Director, Communications and Develoment

Sandy Spring Museum

Sandy Spring Museum is a dynamic, independently operated museum located between Washington, DC and Baltimore. The Museum advances social equity by connecting people to Montgomery County’s diverse cultural heritage through shared & inspiring experiences to advance social equity. The Museum is in an exciting period of growth, embarking on a new strategic plan and leveraging its resources to accommodate expanded community participation that resulted from its role as the Regional Folklife Center of Montgomery County.

SSM is expanding and about to break ground for a Cultural Heritage Hub that will provide free rehearsal and performance space to folk artists. Future projects include a sculpture walk, picnic groves, more artist studios, and landscaped gathering spaces.

We are looking for a team member with experience and passion for working in a community-focused organization, who brings energy, enthusiasm, and an entrepreneurial approach to his/her work, and who is creative and self-motivated. This is a relatively new position, suitable for someone excited to build something from the ground up.

Job Description

The Director of Communications and Development is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with influential individuals and organizations for the benefit of the museum. The successful candidate will shape public awareness of SSM in order for it to thrive and achieve financial sustainability; develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for communications and outreach to engage existing and new audiences to enjoy services and expand financial support for the museum; and play a central role in building the development and communications infrastructure, hiring and overseeing the work of one full-time staff member (Development Coordinator) and supervising contractors.

Main Functions

Oversee all fundraising efforts, including establishing and implementing strategic plans for short and long-term fundraising, with the goal of increasing support from new, existing, and lapsed donors, foundations, and corporations;

Refine and fully implement a major gifts program, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of donors and prospects, partnering with executive director and Board members;

Manage and supervise all fundraising, including the annual appeal, membership solicitations, online giving, and donor stewardship;

Plan and oversee the implementation of a strong external communications strategy.

Shape and advance the museum’s messaging and branding for local, regional, and national audiences, including visitors, members, donors and foundations

Ensure that key target audiences are being engaged and that the museum’s story is disseminated through a variety of creative methods, including new media, social networking, video, and news media

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant, professional work experience

Created and implemented a comprehensive fundraising strategy (annual fund, online giving, major gifts, planned giving, and corporate/foundation) for a nonprofit with an annual budget of $500,000-$2 million

Recruited, trained, and supported volunteers and staff members

Managed a departmental budget and made strategic investment decisions

Achieved steady fundraising growth over several years

Preferred: Managed fundraising campaigns for capital projects or endowed programs

Demonstrated ability in developing marketing and communications strategies across a wide range of platforms and audiences that have led to significant brand/cause visibility

REQUIRED SKILLS

Ability to effectively engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders, using strong interpersonal skills, persuasive presentation, and public speaking skills.

Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, with internal and external stakeholders

Proficiency with MS Office Suite. Familiarity with relational databases and ability to learn new software quickly.

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