The San Antonio Fire Museum is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Chief Development Officer/Grants Manager to lead capital campaign fundraising efforts, grant development, donor engagement, sponsorship growth, and community partnership initiatives.
This leadership position offers a unique opportunity to help advance the museum's mission of educating the public about fire prevention and life-saving safety practices while preserving the rich history of firefighting in San Antonio.
The Chief Development Officer & Grants Manager will work closely with the President/CEO, Board of Directors, community leaders, foundations, and donors to secure the financial resources necessary to support museum educational programming, operations, exhibit development, and future growth initiatives.
As a member of the museum's leadership team, the Chief Development Officer will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports capital campaign efforts, operational needs, and special projects.
This is an exciting opportunity for a fundraising professional who enjoys educating, building relationships, securing grants, developing major gifts, and helping a growing nonprofit achieve long-term sustainability and impact.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Donor Development
- Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans that support organizational growth and sustainability.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, build, and steward individual donors, major gift prospects, corporate sponsors, and community partners.
- Build and maintain a robust donor pipeline and stewardship program.
- Support annual giving campaigns, sponsorship initiatives, special events, and donor recognition programs.
- Achieve measurable fundraising goals and track using data driven techniques.
Grant Writing & Foundation Relations
- Research, identify, and pursue local, regional, and national funding opportunities.
- Prepare compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and funding reports.
- Manage grant compliance, reporting requirements, and stewardship activities.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with foundation representatives and institutional funders.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Serve as a public ambassador for the museum within the community.
- Build partnerships with businesses, civic organizations, educational institutions, and philanthropic leaders.
- Increase community awareness and support for the museum's educational and historical mission.
- Collaborate with museum staff to communicate impact stories and fundraising priorities.
Leadership & Administration
- Support and manage capital campaign and major gift efforts.
- Create and maintain donor records and grant tracking systems, and produce fundraising reports.
- Monitor fundraising performance and provide regular progress reports to leadership and the Board.
- Assist with strategic planning and long-term fundraising initiatives.
- Year one expectations will be established with the President/CEO.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of three years of nonprofit fundraising, development, advancement, or grant management experience.
- Demonstrated success securing grants, sponsorships, donations, or philanthropic support.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Experience working with donor databases, CRM systems, or fundraising software.
- Ability to build meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, and community stakeholders.
Preferred
- Experience working with museums, cultural institutions, educational nonprofits, public safety organizations, or community-based nonprofits.
- Knowledge of the San Antonio philanthropic and corporate giving community.
- Experience supporting capital campaigns, major gifts, and comprehensive fundraising programs.
Why Join the San Antonio Fire Museum?
The San Antonio Fire Museum is one of the region's most unique educational and historical institutions. We educate and inspire future generations through fire safety education and community engagement while preserving the history of firefighting.
As our Director of Development & Grants, you will play a key role in shaping the museum's future, expanding its impact, and helping ensure that this important community resource continues to serve visitors for generations to come.
Benefits
- Competitive salary: $65,000–$75,000
- Flexible scheduling opportunities
- Professional development support
- Leadership visibility and growth opportunities
- Meaningful mission-driven work with direct community impact
To Apply
Please submit:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Three Professional References
- Summary of fundraising, grant-writing, or development accomplishments
To: San Antonio Fire Museum
801 East Houston
San Antonio, TX 78025
Or Email to: [email protected]
The San Antonio Fire Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates who are passionate about education, public safety, community engagement, and historical preservation.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
