Current Opportunities

ABOUT MAM: From its roots in Milwaukee’s first art gallery in 1888, the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) has grown to be an icon for Milwaukee and a resource for the entire state and beyond, welcoming more than 400,000 visitors each year. Central to the Museum’s mission is its role as a premier educational resource, with education programs that are among the largest in the nation, involving classes, tours, and a full calendar of events for all ages.

In May 2016, MAM welcomed Marcelle Polednik as the first Donna and Donald Baumgartner Director. With a vision to extend the Museum’s impact and attract new audiences, MAM is in a moment of financial growth and expansion in programs, building upon several successful major capital projects.

A strategic planning process is in its early phase and is designed to help identify institutional priorities and untapped opportunities to help ensure a robust and sustainable future. Please click here for more information about MAM. For more about Milwaukee as an extraordinary community in which to live and work, please click here.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The Chief Development Officer will join a vibrant, committed, and talented senior leadership team at a pivotal moment in the Museum’s history. S/he reports to the Museum’s Director and will work with staff, Board, and volunteer leadership to develop and implement key fundraising programs and establish short- and long-term development plans to sustain major growth. The CDO will also collaborate with the Director and senior team in identifying and securing support for major gift opportunities. The individual in this role is also responsible for directing MAM’s membership program. The CDO reports to the Museum’s Director and collaborates with colleagues in Curatorial, Education, Program, Marketing, Design, and Finance, and work closely with the Board of Trustees. Reporting to the CDO is a team of 11 in development and membership.

FUNDING: MAM has a current annual operating budget of approximately $18MM, with about $8MM in private support. The institution has an endowment with a current market value of $46MM. Over the last 20 years, MAM’s fundraising has focused largely and successfully on capital expansion and renewal. Based on a recent external fundraising assessment, it is anticipated that there is substantial untapped potential to increase philanthropic support for MAM.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Significant leadership experience within a sophisticated fundraising operation and a record of advancing and building development and membership, preferably in a museum or other culturally grounded institution.
• Deep experience major individual gift solicitation with proven record of success with six and seven-figure gifts.
• Knowledge of best practice in the entire range of development and membership strategies and tactics; focus on goals, metrics and outcomes.
• An entrepreneurial orientation; open to innovation and creative approaches.
• Strong record of recruiting, developing and motivating exceptional people and fostering a transparent, collegial work environment.
• Experience across digital and social as well as traditional platforms to extend development outreach.
• Board relations experience.
• Sound financial acumen and knowledge of budget preparation, monitoring and administration.
• Facility with basic business software and with commonly used fundraising prospect management tools; committed to tracking and evaluating progress against concrete goals and objectives.
• A warm, engaging and accessible style.
• An excellent, open communicator; the ability to write and speak clearly and effectively and deliver an effective, consistent message.
• Superior presentation skills and the sophistication and intellect to work with MAM Board leadership, donors, and volunteers; able to nurture strong, long-lasting individual and institutional relationships.
• Impeccable integrity, trustworthiness, maturity, and discretion.
• The ability and willingness to attend evening and weekend events and activities on a regular basis and to serve as a highly visible ambassador for MAM in the Milwaukee community and beyond.
• Familiarity with the Milwaukee and broader Midwest philanthropic communities would be a plus.
• A genuine passion for the MAM mission and for the importance of art and arts education.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.

To apply, email your resume and letter of interest to MAM@howe-lewis.com.