Advancement Director
8 days ago
New Orleans
Job DescriptionSalary: Reports To: Chief Advancement & External Affairs Officer (CA&EAO) Department: Development and Marketing Status: Full-time Classification: Exempt Job Description At LCM, play is serious businessand were on a mission to show every child that they matter. From splashing along the Mississippi River to creating masterpieces in the Studio in the Park, we believe learning happens best when curiosity leads the way. Working here means being part of a team that strengthens families, sparks imagination, and creates unforgettable moments every single day. Position Summary The Director serves as the museums lead relationship builder and contributed revenue championdriving the strategy, energy, and execution behind all donor and sponsor engagement. This dynamic leader owns the creation and oversight of every facet of donor relations and fundraising initiatives, positioning LCM for sustained growth and increased philanthropic impact. In this high-visibility role, the Director cultivates, solicits, and stewards a robust portfolio of approximately 150 donors, sponsors, and prospects giving $500 and above. With a sharp focus on relationship management, this individual ensures that supporters experience meaningful, personalized, and long-term engagement with LCMturning interest into investment and investment into enduring partnership. A strategic architect, the Director develops a comprehensive annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational budget goals, outlining high-performing campaign strategies designed to maximize cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation efforts. This includes spearheading major gifts, corporate sponsorships, individual giving, grants, events, and innovative campaigns that deepen donor commitment and expand LCMs philanthropic reach. Reporting to the Chief Advancement & External Affairs Officer (CA&EAO) and working closely with the CEO, the Director is the primary point of contact for mid-level and major donors, corporate partners, and foundation fundersdelivering exceptional service, timely communication, and a best-in-class donor experience that strengthens loyalty and drives revenue growth. Key Responsibilities Donor Portfolio Management • Manage and grow a portfolio of 150 donors and sponsors, spanning major gifts, foundation and corporate partnerships, and annual individual donors, making concerted efforts to diversify those who contribute financially to the museum., • Develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies tailored to donor segments., • Ensure consistent, meaningful donor touchpointsincluding meetings, calls, handwritten notes, and event invitationswhile identifying and cultivating a diverse pool of major gift prospects. Maintain ongoing personal engagement to build strong, authentic relationships and, in collaboration with the CEO and CA&EAO, strategically solicit financial support that advances the museums mission., • Partner with the CEO, CA&EAO, colleagues, and the Board to maximize donor engagement. Individual Giving (Annual & Major Gifts) • Lead stewardship and engagement strategy for all individuals giving., • Manage the Museums major gift pipeline, cultivating relationships with high-capacity donors and securing multi-year commitments in partnership with the CEO, CA&EAO, and Board., • Oversee annual giving efforts, including mid-level and leadership-level donors, ensuring a strong pipeline of supporters who can be cultivated into major donors., • Cultivate, renew, and deepen relationships with donors from LCMs founding and from the capital campaign that funded LCMs move from downtown to City Park, with the goal of securing their renewed commitment to the Museums future. Corporate & Foundation Relations • In partnership with the CA&EAO, solicit and secure corporate sponsorships for exhibits, programs, and events., • Manage select foundation and corporate relationships, including proposal and grant application submission, reporting, and stewardship., • Partner with CEO and senior staff to align proposals with institutional priorities, • Track and ensure delivery of benefits and recognition. Events & Donor Engagement • Lead donor and sponsor engagement at fundraising and member events., • Develop and implement strategies for small-scale cultivation and stewardship events tailored (e.g., behind-the-scenes tours, previews of new exhibits). Advancement Administration & Operations • Establish departmental best practices., • Maintain accurate donor records in CRM system., • Monitor and report on individual giving, identifying opportunities for growth and deeper engagement., • Track progress toward fundraising goals and provide regular updates to leadership., • Ensure timely gift acknowledgment and personalized stewardship., • Maintain a strong understanding of emerging industry trends by participating in seminars and webinars, reviewing relevant literature, and cultivating relationships with leaders in the field, adapting practices and applying new insights to refine and strengthen our approach. Qualifications • 5-7+ years of direct fundraising experience, ideally with a strong emphasis on individual donor management, • Demonstrated success cultivating and closing gifts of $500$5,000+, • Capital campaign experience preferred, • Skilled relationship builder with excellent interpersonal and communication skills, • Experience in handling and working with high-profile clientele, • Proficiency in donor databases (CRM), reporting, and donor communications, • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Platform, • Ability to work evenings/weekends for donor engagement and Museum events, • Bachelors degree required; CFRE or advanced degree a plus, • Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, work outdoors, move from ground to above shoulder, ascend/descend stairs, position self to bend, stoop, sit, push, pull and lift up to 40 pounds. Skills & Attributes • Results-oriented with a proven track record of donor growth, • Ability to inspire confidence and trust among donors, sponsors, and partners, • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through, • Collaborative mindset with ability to engage senior leadership and Board effectively, • Passion for the mission of the Louisiana Childrens Museum Compensation & Benefits • Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion The Louisiana Childrens Museum is committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the community we serve. Diversity strengthens our culture of creativity and play, and we welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on any protected basis. Background checks may be required depending on job responsibilities; while some offenses may be automatic disqualifiers, not all criminal history will disqualify a candidate.