Description

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

INTRODUCTION

The Trout Museum of Art is entering a defining chapter of artistic growth and regional leadership. Operating from a newly built, architecturally significant facility in the heart of the Fox Cities, the Museum is expanding its reach, deepening its educational impact, and strengthening its position as a leading visual arts institution in Wisconsin.

We seek a strategic and relationship-driven Development Manager to help advance a comprehensive and forward-looking fundraising program at this pivotal moment. This role offers the opportunity to shape philanthropic strategy within a growing institution that values excellence, accessibility, and meaningful community connection.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and working in close partnership with Board leadership, the Development Consultant, and colleagues across the organization, the Development Manager will cultivate and steward key donor relationships, contribute to major gift growth, and support sustainable revenue strategies that align with the Museum’s artistic ambition and commitment to public access.

This position is ideal for a development professional seeking both strategic responsibility and authentic community engagement—including those interested in relocating from areas like Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, or Chicago to the vibrant and affordable Fox Cities region.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Manager plays a central role in strengthening the Museum’s culture of philanthropy. This position builds and sustains relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and members to support exhibitions, education programs, and community initiatives.

Working collaboratively with the Executive Director, Development Consultant, staff team, and the Board’s Development Committee, the Development Manager advances fundraising goals through thoughtful cultivation, clear communication, and consistent stewardship. Success in this role requires both strategic focus and genuine relationship-building—balancing institutional growth with the warmth and accessibility that define the Trout Museum of Art.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Donor Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship:

      Manage a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors at the $5k+ level.

      Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospective donors, ensuring timely and thoughtful communication and engagement.

      Work in tandem with the Executive Director to facilitate key stakeholder engagement and alignment.

      Preparing donor communications for stewardship, cultivation, and asks including donor proposals, impact reports, and acknowledgements.

2. Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Management:

      In partnership with the Executive Director, develop and execute an annual fundraising plan and revenue projections aligned with organizational goals.

      Monitor progress toward fundraising targets and report regularly on KPIs (e.g., revenue, donor visits, retention).

      Serve as a Staff Lead for Board Development Committee, working in tandem on strategy and donor cultivation, and generating monthly agendas and reports.

      Lead the annual appeal and year-end giving campaigns with support from operations and marketing staff.

3. Request for Funding Writing and Reporting:

      Write grant proposals for individual donors including research, drafting, and submitting applications when necessary.

      Prepare reports for donors, highlighting the impact of their contributions on museum programs and exhibitions.

4. Special Events and Donor Engagement:

      Collaborate with the team on fundraising events such as galas, donor happy hours, Contemporaries activities, and donor exhibit tours.

      Engage donors and members through regular communications, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, and personalized invitations to museum activities.

      Secure sponsorships for Museum signature events, working in tandem with Special Events Manager

5. Cross-Team Collaboration

      Partner with finance on projections and revenue reports.

      Coordinate with exhibitions, program and marketing staff for storytelling, donor engagement, and events.

      Serve as an internal champion for philanthropy across departments.

6. Reporting and Data Management:

      Maintain accurate donor records and activity tracking in the CRM (Bloomerang), ensuring accuracy and confidentiality.

      Generate donor reports for use by staff, and in board and development committee meetings.

      Track and analyze donor data to identify trends, inform strategies, and drive engagement efforts.

      Generate donor correspondence relative to thanking and stewarding

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $60,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience and demonstrated success in development work. This role is designed to grow with the institution as the museum expands its fundraising capacity and community impact. Candidates with demonstrated success in major gifts and campaigns will be considered at the top of the range. The Trout Museum of Art offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contribution, paid time off, a generous flextime policy, eligibility for bonus compensation, a free daily beverage from the cafe, and free museum admission.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

      Bachelor’s degree in Arts Administration, Business, Communications, Nonprofit Management or Fundraising, or a related field.

Experience:

      3-5 years of experience in development, donor relations, fundraising, or a related field, ideally within a nonprofit or cultural institution.

      Demonstrated experience in donor solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship, giving programs, and annual fund campaigns.

Skills:

      Highly relational in approach to the role.

      Ability to track and meet revenue goals with consistent follow-through and attention to detail.

      Collaborative and relational working style; experience working across departments.

      Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messages.

      Ability to work collaboratively across departments and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

      Knowledge of or passion for the arts and cultural sector is preferred.

Successful candidates for this position must exhibit:

A friendly demeanor and customer-oriented approach
A strategic and goal-oriented approach to work
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Good time management skills
A strong sense of personal accountability and responsibility for actions and performance
Tactfulness and discretion with confidential and privileged informatio

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Excellent skills in Microsoft Office applications including Teams and SharePoint
Ability to learn Bloomerang database system or other CRM.
Ability to work some evening and weekend hours.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during special events.
Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently.
Love of the visual arts