Director of Development | Marfa, TX
The Chinati Foundation
Job Title: Director of Development
Department: Development
Reports to: Director of the museum
Summary:
The Director of Development leads fundraising strategies and operations essential to Chinati’s stability and capacity to steward the vision of Donald Judd. Judd’s belief in art’s intrinsic value to society is supported at Chinati by major gifts, institutional giving, membership, special events, and development operations. The Director of Development oversees a team of two staff members, an intern, and contracted consultants. A desire to sustain and enhance the vitality of the museum’s existing donor base, while cultivating new relationships will be critical. In 2017, Chinati embarked on an ambitious master plan to address growing institutional needs, increased visitorship, and land conservation, as well as repairs, upgrades, and accessibility. A $40M capital campaign, phased by the preservation of iconic works of art at Chinati, is now underway. The Director of Development is part of a leadership team that works closely with the Director and the Board to identify and cultivate the distinctive character of Chinati. The Director of Development reports to the Director of the museum.
The ideal candidate is an impassioned ambassador for Chinati and its financial future. They will thrive in dynamic settings with trustees, donors, prospects, and community partners, as well as foundation and corporate givers, from whom Chinati is seeking support. They will embrace the culture and history of the institution and enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues across the museum to advance preservation, programming, scholarship, education, and planning initiatives through fundraising. They will have a proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding, working in coordination with the Director and senior team. They will understand donor’s needs and be an essential and collaborative member of Chinati’s staff. The Director of Development will be a consummate professional with impeccable communication skills, who will bring creativity, energy and abiding integrity to Chinati’s fundraising goals.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a strategic, comprehensive fundraising plan that meets annual and long-term goals—working closely with the Director and the Director of Finance
- Lead the development team in securing Chinati’s annual operating budget of $3.5M+, in addition to endowed and capital gifts
- Take a central role, alongside the Director, in cultivating, soliciting and closing gifts, including identifying and stewarding prospective donors and new Trustees
- Serve as the staff liaison for the Board and the Board Nominating Committee
- Represent Chinati at key donor and foundation meetings and events
- Plan and oversee fundraising activities and events on all scales, from special programs for donor groups to Chinati Weekend, a three-day public event with a benefit program
- Produce compelling solicitation materials for annual appeals and fund-raising campaigns
- Produce detailed reports, evaluations, and forecasts on Chinati’s fundraising for the Director, senior staff, and Board
- Supervise, mentor, and grow a department of two full-time staff with one intern, plus a grant-writing consultant and other outside professionals on a project basis
- With senior staff and Board, set goals and priorities that support the Master Plan and align with Chinati’s vision, ethos, and history
Skills and qualifications:
- Minimum of 10 years of proven fundraising experience, preferably in the culture sector, with 3 years at the director level
- Passionately committed to Chinati’s mission and sensitive to a museum environment in which art, architecture, and land are inextricably linked
- Able to plan and implement fundraising campaigns and cultivation events
- Experience with many areas of giving, including major gifts, institutional giving, corporate support, and special events
- Ability to lead teams, manage a department, and be a supportive colleague
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with donor management software, preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT
- Strong ability with MS Office tools – Word, Excel, and Outlook — with additional proficiency in Board Effects
- Ability to attend evening and weekend events, and to travel as needed
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Spanish language skills, a plus
Terms:
This is a full-time position based in Marfa, TX. The Chinati Foundation provides a comprehensive benefits package. Salary is regularly assessed to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within a salary range of $95,000 to $105,000 annually that commensurate with experience, range of managerial responsibilities, size of the museum, and geographic location.
To apply:
Submit a cover letter and resume via email (subject: DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT) to jobs@chinati.org.
EOE statement:
The Chinati Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Chinati will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
About the CHINATI FOUNDATION:
The Chinati Foundation is a museum created by the American artist Donald Judd in far West Texas. At Chinati, large-scale works of art by 13 artists are permanently sited in relation to architecture and the land. The museum complex of 340 acres and 34 building is located primarily on a former military base surrounded by desert grasslands, with several additional sites in the historic town of Marfa. The stewardship of Judd’s vision and supporting the visitor experience are paramount. Applicants should consider the remote location and unique culture of an art town in a border community in the high Chihuahuan desert. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.