Director of Donor Relations - Grand Rapids Public Museum

Posted on 4/10/25

Hours: Full-Time - 40 hours per week, days, nights, weekends, and holidays (as required)

Compensation: $62,000 annually

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is the oldest and second-largest museum in Michigan. We are a place of never-ending learning and discovery, with programs and exhibits focusing on history, science, and culture. The employee culture of the GRPM is one of teamwork, excitement, and learning. As an integral part of the West Michigan community, the Museum is open daily to visitors and hosts after-hours public events, programs, private events, and weddings. The entire GRPM team works to create positive visitor experiences through engaging exhibits and programs, and a safe, clean, welcoming space. Fundraising is an important revenue driver to ensure that the Museum can continue its vibrant role as a cultural educational center in West Michigan. Such financial support allows the Museum to create new exciting exhibits, programs, and activities and serve as a community gathering place for various special events. It is a critical revenue stream for the Museum. It enables it to remain a fiscally sustainable institution thereby ensuring it will be a community partner for many years.

SUMMARY: The Director of Donor Relations plays a vital role within the Fund Development Department and is responsible for cultivating and expanding the financial donor base, including both individual and select corporate donors. This position focuses on developing relationships with donors to secure contributions at all levels, with the primary objective of meeting the organization's annual fundraising goals through substantial monetary gifts. While the Director of Donor Relations will occasionally serve as a museum ambassador, promoting the GRPM's exciting exhibits and programs within the community, the core purpose of this role is to drive successful fundraising outcomes. The ideal candidate will be an inspirational communicator, skilled in engaging with diverse groups across various settings, and consistently emphasizing the impact of the GRPM. This position will assist with all aspects of grant opportunities. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Fund Development.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES including, but not limited to:

• Develop and manage a portfolio of individuals and select corporate prospects.
• Gather data, assess prospects, and develop strategies designed to realize the current and lifetime giving potential of prospects - including grant partners, individual donors and corporate donors.
• Ensure consistent and appropriate contact, facilitate or make solicitations, and ensure effective stewardship.
• Identify and formally qualify new individual and corporate donor prospects by developing and executing both long-term and short-term strategies. This involves identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects to produce a continuous stream of donors.
• Manage the Curiosity Club (donors over $1,000) to engage and grow donor involvement.
• Create and deliver impactful and memorable stewardship communications.
• Identify and support strategies to build a planned giving program.
• Research new grant opportunities, sustain relationships with current grant partners, and establish relationships with new grant partners.
• Support grant proposal development as requested.
• Develops a strategic plan with targeted goals for various fundraising events and activities, focusing on donor solicitation and fundraising efforts.
• Make direct solicitations to support the Museum programs, exhibits, events, educational programs and annual fund.
• Assist in the long-range planning for the individual giving group.
• Create, implement and adjust to new initiatives for increased individual giving from members, participants and other museum stakeholders.
• Manage strategic outreach in the community to foster stakeholder relationships.
• May be expected to assist with some responsibilities of the VP in their absence.
• Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

WORKSKILLS:

• Strong people skills; work and communicate diplomatically and courteously with staff, other team members, volunteers, guests, departments and key stakeholders to meet common objectives and desired outcomes.
• Must be organized, dependable, punctual and possess a strong work ethic.
• Must have strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Must be proficient with various computer technology programs/systems.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of four (4) years of fundraising experience in the development field.
• Experience developing relationships with a variety of constituent groups and personalities.
• Knowledge of and experience with the Grand Rapids donor community is preferred.
• Experience with presenting content to community groups and at board meetings is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proficient in managing time, projects, processes and resources to produce desired outcomes.
• Demonstrate strong written and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to function effectively in a team environment, as well as work independently.
• Ability to work tactfully and effectively and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to be flexible, maintain a positive attitude and lead by example.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite, Google Workspace, Social Media, and database management.
• Ability to create and handle donor interest, and their personal information with tact, sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Ability to set and meet realistic goals and establish work priorities.
• Must have the ability to meet deadlines and handle pressure well.
• Ability to implement results.

EDUCATION:

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree required or an associate's degree with 5 years of relevant fundraising experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to move, bend, stoop, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent telephone and computer use.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Professional, open office business setting, with friendly interaction.