Database Associate

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego:  Database Associate
Department:  Advancement
Reports to:  Chief Advancement Officer
Employee Status:  Full-Time, Non-exempt
Primary Work Location:  Onsite, La Jolla
Pay Range:  $26.82 – 28.23/hour
Apply By: COB, April 10th, 2026
 
JOB SUMMARY:  The Database Associate is responsible for proactive ownership, administration, maintenance, and optimization of the Museum's CRM. This position plays a key role in owning the operational process and ensuring that the Museum’s constituent information is accurately documented, organized, and accessible, thereby enabling the Museum to engage in strategic fundraising and related leadership decision-making.  Support mission and vision of museum throughout the performance of duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  
 

• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of all data.
• Define data entry standards, coding structures, and business rules, and ensure adherence across all users.

• Serve as the primary internal resource for troubleshooting database and reporting issues.
• Provide training and support to Museum staff on best practices for using the database. 
• Work closely with Museum staff, including fundraisers, curators, registrars, and educators, to ensure the accurate and timely input of information. 
• Develop user guides, job aids, and documentation to ensure consistent system use across departments.

• Administer and maintain timely system security, user permissions, audits, and regular data hygiene protocols.

• Regularly update and correct records, ensuring compliance with Museum standards and best practices. Monitor and resolve any database issues or discrepancies, escalating to CAO as needed.

• Proactively enter new records into the database and continually update constituent details. 

• Develop, produce, and maintain all standardized reporting and dashboards for the Advancement department.
• Build and maintain dashboards tracking key performance indicators, including donor retention, campaign performance, membership trends, and revenue.
• Produce board-level and executive reports that translate data into actionable insights.
• Run reports to assess database performance and data analysis. 
• Serve as a point of contact for database-related technical issues and assist with troubleshooting. 
• Ensure system security, updates, and backups are performed regularly.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure data reporting meets internal and external needs. 

• Recommend and implement improvements to streamline database processes and enhance usability. 

• Respond to data requests from internal stakeholders. 
• Work alternate special events shifts, including weekends and/or after regular business hours as needed.

• Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment. 
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:  Excellent attention to detail with the ability to maintain data accuracy.  Strong verbal and written communication skills.  Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.  Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to administer and coordinate multiple tasks and deadlines.  Strong technical skills with the ability to troubleshoot system issues.  Proficient in Excel and Word.  Proficient in database management software (Salesforce, ACME, Marketing Cloud Growth).  Previous experience working with CRM databases, ideally in a museum, gallery, or cultural institution.  Bachelor’s degree and two years’ recent relevant experience or equivalent education and experience.  Familiarity with museum best practices preferred.  Flexible work hours may be required during major museum events or exhibitions. 

OUR WORK CULTURE:  MCASD provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ABOUT MCASD:  It is an exciting time to join MCASD!  Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building’s overall size.  We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the region’s foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time.  From the coastal community of its La Jolla flagship building, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.  

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND LICENSING:  Professional references, education check, credit check, and criminal background check.

EOE STATEMENT:  MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.