Department: Development and Membership
Reports To: Director of Development and Membership
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary
In partnership with the Director of Development & Membership and the Executive Director/CEO, the Associate Director of Development will help shape and implement annual and multi-year fundraising strategies focused on the cultivation and solicitation of individual donors, with an emphasis on major gifts of $10,000 and above.
This role is responsible for building and managing strong relationships with donors and prospects, leading key components of the individual giving program, and advancing a robust donor pipeline. The Associate Director will identify, research, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors to secure annual, capital, and endowment support in alignment with the Museum’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive major and individual donor pipeline strategy in collaboration with the Director of Development & Membership, Executive Director/CEO, senior leadership, curatorial and education teams, and fellow Associate Directors of Development.
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 80–100 major gift donors and prospects with capacity for gifts of $10,000 and above; personally solicit and steward donors through in-person meetings, independently and in partnership with trustees and senior staff.
- Strengthen and expand the individual and major giving program by identifying new prospects, deepening donor engagement, and ensuring thoughtful recognition and stewardship.
- Develop compelling funding proposals and stewardship materials aligned with institutional priorities, including exhibitions, education, technology, unrestricted support, capital initiatives, and endowment.
- Integrate individual and major giving efforts with broader fundraising strategies—including planned giving, membership, and special events—in coordination with the Director of Development & Membership.
- Cultivate targeted prospects through events, tours, site visits, and exclusive engagement opportunities; ensure strategic and timely follow-up in collaboration with trustees and staff.
- Partner with the Associate Director of Membership & Development Operations to research and cultivate Circle-level donors and identify opportunities to grow their philanthropic support.
- Provide oversight of the Museum’s Annual Fund, including strategy, execution, and donor engagement.
- Solicit support for special fundraising initiatives, including Art Alive, art acquisitions, special exhibitions, and the Museum’s Capital Campaign.
- Support executive leadership, trustees, and volunteers in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts; provide guidance and coaching as appropriate.
- Prepare high-quality written materials, including case statements, donor proposals, impact reports, and correspondence to communicate the significance and outcomes of philanthropic support.
- Contribute to the planning and execution of donor-focused events, house parties, tours, travel programs, and engagement opportunities.
- Participate in Board development committees and contribute to the establishment of major giving goals, policies, guidelines, and reporting standards.
- Assist the Director of Development & Membership with input on the major gifts expense budget and ongoing performance tracking.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum five to seven years of professional fundraising experience, including a demonstrated track record in donor cultivation and major gift solicitation (or comparable transferable experience). The ideal candidate will have proven success in securing five- and six-figure gifts.
- The position requires knowledge of the philanthropic community. Interest in the Visual Arts and/or museum experience preferred.
- Capability to personally build, develop, and retain strong, positive relationships with trustees, major donors, community leaders, volunteers, colleagues, and other stakeholders. Ability to interface effectively with people at all levels of the organization and the ability to successfully work with volunteers.
- Excellent organizational, administrative and project management skills. A decisive, “roll-up-the sleeves,” results-oriented individual who is able to keep seemingly diverse projects moving forward within a consistent strategic framework.
- Must be goal-oriented, self-motivated, and able to demonstrate great individual initiative with an eye toward results.
- A strong work ethic coupled with an enthusiastic and passionate approach to one’s work. Must attend events in the evenings and on weekends as needed.
- Outstanding written and verbal communications skills, interpersonal and collaborative abilities, team-building skills, and an entrepreneurial spirit must be evidenced.
- Candidate should carry a polished and professional demeanor with the highest ethical and professional standards.
- Expertise in Altru donor software preferred.
- Bilingual in Spanish a plus.
Physical Requirements
- 20%-40% time spent sitting at the computer.
- Some carrying and lifting up to 25 pounds
- Some traveling by car (must have valid driver’s license)
- Occasional walking between two Museums sites within the park.
- Daily walking required to the Museum which includes stairs.
Work Environment
- Office space may be shared.
- Noise level ranges from quiet to moderately noisy.
Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000 per year, based on experience
Deadline To Apply: March 15, 2026
To apply, please visit our job board at the following link. https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/3273A85D5F2FC58686D2500F3EEC1F9B/career-page
The San Diego Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the hiring of personnel on the basis of sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, protected medical condition, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.