Description

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Organization: The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience (MSJE) opened in New Orleans in 2021. MSJE explores Southern Jewish history and culture and challenges visitors to expand their understanding of identity, diversity, and acceptance.

Position: MSJE is seeking an outstanding fundraiser to become Director of Development. The person in this position will have the opportunity to build on the development work of MSJE through initiating, nurturing, and growing relationships with current and potential funders of the Museum. He or she will provide philanthropic strategy, vision, and guidance, solicit new and ongoing sources of funds, and manage and support the fundraising efforts for MSJE’s ongoing campaigns.  

The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director. He or she will be a key part of the senior management team and will work closely with the Board of Directors and MSJE’s donor base.

The Director of Development is responsible for:

• Designing and executing a comprehensive development program (annual, major, and planned gifts) to ensure the financial stability and growth of the Museum.
• Managing a portfolio of major-gift-level individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects.
• Cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts from various sectors of donors and prospects (individuals, corporations, and foundations) through relationship building and effective donor and prospect management.  
• Preparing and executing an annual fundraising plan and calendar to grow corporate and foundation grants, including preparing proposals and stewardship reports as necessary for grant funders.
• Maintaining a donor stewardship and recognition program for major donors to the Museum.
• Supporting the Executive Director, the MSJE Board of Directors, and volunteers in securing and stewarding major gifts.
• Coordinating and participating in fundraising meetings and events in select cities across the South.
• Researching and identifying prospects for new potential sources of funding.
• Performing other duties as assigned to meet the needs of MSJE’s fundraising efforts.

The successful Director of Development applicant will have:

• Understanding of and commitment to the mission of MSJE.
• Demonstrated success in personally raising major gifts (6-figure level and above) from individuals, as well as experience in raising funds from corporate sponsors and family foundations.
• Demonstrated experience in prospect identification, relationship building, prospect portfolio management, and solicitation of prospects for a nonprofit.
• Proven experience and success in developing and executing fundraising campaigns.
• Demonstrated capability in developing and communicating the case for giving to an organization.
• Basic understanding of donor and prospect record management systems, preferably Donor Perfect.
• Ability and willingness to travel to meet prospects and donors around the U.S.
• Proven experience in working with sensitive information and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is required, graduate degree preferred.
• At least five years of direct experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a solid record of increased responsibilities and demonstrated success in developing relationships with donors and prospects. Successful candidates will possess excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work independently and take initiative. 

Compensation:

Competitive salary and benefits offered, based on experience. This is a full-time position located in New Orleans, with flexible work schedule. Remote work may be considered for the right candidate.

The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

To Apply: send resume with cover letter in one .pdf to info@msje.org with subject line Director of Development Search.