Director of Major Gifts and Grants

Director of Major Gifts and Grants – National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

The Director of Major Gifts and Grants will lead the museum’s highest-value fundraising programs, cultivating and stewarding major donors, managing capital campaign strategies, and building partnerships to advance the NCSML’s mission of preserving and sharing Czech and Slovak history and culture.

Mission & Context

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is an accredited museum and library dedicated to inspiring connections to Czech and Slovak heritage. With over 50 years of history, a 50,000 sq. ft. facility, and a mission to celebrate freedom, identity, immigration, and perseverance, the NCSML relies on strategic fundraising to support exhibitions, education for all ages, research, community programs, and nationally and internationally produced programs for NCSML TV.

Core Responsibilities

The Director will:

• Lead major gifts strategy for $10,000 donors, including wealth screening, prospect analysis, and cultivation plans.
• Manage a leadership donor portfolio, overseeing solicitation, stewardship, and pledge fulfillment.
• Develop and execute fundraising strategies for both annual and capital campaigns, aligning with the museum’s mission and growth goals.
• Build and maintain donor pipelines through research, outreach, and relationship-building with individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Coordinate solicitation efforts with the Sr. Director of Development, NCSML development team, board committees, and volunteer solicitors, preparing proposals, briefings, and follow-up plans.
• Oversee stewardship programs to enhance donor engagement, retention, and frequency of giving.
• Manage Grants Calendar, write and submit grant applications, identify new sources to grow financial support, collaborate with other program staff to develop grant opportunities, manage grants and track reporting requirements.
• Capital Campaign – Support campaign activities by coordinating pledge tracking, maintaining campaign records, assisting with donor research and materials, and compiling progress reports. Work with the Development Team, Marketing and Communications, and campaign consultants to support fundraising efforts for expanded exhibits, digitization initiatives, and facility improvements.
• Represent the museum at major events, galas, Meet & Greets, and donor meetings, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Collaborate with the development team on donor communications, gift acknowledgments, and record-keeping.

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in writing, marketing, and communications for nonprofits.
• Strong donor relationship management and stewardship skills.
• Ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies for short- and long-term goals.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Experience with database management.
• Ability to travel for donor meetings and events.
• Understanding of philanthropy best practices and fundraising ethics.

This position is central to the NCSML’s ability to secure the resources needed for a capital campaign to expand exhibitions, enhance educational programs, expand the library, and strengthen community engagement. The Director will be a key bridge between the museum’s mission and its donors, ensuring that major gifts and grants directly support the stories and experiences that define the institution’s identity.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (Required)
• Microsoft Office: 3 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Cedar Rapids, IA 52404: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $48,000