Description
The Museum of Northwest Art (MoNA) seeks a strategic, community-oriented, and creative Director of Development & Communications to lead the museum’s fundraising and communications efforts during a period of growth and renewed community engagement.
As a key member of MoNA’s leadership team, the Director shapes the museum’s philanthropic strategy, guides its public voice, and strengthens its culture of belonging and stewardship. This role manages a small but growing team of up to two staff members plus contracted support, and builds authentic relationships with donors, partners, and community members.
This position is ideal for a mid-senior development professional who values relationship-centered fundraising, authentic community engagement, and the opportunity to shape institutional culture that includes intentional, DEIA-driven practices.
This is the perfect role for a development professional seeking:
- Significant strategic and creative influence
- A leadership role in a mission-driven arts institution
- A chance to strengthen donor and community connections in the Pacific Northwest
- Autonomy to design and implement new fundraising and communications strategies
- The satisfaction of visibly growing philanthropic support for an accessible regional museum
You will guide MoNA’s philanthropic future while helping advance our commitments to equity, inclusion, and community-centered engagement.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Fundraising Leadership
Oversee and grow:
Annual Fund, Major Gift, and Planned Giving strategies
Museum Membership Program, including Collectors Club
MoNA Art Auction, our largest annual fundraiser
Direct appeals and peer-to-peer fundraising
Foundation, corporate, and government grants
Development Strategy
Develop and execute a comprehensive Development & Communications Plan
Lead donor cultivation and stewardship, guided through proven moves management strategies
Use data analysis for forecasting, segmentation, and evaluation
Partner with the Executive Director to guide and support Board engagement with donors and stakeholders
Manage grant strategy, ensuring timely submission of 20+ proposals and reports annually
Team & Contractor Management
Supervise:
Membership & Development Coordinator
Marketing Coordinator (remote)
Event Coordinator (onsite; to be hired)
Contract Grant Writer
Events & Community Engagement
Lead planning of MoNA’s Art Auction and quarterly donor/member events
Represent MoNA at community events, openings, and partner gatherings
Ensure events embody MoNA’s DEIA values and community-first approach
Marketing & Communications
Oversee public-facing communications and brand consistency
Guide content creation for newsletters, email campaigns, social media, and web
Support storytelling that highlights diverse artistic perspectives and voices
Lead public relations and audience engagement strategy
Board & Committee Work
Serve as staff lead for the Development and Auction Committees
Oversee preparation of reports, dashboards, agendas, and committee materials
Institutional Responsibilities
Maintain compliance with fundraising regulations and ethical best practices
Uphold MoNA’s brand values: education, civic-mindedness, and accessibility
Support a culture of learning, accountability, and community connection
Requirements
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
At least 5 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience
Proven success securing gifts of $25,000+
Track record of growing multiple fundraising streams
Strong project and time management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience with grant writing and reporting
5+ years of CRM database experience (Salesforce, Neon, Blackbaud, or similar platform)
Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Commitment to MoNA’s DEIA framework
COVID-19 vaccination, valid driver’s license, background check clearance
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree or higher
Experience securing gifts of $100,000+
Experience with state or federal grant applications (e.g., NCLI, ArtsWA)
CFRE certification
Active involvement with AFP Advancement NW or PSGA
Engagement in the Seattle-area philanthropic community
Experience with G Suite
Experience managing or fundraising for a capital campaign of $500K+
