FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:               Development Director

RESPONSIBLE TO:     Vice President of Mission & President/CEO

SUPERVISORS: Development Staff (4-5 team members)

FLSA STATUS: Commensurate with experience

 

ABOUT THE FRAZIER HISTORY MUSEUM

The Frazier History Museum, located in downtown Louisville, is where the world meets Kentucky. As the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and a Smithsonian affiliate, the Museum explores Kentucky’s story through interactive exhibits, special programs, and community engagement. The Museum operates with a $5.2 million annual budget supported by both earned and contributed revenue streams.

POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES:

The Frazier History Museum seeks a dynamic, results-driven Development Director to lead and grow the Museum’s fundraising, donor relations, grants, sponsorships, and membership initiatives. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Mission and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Development Director is responsible for supervision of staff and advancing the Museum’s mission through strategic development planning and execution.

This role oversees a development team of 4–5 professionals and is responsible for the cultivation and stewardship of relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and government entities to ensure sustainable revenue and growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Fundraising Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with the Museum’s strategic goals and financial needs.

  • Donor Cultivation and Major Giving: Lead efforts in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors; manage a personal portfolio of key prospects and donors through donor database (currently Bloomerang).

  • Grants and Sponsorships: Oversee the research, writing, and reporting for grant applications and corporate sponsorships; build strategic partnerships with businesses and community organizations.

  • Build Exhibit Planning Pitches for Sponsorship and Grants: Work with an exhibit team on long term planning and assets to be used in pitches to potential funders, grantees, and sponsors.

  • Membership Program: Drive the growth of the Museum’s membership program by developing and executing strategies for acquisition, retention, and engagement.

  • Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a development staff of 4–5, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented culture.

  • Events and Campaigns: Support or lead the planning and execution of fundraising events and capital campaigns as needed.

  • Budget Management: Develop and manage the development department’s budget and contribute to organization-wide financial planning.

  • Reporting and Metrics: Track and report progress toward fundraising goals; use data to develop and inform strategy and improve performance.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5-10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

  • Proven track record of success in major gifts, capital, annual or other campaigns, grants, and donor cultivation.

  • Strong understanding of fundraising best practices and donor database systems (e.g., Bloomerang, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce).

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to write compelling donor communications and marketing materials.  Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively with colleagues, Board members, volunteers and community.

  • Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment and manage multiple priorities.

  • Commitment to the mission and values of the Frazier History Museum.

  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or CFRE preferred.

 

WORK & PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

  • This work is performed in an office setting and Event settings throughout the building.

  • Typical physical demands include sitting at a desk, walking, standing, climbing stairs, hearing, and lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.

  • The position may require occasional travel locally, including but not limited to trips to acquire supplies, go to functions, attend/coordinate events, etc. all of which may at times be outside of and/or in addition to normal working hours.

  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Send all resumes to dbeckner@fraziermuseum.org