The University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute & Natural History Museum (BI/NHM; https://biodiversity.ku.edu/), on the Lawrence campus, is one of the premier research and education institutes in the U.S. in biodiversity science, biodiversity informatics, paleobiology, biogeography, evolutionary biology, and archaeology.
Working with the director, advisory board, the KU Endowment Association development officer, and other staff of the BI/NHM, the Assistant Director for Development is responsible for planning, advancing and implementing development and fundraising activities and events of the BI/NHM. Specifically, this position: manages museum memberships and organizes donor and prospective donor contacts; assists KU Endowment fundraising staff with development of donor gift solicitations; organizes fund-raising activities, including events for donors and prospective donors and public engagement in the museum; is the liaison with the BI/NHM’s Board of Advisors and its committees/activities, and plans meetings of the board four times annually; seeks out and applies for grant funding that supports the mission of the BI; works closely with the museum’s Public Programs staff to ensure alignment of planned programs with mission, goals and development; serves as a spokesperson for the BI/NHM at events. This position has one staff direct report—the Visitor Services and Donor Relations Coordinator.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, museum studies, or a relevant field.
- Three years of related professional experience
- Experience writing successful proposals to seek external funding as demonstrated by application materials.
- Strong writing skills as evidenced by application materials.
- Excellent organizational skills as evidenced by application materials and work and educational history.
- Supervisory experience, demonstrated by previous work experience and application materials.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in communications, marketing, museum studies, or a relevant field.
- Three or more years professional experience in development.
- Strong interpersonal skills as needed for maintaining good donor relations.
- Knowledge and interest in natural history, as evidenced in application materials.
- Strong interest in and familiarity with museums, as evidence in application materials.
- Experience with non-profit fundraising.
- Professional experience at a large, public research institution or museum/cultural institution.
- Familiarity with customer relationship management software (e.g. Patron Manager).
- Experience with event planning as demonstrated by application materials.
- At least one year experience in project management or leading a team.
- Excellent oral communication skills as evidenced by work history and application materials.
Detailed information: https://employment.ku.edu/jobs/staff/assistant-director-for-development/28624br
Application review: starts 09/16/2024
KU is an EO/AAE, full policy at http://policy.ku.edu/IOA/nondiscrimination
Inquiries are encouraged: Dr. Nico Franz, nico.franz at ku.edu