Description

Bemis Center seeks a seasoned and energetic Development Director to lead all fundraising initiatives to meet the organization's operating and capital goals and to advance its mission. As part of the senior leadership team, the Development Director provides strategic vision and fundraising expertise to ensure long-term financial stability for Omaha's premiere contemporary art organization. The Development Director is responsible for the design, implementation, and administration of all fundraising activities, including individual giving, foundation and corporate support, federal grants, and annual fundraising events, such as Bemis’s Benefit Art Auction. The Development Director reports directly to the Executive Director, and supervises three full-time employees within the Development Department, including a Development Manager, Capital Campaign Coordinator (forthcoming), and Development Assistant. 

This is an opportunity to join an energetic and collegial staff at one of Omaha’s most unique arts organizations. Ideal candidates share our values of creativity, trust, courage, diversity, acceptance, and the open exchange of ideas and worldviews. We recognize opportunities in creative industries have historically excluded and continue to disproportionately exclude Black and Indigenous people, people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ people. We strongly encourage individuals with these identities to apply.

Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, oversee, and execute upon a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to support the organization's operating, programming, and capital expenses
• Maintain and track all existing institutional, corporate, and individual donor relationships
• Design and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, and solicit new major individual donor support
• Lead and support the planning and coordination of individual donor engagement and stewardship efforts, strategically collaborating with key positions such as the Executive Director, Chief Curator, Board of Directors, and Development Committee
• Provide strategy for the development and implementation of a new Planned Giving program, including prospecting of potential planned donors and working with the Communications Department to launch a marketing plan for the program
• Identify, cultivate, and supervise the preparation of funding proposals to secure, renew, and increase grant funding from local and national private foundations and government agencies
• Oversee the management of grant contracts and reporting to funders on all funded projects
• Develop and implement a robust corporate sponsorship program, ensuring appropriate recognition and fulfillment of sponsor-related benefits
• Oversee the execution and management of Bemis’s annual membership program, including the successful execution of donor appeals, benefits, and recognition
• Review, edit, and approve all development related external correspondence, proposals, appeal letters, and website/social media content prior to dissemination
• Plan, organize, and supervise special events for solicitation and cultivation purposes, including Bemis member events, private tours, and receptions
• Working with the entire Bemis staff, lead the design and execution of the organization's annual Benefit Art Auction
• Work closely with the Executive Director, Campaign Chair and Committee, and various internal departments to assist in the successful launch and execution of the organization’s forthcoming capital campaign
• Serve as the liaison between the Executive Director and the Board of Directors regarding all development activities, and oversee the creation and management of all development-related materials and reports for meetings with the Board and its Development and Executive Committees; work closely with and serve as the staff liaison to the Board’s Development Committee
• In coordination with the Executive Director and Operations Director, create and manage annual departmental budget and negotiate contracts with related vendors
• Monitor and update monthly projections based on actual revenue and expenses and prepare updates for the Finance Committee
• Provide Development staff with guidance, direction, and continuous feedback through regular meetings
• Supervise Development staff in management of the donor database to ensure accurate record keeping, regular correspondence with donors, and donor acknowledgment

Requirements

• Successful candidates will have 5-10 years experience as a development professional, preferably in a small-to-medium-size arts organization or other non-profit organization
• At a minimum, hold a Bachelors degree in business management, finance, communications/public relations, or related field
• Enthusiasm for and knowledge of contemporary art is beneficial
• Demonstrated experience creating and implementing effective fundraising strategies for a non-profit organization with a minimum annual operating budget of two million dollars
• Proven ability to secure major contributions from individual donors, foundations, government agencies, and businesses
• Demonstrated experience with database management and ability to organize and analyze data towards implementation of strategic objectives
• Excellent verbal, analytical, and interpersonal skills a must
• Flawless command of written language with editor’s attention to detail and the ability to craft compelling requests for support
• Creative and strategic thinker with the capacity to take initiative and to work independently and as a team player in a fun, yet demanding arts organization
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with the capacity to inspire and motivate staff and volunteers

Working Conditions

• Office-based role with standard hours, typically Monday to Friday
• Some evenings and weekends may be required for public programs and special events
• May involve some physical activity, such as lifting boxes or setting up for events
• A successful reference and criminal background check is required

Compensation

This is a salaried position, based on knowledge, skills, and experience. The salary range is $95,000–$110,000 and includes our standard benefit package, including medical, dental, life insurance, retirement plan, paid holidays, and paid vacation.

The Bascom seeks an Executive Director who will lead the organization into its next phase of growth and continued success. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will embrace the organization’s Master Plan and see it forward. This individual will provide the aspirational vision necessary to help The Bascom articulate, implement, and fulfill its long-term business strategy, priorities, and creative direction. This person will ensure operational efficiency and management of all programs, staff, community outreach and engagement, expand The Bascom’s level of excellence, and achieve its artistic and financial goals. 

The Executive Director will oversee daily operations, providing executive direction of all programs and working with staff. This person will be responsible for the following functions: exhibitions, education, and outreach; development; finance; marketing; retail shop and venue management; ceramics; facilities. Externally, as the face of the organization, the individual will play a leading role in cultivating financial support, resources, and donors, championing the organization and its programs, building brand awareness, and generally increasing levels of support and engagement. 

Embracing what is unique about Highlands and the surrounding area as a creative community, the Executive Director will be committed to providing deeply engaging, signature programming that uplifts the artistic and cultural assets of the region while engaging in the conversations of the contemporary art field and drawing on national and global contexts. Additionally, this person will ensure that The Bascom campus is a welcoming and accessible place, where all guests experience a sense of belonging.

PRIORITIES AND ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for shepherding The Bascom’s next phase of growth and development, the Executive Director will have the following priorities and ongoing responsibilities: 

• Quickly understand, embrace, and bring to fruition, The Bascom’s Master Plan; develop and implement an overarching vision for the organization – congruent with The Bascom’s Vision and Priorities Statement – which includes an increased focus on community engagement and partnerships, expanded exhibitions and programs, and The Bascom’s untapped potential for increased earned revenue.

• As chief fundraiser, oversee current fundraising activities and work closely with the Board, and the Development Director to cultivate important relationships, secure gifts and grants, with special attention to major gifts and create an actionable plan for fundraising; set in motion plans for the launch of a capital campaign in the near future as well as ensure a planned giving program is established.

• Work closely with the Board of Directors; actively develop and cultivate relations with directors that foster involvement and stability; bring forth their best ideas, efforts, resources, contacts, and support.

• Maximize the greatest/best use of campus facilities and resources; foster additional opportunities for revenue generation, increased retail sales, and added studio/classroom opportunities; prioritize needs to address capital improvements, expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and deferred maintenance.

• Ensure by effective leadership and management that the day-to-day operations and budget are efficiently administered, and that the organization achieves and remains on stable financial footing from an operational perspective.

• Manage and direct a dedicated and passionate staff and ensure a level of professionalism, communication, and teamwork across the organization; supervise, motivate, empower, and delegate appropriate responsibility among staff members.

• Organize, plan, promote, and diversify exhibitions that will broaden focus and appeal to a range of donor interests; provide oversight for the development of a long-range exhibition schedule; explore the potential for bigger shows.

• Increase The Bascom’s public awareness, visibility, and brand power in Highlands, Cashiers, and other nearby communities, through traditional and digital platforms; serve as the spokesperson and liaison with local media and community organizations. 


IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS 
The ideal candidate should be a creative and collaborative leader who will be or have:

• Senior-level management and leadership experience within an arts center, museum, nonprofit cultural, educational, or academic institution or the like, with demonstrated interest in and/or a personal connection to the visual arts; contacts and experience with living artists and an understanding of the arts community are a plus. 

• Knowledge of and a demonstrated commitment to arts education, educational outreach, networking, and presenting thought-provoking exhibitions, classes, and programming that attract and engage a broad range of youth and adult artists, learners, and patrons. 

• Successful track record as a fundraiser with measurable results in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting new donors; a person who appreciates the importance of relationship building, with the ability to connect with untapped philanthropic resources; capital campaign experience, though not required, is a plus.

• Strong business acumen, financial management and analytical skills, combined with a record of success in managing people, operations, facilities, and budgets. 

• A proven manager, able to provide guidance, collaborate and recognize effort, clarify and enhance roles and responsibilities; an understanding of human resources including staffing, onboarding, and policy development. 

• A knowledge of best practices in marketing and public relations, along with the understanding and ability to leverage and expand upon The Bascom’s social media presence.

• Exceptional oral, written, and visual communication skills and demonstrated public speaking ability.

The ideal candidate will also be: 

• Dynamic and charismatic, with strong organizational skills, proven ability to focus, prioritize, delegate, and execute. 

• A servant leader – the heart of the organization – committed to the mission of The Bascom and its role in creating visual art experiences that inspire and empower others.

• Able to set and stretch boundaries and priorities, while balancing the needs of staff and resources; hardworking and energetic, with a strong sense of personal and professional integrity. 

• A proven commitment to and understanding of the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to the success of an organization. 

• A responsive and effective listener who is compassionate and open to new ideas.

• A creative problem solver, likeable, accessible, and visible in the community; flexible, supportive, and willing to get hands dirty as necessary.