Development Director

Job Status: Full-time, Exempt (Salaried)
Reports To: Executive Director

Team Duties/Responsibilities

• Exhibit an intellectual curiosity and professional passion for GulfQuest, its exhibits and programs, and its mission "to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to understand and appreciate the Gulf Coast's rich maritime heritage through exhibits, programs and activities."
• Ensure a positive experience for GulfQuest visitors by serving as an ambassador during all work-related activities for the museum, providing information, services and support whenever possible.
• Interact effectively with other staff members in a manner that establishes and supports a collaborative work environment marked by a high level of team satisfaction, productivity and success.

Position Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to maximize contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations including, but not limited to, the following categories: Annual fund campaign; Grant proposals and awards; Major gifts; Museum memberships; Corporate gifts/sponsorships; and Fundraising events.
• Ensure stewardship of past, current and prospective donors through personal visits, articulate correspondence, timely gift acknowledgments, and administration of naming opportunities.
• Research donor prospects (individuals, corporations and foundations) and find ways to engage prospective donors in short and long term partnerships with the museum.
• Prepare and submit grant proposals to foundations, corporations, government agencies and other funding sources; maintain accurate and timely reporting on grants to funding organizations.
• Ensure appropriate and professional materials and reports to support fundraising efforts.
• Supervise the development and maintenance of the donor database (Donor Perfect). Set policies and procedures for retention of data and reporting and maintenance of security/quality controls.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of the museum's membership program to solicit new members, retain existing members, and increase the museum's membership base.
• Prepare and maintain financial, donation and various other reports as needed.
• Plan, direct and attend member events and donor receptions.
• Work responsibly with the confidential nature of donor information.
• Other duties and development activities as assigned by the Executive Director.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, Marketing, Communications, Business or related field; Master's degree preferred
• 5+ years work experience in development/fundraising and/or business development/management
• Professional commitment to remain current with best practices and relevant trends in fundraising
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and public speaking skills and active listening skills
• Donor database experience; Donor Perfect experience preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to maintain confidential status of financial and donor information
• Superior organizational, time management and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative, fast-paced work environment
• Self-motivated, proactive approach to problem-solving
• Occasional evening/weekend hours required

Work Context

The position requires a strong work ethic and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. The job requires a considerable amount of time standing or sitting (often for several hours straight) and communicating in person, through email and by phone. The work requires the ability to multi-task with a considerable degree of accuracy and exactness and the ability to address multiple projects (and handle the accompanying stress). Regular/predictable attendance is critical. Appropriate attire is required. At times, lifting 25 pounds unassisted (and 50 pounds assisted) will be necessary.

GulfQuest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please send resume and cover letter to:

GulfQuest/Development Director
P.O. Box 3005
Mobile, AL 36652-3005

No Phone Calls or Emails Please