Director of Development

Reports To: Executive Director Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

About This Role
Are you a relationship-driven fundraiser who wants to build something that lasts? The Racine Heritage Museum (RHM) is looking for its inaugural Director of Development: an entrepreneurial leader ready to establish a comprehensive advancement program, deepen community ties, and help propel a beloved civic institution into an era of meaningful growth. RHM is the only institution solely dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of Racine County, stewarding more than 200,000 artifacts and 6,500 linear feet of archives. It has an engaged Board, a passionate staff, deep community roots, and significant unrealized philanthropic potential. This is a rare opportunity, providing a blank canvas at an organization with genuine assets. After recently completing a five-year strategic plan, the Museum is seeking an entrepreneurial, people-focused leader to build its fundraising capacity and community engagement program from the ground up, and to lead its enthusiastic and willing Board and senior staff in supporting this work. The Director of Development will be an architect, tasked with assessing the fundraising landscape, designing and testing strategies and tactics, cultivating relationships, and soliciting gifts — all while serving as one of the museum's most visible ambassadors. The Museum’s Board is prepared to support the development function, and the Director of Development will also collaborate closely with a highly capable part-time Marketing Assistant. 

Required Qualifications
• 3+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, or sales, marketing, or a related field.
• A demonstrated record of building relationships, making the ask, and closing philanthropic gifts — or similar for-profit work.
• Strong writing skills, preferably in proposal, stewardship, and donor communication formats.
• A natural aptitude for building authentic relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with the proven ability to design, launch, manage, and refine successful programs with limited existing infrastructure.
• Genuine enthusiasm for community-driven cultural institutions.
• Experience using databases and using them to generate meaningful reports and insights.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and public presence in rooms ranging from neighborhood meetings to formal donor events.
• A collaborative spirit and genuine comfort working in a small, lean institution.

Preferred Qualifications
• Fundraising, major gifts, capital campaign, and/or grant writing and grants management experience.
• Familiarity with museums, historical societies, arts organizations, or similar cultural institutions.
• Experience developing or significantly growing a membership program.
• Experience working with or staffing a Board of Directors.
• Existing relationships within the Racine County philanthropic, civic, or business community.

For more information about the job click here 

How to Apply
This role will remain open until filled. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to administrator@racineheritagemuseum.org