JOB TITLE: Director of Development
REPORTS TO: President
FLSA: Exempt
DATE REVISED: March 16, 2026
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ORGANIZATION MISSION:The mission of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum is to document, interpret and preserve the complex experiences, contributions and culture of Black people in Maryland. We serve as a catalyst for sustained change by providing programs and exhibitions and bold conversations that educate and challenge.
Position Summary:
The Director of Development will be responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, grants, membership, and special initiatives.
The Director will serve as a strategic partner to the President and the Board of Directors in building a sustainable and diversified revenue strategy that strengthens the museum’s long-term financial position.
This position requires a highly strategic, relationship-driven leader who can cultivate new philanthropic and corporate partnerships, activate board networks, and leverage innovative fundraising strategies to expand the museum’s donor base locally, regionally and nationally.
The Director of Development will also oversee data-driven fundraising operations, ensuring the effective use of technology, donor analytics, and CRM systems to maximize donor engagement, stewardship and revenue generation.
Primary Responsibilities:
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
- Design, implement, and oversee the comprehensive capital campaign and multi‑year fundraising strategies aligned with institutional priorities and growth objectives.
- Establish ambitious yet achievable annual and long‑term contributed revenue goals and ensure strong performance management and accountability.
- Serve as a senior advisor to the President and Board on fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and philanthropic trends.
Major Gifts & Individual Philanthropy
- Lead a robust major gifts program, personally managing a portfolio of high‑capacity individual donors and prospects.
- Build and sustain deep, long‑term relationships with donors through strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Expand donor pipelines locally, regionally, and nationally through targeted engagement strategies.
Foundation, Government, & Corporate Partnerships
- Oversee a comprehensive institutional giving strategy, including foundation, corporate, and government funding.
- Guide prospect research, proposal development, compliance, reporting, and stewardship.
- Cultivate strategic corporate partnerships that align with the museum’s mission and brand.
Board Engagement & External Leadership
- Activate and partner with Board members to leverage networks, advance peer‑to‑peer fundraising, and strengthen donor relationships.
- Support Development Committee leadership and provide clear tools, data, and guidance to maximize board impact.
- Serve as a visible ambassador for the museum at local, regional, and national events and convenings.
Data, Systems, & Strategy
- Leverage donor data, analytics, and technology to inform fundraising strategy and decision‑making.
- Ensure data integrity, effective prospect management, and performance tracking through Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
- Build and refine development infrastructure, policies, and reporting practices to support scale and excellence.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead, mentor, and grow a high‑performing development team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
- Work cross‑functionally with senior leadership and departments including Finance, External Relations and Marketing, Interpretation, Visitor Experiences and Education, and Special Events.
- Contribute actively to the institution‑wide planning and leadership as a member of the senior management team.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit development experience, with demonstrated success in major gifts and institutional fundraising.
- Proven ability to lead complex fundraising efforts and consistently achieve or exceed revenue goals.
- Experience partnering effectively with senior executives and boards in a fundraising capacity. Strong strategic thinker with excellent relationship‑building, communication, and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency with fundraising databases and analytics; Salesforce strongly preferred.
- Museum, cultural, or mission‑driven institutional experience are highly desirable.
Benefits:
- 10 days of vacation leave, annually
- 10 days of sick leave, annually
- 6 days of personal leave
- Retirement Plans
- A comprehensive health care program
Experience:
- B.A. or B.S. degree (Preferred)
- Development: 7 - 10 years (Preferred)
- Donor Database Management: 5 - 7 years (Salesforce Preferred)
- Museum experience (Preferred)
Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00
Reginald F. Lewis Museum is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring and employment. Reginald F. Lewis Museum shall not, in any manner, discriminate regardless of race, color, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, matriculation, or veteran status, and any other status protected by law.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- How many years of non-profit, major campaigns and fundraising do you have?
Work Location: In person
