Director of Development
2 days ago
Las Vegas
Job Description Position: Director of Development Reports to: Executive Director FLSA Status: Full time, Exempt Salary: $110,000 - $125,000 It is required with your application to submit a COVER LETTER describing how your skills and experience align with the role. Please be advised, your application will not be considered without a cover letter. The Neon Museum, one of the most iconic destinations in Las Vegas, is seeking a strategic, dynamic, and metrics‑driven Director of Development (DOD) to lead all fundraising initiatives for this globally recognized cultural institution. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping the Museum’s philanthropic vision, cultivating its worldwide base of supporters, and ensuring long-term financial sustainability. About the Role The Director of Development serves as a key member of the Museum’s leadership team and oversees all aspects of operational fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic communications. While the Executive Director (ED) is focused on the impending capital campaign, this leader will design and execute a comprehensive development plan that supports the Museum’s strategic programmatic priorities, strengthens donor relationships, and elevates the Museum’s profile among local, national, and international supporters. The DOD and ED will work closely together on developing appropriate tactics for the growing donor base. The DOD will supervise a development team, including a Philanthropy Officer and Grants Manager, and will be supported by a Philanthropy Analytics Manager who ensures data integrity, reporting accuracy, and performance insights. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Planning • Develop and implement a multi‑year development plan aligned with organizational goals and revenue targets., • Establish clear metrics, KPIs, and reporting systems to drive performance and accountability across the department., • Lead all aspects of annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, planned giving, and membership growth., • Create compelling fundraising materials, including sponsorship packets, case statements, campaign collateral, and donor impact reports., • Oversee all fundraising and cultivation events, donor receptions, sign lightings, and community engagement activities., • Support board members in their fundraising responsibilities through coaching, materials, and strategic guidance., • Work across teams to manage fundraising initiatives that engage Learning, Collections, Marketing, Finance, and Front of House., • Supervise, mentor, coach, and evaluate the Philanthropy Officer and Grants Manager., • Collaborate with the Philanthropy Database & Analytics Specialist to ensure data‑driven decision‑making and accurate donor insights., • Proven success in nonprofit fundraising, raising over $1MM philanthropically, • Demonstrated experience building and executing comprehensive development plans., • Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring staff., • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive fundraising materials., • Experience overseeing events and cultivating high‑level donors., • Comfort working in a metrics‑driven environment with global supporters. This is an opportunity to shape the future of a beloved Las Vegas institution that attracts visitors and supporters from across the globe. The Museum is in an exciting period of growth, and the Director of Development will play a central role in expanding its impact, visibility, and financial strength. Benefits Provided by The Neon Museum • Subsidized employee health insurance, including dental and vision coverage., • Employer-contributed 403(b) retirement plan., • Fifteen days paid vacation annually, increasing with tenure., • Additional 10 days observed paid holidays per annum., • Paid sick leave., • Museum store discount and other discount programs., • Counseling and advice benefits., • Requires travel to multiple sites and locations., • Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions and in close proximity to other people sitting / standing for long periods of time., • Requires availability for occasional work on evenings and weekends., • Available to work varied shifts and extended hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays., • Ability to work outdoors in seasonal desert weather conditions., • Ability to use a computer and office equipment., • Valid clean driver’s license and use of a car. Our Core Values Our culture is driven by four values: • To create a sense of belonging for everyone, • Promote scholarship through our work and collaboration, • Offer fun engagement for everyone that reflects the spirit of Las Vegas The Neon Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that complies with the laws and regulations set forth under EEOC. As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to help perform the duties and tasks of this position. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The Neon Museum is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Embracing the diversity of our community, and our workforce, is an important part of our values as an organization, as is striving to ensure equity and inclusion in all our practices. About The Neon Museum On our existing 2+ acre campus, The Neon Museum offers an outdoor exhibition space known as the Neon Boneyard; the North Gallery, home to the 360-degree light and sound experience “Brilliant! Jackpot”; and an awe-inspiring visitors’ center inside the historic lobby of the former La Concha Motel. Public and K-12 education, community outreach and engagement, research, and arts preservation represent a selection of our many ongoing projects. Welcoming 200,000-plus visitors annually, the Museum has received numerous national accolades and extensive recognition as a Las Vegas treasure. The Neon Museum enjoys regional, national, and international media attention through print, web, podcast and television. The Neon Museum was recognized alongside The Metropolitan, The Getty, and the Smithsonian as one of the top 27 museums in America by Travel + Leisure. USA Today named us “The Best Pop Culture Museum.” Museum leadership has become the authority on arts & culture and architecture in Las Vegas by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Travel Weekly, The Times, Forbes, and more.