Employment at DeCordova
Director of External Affairs
The DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park, located just outside Boston in Lincoln, Massachusetts seeks an experienced, innovative and energetic professional to provide strategic leadership and direction for the Museum’s development and marketing operations.
DeCordova is the only major museum in the region dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary American art. The Museum’s beautiful 35-acre sculpture park is the largest of its type in the region, and DeCordova also operates an active studio art school which attracts 3,500+ students per year. The DeCordova has a FT staff of 36 and a $4.6 million operating budget. In addition to an ambitious program of special exhibitions, the Museum holds a significant permanent collection. DeCordova’s Board recently appointed a new Director, and under his leadership the museum is undertaking a significant strategic and programmatic transformation. The Director of External Affairs will be afforded a unique opportunity to help shape and lead an institution as it pursues excellence on every level.
The Director of External Affairs, working closely with the Museum Director and Board, is responsible for the planning and implementation of all development programs and campaigns and will take the lead in cultivation, stewardship, and major and principal gift solicitation. S/he will collaborate with staff across the organization to develop innovative and creative strategies to position the DeCordova locally, regionally, and nationally to reach its fullest fundraising and programmatic potential.
Among the priorities for the incumbent will be the framing and initiation of a capital campaign that will position the DeCordova for excellence and growth well into coming decades. This campaign will raise funds to construct a building addition, grow the existing museum endowment, create a new endowment for the sculpture park, and build capacity for the institution. Additionally, the incumbent will work with staff to significantly increase funding and sponsorships for special exhibitions, increase annual fund support, expand the membership base, grow corporate and foundation support, and build an effective planned giving program. The incumbent will also be responsible for marketing, strategic partnerships, donor relations, and special events as executed by a current staff of six. Plans are in place to build staff going forward, and the Director of External Affairs will be presented with the opportunity to build his/her own professional team.
The Director of External Affairs is a critical member of the senior management team and has significant financial responsibilities. S/he must excel at forging personal and professional relationships, developing strategic initiatives and partnerships, and building an effective and motivated staff. S/he also leads the Board’s Development Committee and works closely with the Executive, Nominating, Finance, and Long Range Planning Committees to conceive and direct overall development strategy for the institution, and regularly attends the meetings of these committees as well as the meetings of the Board of Trustees.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Bachelors degree, MA preferred
- A minimum of six years of fundraising experience with demonstrable results and ongoing professional growth
- Experience with annual giving, major gifts, membership, and grants
- Experience planning and launching a capital campaign
- Previous success managing staff, budgets, and resources
- Familiarity with strategic planning
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Skill and experience conducting research, and in using Raiser’s Edge and/or other development and cultivation tracking software
- A passion for modern and contemporary art
- Sense of humor, hugely energetic, and a predilection for working fluidly and collaboratively
The DeCordova offers a generous package of compensation and benefits, including subsidized health insurance, retirement matching, and more.
To apply send resume and cover letter in confidence to:
Victoria Glazomitsky, Assistant to the Director
DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park
51 Sandy Pond Road , Lincoln , MA 01773 -2600
director@decordova.org
DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any non-job related physical or mental disability. We welcome candidates who will increase our diversity.