Director of Development

Sumter County Museum
JOB DESCRIPTION
 
Position:  PT Director of Development
The Director of Development is responsible for increasing the fundraising capacity of Sumter County Museum to help the organization fulfill its mission to explore historical experiences through programs and exhibits.  This individual will lead and direct annual corporate and individual membership programs, capital campaigns including support for an upcoming building, community-wide giving days, sponsorship programs, and donor cultivation and recognition.
 
Essential Duties
 

• Build on the organization’s existing relationships and develop new strategic partnerships across the community to expand visibility and strengthen donor base. 
• Identify and pursue new sources of corporate, civic, and foundation giving.
• Develop ongoing strategies to cultivate giving prospects to include a communications and solicitation program to extend community awareness and reach donors through emails, website, social media, print, direct mail, and fundraising appeals. 
• Collaborate with other staff to develop and execute strategies that engage members, donors, and the community in the organization mission and elevate the brand. 
• Responsible for the development of any capital campaigns including the upcoming construction of a new museum building. 
• Seek out opportunities for financial support through grants.  Assist Executive Director with grant research, relationship building, proposal writing, and final reporting.
• Strengthen and grow the Sumter County Museum membership program through both individual and corporate donors.
• Develop a schedule with the Executive Assistant to process membership and other donations through the CRM program Neon.  Ensure membership renewal notices and thank you letters are disbursed in a timely manner. 
• Coordinate with Sumter County Museum Board of Trustees and Advisory Council members to bring in donors and sponsors. 
• Provide timely acknowledgement of donor support.
• Assist in planning of current major fundraisers including the Shrimp Feast and Oyster Roast.  May be asked to develop and oversee new fundraising programs/events in future. 
• Secure sponsors for all major events and exhibits. 
• Responsible for Midlands Gives online day of giving and other potential giving days.
• Oversee and promote rental of museum facility for individual and corporate events. 

• Work with other staff and contract marketing personnel in developing flyers and other marketing material as needed to properly communicate the museum mission.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and at least 2 years’ experience required. Background in non-profit work preferred.

• Demonstrated experience and comfort in fundraising and soliciting for donations.
• Must be willing to do in-person visits alone or with the Executive Director or Board Members.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with diverse groups and individuals.
• Ability to identify and tell compelling stories of need.
• Strong public speaking skills. 
• Successful grant writing experience.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and social media platforms.  Experience with fundraising databases including Neon CRM a plus.