The Springfield Museums is seeking a VP of Development and Marketing. Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, MA, the Springfield Museums is comprised of the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden and five world-class museums including the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Michele and Donald D’amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, and the Springfield Science Museum. The VP of Development and Marketing will be a highly effective fundraiser who utilizes their knowledge and fundraising skills to reach ambitious annual fundraising goals and to secure major gifts. They will lead our Marketing and Communications team in the design, implementation and monitoring of marketing strategies that align with our business goals and provide an effective, cohesive marketing and social media plan which will result in measurable outcomes and demonstrated audience building. The VP of Development and Marketing will be a passionate and knowledgeable advocate for racially equitable access to the Springfield Museums and all that we offer. The Museums are at the cusp of a dynamic time of change and growth which include planning for a multi-million-dollar update to our Science Museum to position at the Museums as a STEM leader for workforce development and science learning and expanding the impact of the Dr. Seuss Museum and Sculpture Garden to secure the Museums’ national leadership in fostering literacy.

Essential functions of the position include but are not limited to the following:

Leadership

Serves as a member of the Springfield Museums’ Senior Management team. Actively participate in the shaping and realizing of the organization’s mission, goals, objectives, policies, and practices. Provide innovative, visionary, and strategic operational planning and leadership for the Museums’ development and marketing activities.
Reports regularly on development and marketing and communications activities to the Advancement Committee, the Marketing and Communications Committee, and the Board of Trustees.
In collaboration with the President, partner with the Museums’ Board of Trustees, the Advancement Committee, and the Marketing and Communications Committee to meet yearly fundraising and marketing outreach goals.
Promote the Museums to local, regional, national, and international audiences to gain recognition and funding opportunities and support.
Facilitate communication between the Development and Marketing and Communications departments, and other Museum departments.
Regularly evaluate development and marketing and communications operations, monitoring quality and cost effectiveness. Regularly meet with staff and committee members to identify and introduce improvements to enhance existing programs and services to meet agreed upon goals.
Plan and initiate fund-raising strategies; set campaign goals; plan and implement all campaigns or similar efforts for capital improvements, operating support, special exhibitions, programs, or projects including identification and solicitation of prospects, organizations, volunteers, and campaign leadership; design and preparation of fund-raising materials; and all related support activities to insure successful attainment of goals.
Manage a comprehensive development program encompassing membership, admissions, special events, sponsorships, annual and capital campaigns, planned giving, and retail sales through the Museum Store, the Gallery Online Museum Store, and the Blake Café. Set annual goals for each area.
In cooperation with the Director of Development and the Major Gifts Officer, identify, cultivate, and successfully solicit major gifts from a diverse group of individuals, corporations, and foundations. Ensure high-quality and appropriate stewardship of donors.
Oversee an annual fund management plan. In cooperation with the Director of Development and the Major Gift Officer, grow a portfolio of donors and prospects at all levels. Engage Trustees and Advancement Committee members to participate in this process.
Ensure the Director of Development implements procedures related to planned giving, grant proposals, prospect identification, donor relations, stewardship activities, special projects, memberships, special events, and event rentals.
Train, mentor, and support the Museums’ Trustees and Advancement Committee members with their donor, prospect engagement activities, and their personal giving.
Ensure that the Director of Development oversees an effective museum membership program and develop an ongoing plan to increase membership at all levels and creating attractive benefits and programming portfolio.

Development and Stewardship

Provide periodic reports to the President/CEO, CFO, members of the Board of Trustees, and the Advancement Committee regarding fundraising goals, progress, accomplishments, and initiatives.
Obtain periodic updates from the Director of Development regarding prospect management, solicitation, tracking, and projections derived from Altru and other data generating methods. As necessary, support the Director of Development in generating prospect, performance, and projection reports.
Provide direct support, coordination, and management of the Museums’ Capital Campaign in partnership with the President/CEO, Director of Development, and Advancement Committee members; serve as the staff liaison to the Museums’ Capital Campaign Committee.

The following will be expected should the Museums embark on a Capital Campaign in the future.

Capital Campaign

Collaborate with the Director of Development and the Advancement Committee members to identify prospects that have the capacity, demonstrated interest, and social capital in advancing mission-related areas of the Museums.
Plan, develop, coordinate, direct, and manage all marketing and communications, and special events for the Museums’ Capital Campaign.
Coordinate the implementation of the capital gifts solicitation plan including related naming opportunities, donor recognition, acknowledgements, and marketing materials.
Lead and coordinate ongoing donor relations and communications related to the Campaign in partnership with the President/CEO, Director of Development and Campaign Committee members.
Actively engage the public, serving as a spokesperson for the Museums as needed and representing the Museums at various public functions and speaking engagements.
Develop contacts with local, state and national agencies, corporations, and community groups to enhance marketing and development efforts.
Oversee marketing and communications including development, implementation, and execution of branding, marketing plans and strategies.
Engage department staff and other Museum employees to enhance the Museums' visibility and developing and attracting new visitors and members through consistent and appropriate use of marketing materials, social media, and publications.
Maintain oversight of the marketing budget and management of media and marketing-related vendor relationships.

Marketing and Communications, and Event Rentals

Arrange media coverage for exhibitions and events as well as for those that attract specialized interest groups (e.g. antique cars, motorcycles, astronomy, etc.).
Through review and analysis ensure that the marketing and communication initiatives including the Museums’ quarterly publication, mailings, website, email marketing, and social media platforms grow to support the needs of the Museums and have met the annual marketing and communications goals.
Evaluate the Museums’ event rental program to determine if it is viable. If the Museums decide to offer a rental program, ensure that related policies and procedures are being adhered to by staff, the renter, caterers, and outside contractors.
In adherence to the Strategic Plan, develop, monitor, maintain, and adapt as necessary, an annual development and, marketing and communications operating plan that will achieve the departments’ goals and objectives. Actively engages appropriate Museums’ staff in planning and implementing the plan.
Ensure that planned expenditures for operations and capital purposes fit within available funding. Monitor approved budgets to realize program objectives in an effective and timely manner.
Through ongoing communication with, and updates from, the Director of Development ensure the following:
- Grants, prospect management, financial projections, membership, data management, Museums events, and event rentals are being performed efficiently and that they are achieving the Museums’ annual goals and expectations.
Through ongoing communication with and updates from the Design and Website Manager ensure the following:
- The website is current and contains information regarding all exhibitions, programs, membership opportunities, etc. and that all content is consistent with the Museums’ brand.
All mailings and other marketing materials are timely and reaching our desired audiences.
Create a plan to grow use of the Museums’ website and social media to meet annual goals.

Planning and Management

Through ongoing communication with and updates from the Welcome Center Manager/Group Tours Coordinator ensure the following:
- Optimal visitor service is provided, all individuals are welcomed in a courteous and inviting fashion. Information is provided, questions and concerns are addressed, and visitor guidelines are enforced.
Promoting the Museums and providing membership information.
Collection of statistical data relating to ticketed admissions and visitor demographics.
· Keep abreast of trends and significant advances through professional associations, publications, seminars, and similar means.
A Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is desirable.

Qualifications

A minimum of five years as a Vice President of Development or 10 years as a Director of Development with five years of supervisory experience.
A skilled leader who can provide a strategic vision for the combined initiatives of
Employment in a nonprofit organization, such as a cultural or educational institution is desirable, experience working within a museum is preferred.

branding, marketing and communications, and an integrated development plan that provides

clear and defined goals.

A working knowledge of all areas within development including capital campaigns, major gifts, annual giving, membership, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and prospect research.
Knowledge and demonstrated proficiency with a donor database; knowledge of Blackbaud’s Altru is highly desirable.
Proficiency in setting goals, analyzing data, and evaluating and communicating success.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to plan and execute strategic communications to advance philanthropic and marketing initiatives and build a community of stakeholders.
Outstanding editing and proofreading skills with the ability to coordinate the release of all materials and publications.
Exceptional planning and organizational skills, and attention to detail are necessary. Must be results oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines. The ability to construct, articulate, implement, and evaluate written development plans and budgets.

Commitment to a mission-based organization, community engagement, diversity, and a history of working effectively with all people irrespective of their economic status, ethnicity, gender, educational level, or sexual orientation.
Healthcare: medical, dental, vision
100 % employer paid Short and Long Term Disability and Group Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Generous paid time off
Retirement plan 401(k)
Free parking
Family Membership to the Springfield Museums
Generous discounts for Museum School courses
Museum Store discount

Benefits Include:

Interested candidates should submit their resumes to: mpavao@springfieldmuseusms.org.

The Springfield Museums are an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability status or any other protected area. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.

The Springfield Museums

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Vice President of Development