Position: Director of Development
Reports to: Vice President of Development
Location: Mumford, NY (near Rochester); On-Site Position
Primary Function: To grow and strengthen Genesee Country Village & Museum’s membership and sponsorship revenue by leading our general membership program, cultivating mid-level donors, and securing corporate partnerships that support our programs and events.
Hours: Full-time; Weekdays, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed, particularly during the Museum’s open season.
Salary: $68,000-$72,000 annually, dependent on experience
The Director of Development is a key fundraising position focused on building and strengthening relationships with individual and corporate supporters. This role leads the Museum’s membership program, cultivates mid-level donors from general membership and the Founder’s Circle, and secures corporate partnerships through memberships and sponsorships. The Director also plays a significant role in donor cultivation and stewardship activities, including our annual signature event, The Whirl.
This is an exciting opportunity for a development professional who enjoys connecting with donors, building partnerships in the community, and creating meaningful experiences that deepen engagement with the Museum.
While some work may be completed remotely, regular onsite presence is essential to engage with the Museum’s programs, collaborate with colleagues, and build relationships with members, donors, and corporate partners. The mix of onsite and remote work may vary depending on experience, workload, and the Museum’s calendar of events.
Responsibilities:
Corporate Membership and Sponsorship Programs (30%)
- Identify, cultivate, and steward local, regional, and national corporate prospects to secure both restricted and unrestricted support.
- Develop and manage corporate membership and sponsorship opportunities that connect businesses with the Museum’s mission and audience.
- Build strong relationships with corporate partners through regular outreach, meetings, and recognition opportunities.
- Ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits and maintain accurate records of agreements and commitments.
Mid-Level Gift Cultivation and Solicitation (30%)
- Manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects giving up to $10,000 annually through General and Founder’s Circle memberships.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to strengthen engagement and increase annual giving.
- Conduct regular outreach through meetings, calls, tours, and personalized communication to deepen relationships with supporters.
- Identify donors with major gift potential and partner with the development team to transition those relationships when appropriate.
General Museum Membership Program (20%)
- Lead the Museum’s general membership program, including strategies for acquisition, renewal, retention, and upgrades.
- Work closely with the Development Coordinator to ensure timely and accurate processing of memberships, renewals, acknowledgements, and member communications.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Visitor Services teams to promote membership and enhance the member experience.
- Monitor membership trends and data to identify opportunities for growth and improved retention.
Donor Cultivation Activities & Stewardship Events (20%)
- Support donor cultivation through one-on-one meetings, tours, and special events.
- Plan and execute donor stewardship communications and engagement activities to deepen relationships and strengthen loyalty.
- Serve a key role in securing sponsorships and supporting the planning and success of The Whirl, GCV&M’s annual signature fundraising event.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Minimum of five years of nonprofit fundraising, membership, partnership development, or related relationship-driven roles, with demonstrated success in building donor or sponsor relationships and increasing support.
- Strong written and verbal communication, customer service, and prioritization skills, along with the ability to represent the Museum in public forums in a skilled and professional manner.
- Experience building relationships with a broad range of individuals, including donors, members, trustees, corporate partners, community leaders, staff, volunteers, and the general public.
- Experience supervising or guiding staff and volunteers while demonstrating professional conduct, sound judgment, and ethical leadership.
- Experience working with donor databases (Bloomerang preferred) and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and relationships simultaneously.
- Ability to occasionally work evenings and weekends for events and donor engagement.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in fundraising practices.
- *Please submit cover letter along with resume to be considered for this position*
BENEFITS:
We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare, dental, and vision coverage; a 403(b) retirement plan with an annual board-approved employer match for qualified staff; accrued paid time off; life insurance; disability coverage; an employee assistance program; and a family membership to the Museum.
WHO WE ARE:
Genesee Country Village & Museum, located in Mumford, NY 25 miles outside of Rochester, is the largest living history museum in New York State. Our 68-building Historic Village, John L. Wehle Gallery, and Genesee Country Nature Center host nearly 100,000 guests each year on site, off site around the community, and online across the world. Learn more on our website www.gcv.org.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees, applicants, and interns for employment. We recruit, hire, train, and promote without discrimination due to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, citizenship, national origin, military or veteran status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Diversity Statement: Genesee Country Village & Museum is actively committed to broadening our understanding of DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) and making it part of everything that we do. Guided by our mission, values, and inclusive culture of curiosity, we celebrate the stories of our shared past; connect the rich diversity of the 19th century to the present; and collaborate with the communities we serve to create welcoming spaces for learning, work, exploration, and play.
