Assistant/Associate Director of Development

The Assistant/Associate Director of Development will lead and manage development programs including stewardship and planned giving, and will maintain a portfolio of potential leadership donors. This role will focus on engaging potential donors to secure gifts and advance long-term relationships that support Munson’s programs and projects. This is an in-office position, located in Utica, NY, with potential for a hybrid work arrangement. Depending on the final candidate's experience and qualifications, this position may be filled at either the Assistant or Associate level.

Munson serves our Mohawk Valley community and visitors from around the world. The development team works closely with the Museum of Art, Performing Arts, and the School of Art to meet evolving needs through philanthropic support aligned with organizational priorities identified by Munson’s leadership. Success in this role requires strong relationship-building, data analysis, effective communication, and a collaborative approach with colleagues throughout the organization. 

Munson is in the early stages of a capital campaign. Experience with campaigns, including reporting, events, stewardship, and marketing, will help define the successful candidate, along with a willingness to expand skills in new areas.

Munson is deeply focused on community connections and continuous improvement in the experience of all our visitors. The upcoming capital campaign, as well as fundraising for ongoing needs, will influence how many people we can serve and how well we serve them.

Our Culture Statement 

Munson is committed to community engagement and belonging. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of background, and welcome the unique perspectives and experiences they bring. If your skills and qualifications align with this opportunity, we invite you to apply to join our team. This position will model the values and culture of the organization to colleagues and the public by being welcoming, inclusive, and respectful and will value collaboration across the organization. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

The Assistant/Associate Director will establish or expand upon existing development programs:

• Planned and Deferred Giving

  • Cultivate and secure gifts including securities and mutual fund shares, IRA distributions, and estate commitments

  • Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to craft Munson’s philanthropic messaging, focused on storytelling around planned giving

  • Develop and maintain web-based stories highlighting planned gift supporters

  • Implement web-based planned giving calculators and monitor their use

  • Establish and manage a recognition program for planned giving donors

• Stewardship and Donor Engagement

  • Develop and maintain stewardship program and events for leadership donors, sponsors and volunteers, both within the context of a campaign and on the basis of ongoing needs

  • Perform administrative duties related to donor engagement, including documenting activity and drafting proposals

  • Manipulate and analyze data to facilitate appropriate acknowledgement for both individual contributions and combined gift totals for individuals and groups

• Development Communications

  • Collaborate with the Development Director and Marketing and Communications team to strategize on content for publications, including the bi-monthly members' Bulletin, as well as print, digital, and social media communications

  • Refresh planned giving materials and explore new outlets for marketing

  • Contribute to the creation of campaign materials

  • Ensure a high attention to detail in all verbal, written, and digital communications to support fundraising efforts

• Website Management

  • Advise on website content related to sponsorships, planned giving, and other areas of giving

  • Monitor website for necessary updates as sponsorships and other needs evolve

• Grant support

  • Work with the Development Director and Grants Manager to identify and strategically pursue new grant sources

  • Assist in preparing grant proposals to corporate and private foundations and government agencies
    
    

• Participate in cross-departmental committee work for the benefit of staff and visitor experiences

• Perform other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and applicable experience

• For consideration at the Assistant Director level: Minimum of 3 years’ fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in securing five to seven-figure gifts, ideally in the arts sector. For consideration at the Associate Director level: Minimum of 5-7 years’ fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in securing five to seven-figure gifts, ideally in the arts sector. 

• Knowledge of fundraising principles and best practices

• Experience in generating and analyzing reports to support data-driven recommendations and decision-making

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines

• Strong sense of accountability with a results-driven approach to meeting fundraising goals

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Demonstrated understanding of planned giving vehicles and options, and related tax implications

• Proficiency in Google and Microsoft Office Suites, including Excel, Google Sheets, and PowerPoint

• Proficient using CRM software to manage donor engagement and results

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituents, taking responsibility to offer support and assistance as needed to achieve collective goals

• Strong commitment to organizational and individual confidentiality with a high degree of accountability and discretion in handling sensitive financial information

• Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required

• Valid driver’s license required or the ability to travel as needed

The final candidate will be required to complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check. 

Munson is an equal opportunity employer.