Chief Development Officer

Winterthur is the premier museum of American decorative arts, with an unparalleled collection of nearly 90,000 objects made or used in America since 1640. The collection is displayed in the magnificent 175-room house, much as it was when the family of founder Henry Francis du Pont called it home.

Winterthur is also 1,000 acres of protected meadows, woodlands, ponds, and waterways. The 60-acre garden, designed by du Pont, is among America’s best, with magnificent plantings and massive displays of color throughout the year. The graduate degree programs and extensive research library make Winterthur an important center for the study of American art and culture.

We are seeking an entrepreneurial and mission-driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the development department. The CDO will work directly with the organization’s leadership to nurture existing relationships, and over the long term develop a strategy to diversify funding streams to include initiating a Capital Campaign, Planned Giving, individual donors, government grants, and private foundations. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the CDO will report to the Chief Executive Officer. The new CDO will bring a well-rounded understanding of fundraising strategy and best practices and a proven track record of crafting and leading the successful implementation of a comprehensive fundraising program. They will have exceptional interpersonal and communications skills, thrive in a fast-paced environment, will be able to lead both strategy and execution, and are highly skilled at managing people and initiatives with confidence, gravitas, and efficacy. The ideal candidate should be capable of fostering productive relationships with senior management and the Board of Directors. Personal qualities we value include adaptability, enthusiasm, teamwork, and a good sense of humor.

Compensation: $200,000 minimum

Benefits: Including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; generous paid time off plan including 10 holidays, vacation, personal, and sick time; 403b with employer match for eligible employees; discounts in the museum store and cafe; free general admission for you and your immediate family.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday - 35 hours/week with occasional evenings and weekends to attend Development events

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Experience: 

1.   10-15 years of Institutional Advancement/Development experience
2.    Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s preferred
3.    Nonprofit experience preferred

Knowledge:

1. Strong strategic thinking and planning skills to help create and implement development strategies to meet the organization’s goals.
2. Excellent leadership and management skills to guide and inspire the development team.
3. Robust understanding of fundraising, donor relations, and public relations to drive the financial growth of the organization.
4. Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, stakeholders, and key community members.
5. Essential Functions:
6. Proven experience as a Chief Development Officer or similar senior fundraising role.
7. A proven track record of developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
8. Experience with a variety of fundraising campaigns including, but not limited to, annual giving, major gift programs, and planned giving.
9. Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
10. Proficiency in major donor relations and grant writing.
11. Able to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.