace, individual and major gifts. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills to effectively convey the Museum's vision and the importance of the campaign to potential donors. 
• Experience supervising and managing a diverse team with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, delegate responsibility, and inspire, engage and motivate staff. 
• Highly motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks. 
• Several years of experience building, developing and retaining strong relationships with donors and volunteers, including board members. A collaborative and communicative work-style that translates into strong results with donors as well as internal partners. 
• Experience with capital campaigns is a plus. 
• Commitment to the Museum's mission.

BBCM offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to the following:

• Starting salary begins at $90,000 
• Medical Insurance (BBCM pays 80% of cost) 
• Dental Insurance (BBCM pays 80% of cost) 
• Vision, Critical Illness, Accidental Insurance, Supplementary Life, and Accidental Death Dismemberment eligibility 
• HSA with employer contributions 
• HRA employer-paid plan 
• Employer-paid plans for Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance & Long-Term Disability 
• 401k with the Museum contributing 5% at year-end (not matching every pay period) 
• Three weeks PTO 

All offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of thorough background and reference checks. This position will remain open until filled.