Our client, the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art, is seeking a Director of Development. The organization has two operating programs: the Brandywine Conservancy (Conservancy) and the Brandywine River Museum of Art (Museum).
The Museum of Art features an outstanding collection of American art in a 19th century mill with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine. Renowned for its holdings of the Wyeth family of artists, the Museum features galleries dedicated to the work of N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth. Brandywine has an international reputation for its unparalleled collection. The Conservancy preserves land and water through its land trust and conservation planning program. Its mission is to conserve the natural and cultural resources of the Brandywine River watershed and other selected areas with a primary emphasis on water quality and quantity of the Brandywine watershed.
The Director of Development is responsible for the creation and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising plan for the Conservancy and the Museum of Art. The Director will be engaged with relationship building with all key stakeholders including donors, members, corporations, foundations and other constituents. In addition to fundraising the Director will oversee membership for the organization. The Director works collaboratively with the Executive Director and the Board to keep them apprised of gifts, donors, prospective contacts and staffing issues.
This individual collaborates as necessary with the Chairman of the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees and works closely with the Development Committee and other trustees in the planning, implementation, and review of fundraising and membership activities. In addition, the Director supervises the department’s staff, contractors, and volunteers.
The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and serves as a member of the executive management team. The Director manages a team of 10 employees. The direct reports include the Deputy Director for Individual and Planned Giving, Associate Director for Foundation & Government Relations; Associate Director for Membership; Radnor Hunt Races Coordinator; the Associate Director for Corporate Relations & Young Friends Coordinator; Administrative Assistant and Development Assistant.
Qualifications Include:
Extensive knowledge and experience in fundraising including working with corporations, sponsors, foundations and individual and major gifts.
Previous experience effectively managing successful capital campaigns.
Knowledge of and commitment to Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art’s mission, programs and constituents.
Previous experience managing special events.
Superior writing and verbal skills, and the ability to communicate well formally and informally with trustees, major donors and volunteers.
Demonstrated expertise in planning and managing complex special events.
Proven experience effectively managing and developing a team.
Possesses a strong sense of competitive urgency.
Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Passionate, high energy leader with the ability to “sell” and influence others to support the organization.
Previous experience working with a Board is helpful.
Focus on metrics and reporting to ensure activities are meeting the needs of the organization.
Undergraduate degree is required; interest in art and conservation is a plus.
Possess emotional intelligence and authenticity.
Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to listen, write, and speak well.
We will evaluate incoming resumes based upon this role’s qualifications. If we are interested in further discussing the position with you, we will be in contact. Thank you for your interest.
Contact:Andrea Tropeano
email: tropeano@ssgsearch.com
