Director of Annual Giving and Operations

The Walker Art Center empowers people to experience the transformative possibilities of the art and ideas of our time and to imagine the world in new ways. In our over 125-year history, we have become one of the most celebrated art museums in the country and we are known for our innovative presentations and acclaimed collections of contemporary art across the spectrum of the visual, performing, and media arts.

The Director of Annual Giving and Operations plays a critical role in advancing fundraising strategies through the management of the Walker Art Center’s Membership and Annual Fund Programs. This role also oversees key support elements for all departmental fundraising efforts, including Development operations, gift administration, donor stewardship, member and donor events.  In addition, it supports the annual fundraising benefit.

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

I. Membership and Annual Fund Program Management

Annual Giving Program 

• Oversee strategies, systems, and execution of the Walker’s Membership (up to $250) Program engaging 5,000+ members.
  • Manage acquisition, renewal, upgrade, and lapsed campaigns for Membership.
  • Oversee all communication strategies for member acquisition, engagement, and retention; collaborate with Content and Communication to to ensure membership messaging on all channels
  • Oversee member acquisition and visitor conversions at all points of sale.
• Oversee strategies, systems, and execution of the Walker’s Annual Fund ($250+) Program engaging 600+ donors
  • Manage acquisition, renewal, upgrade, and lapsed campaigns for the Annual Fund.
  • Coordinate peer-to-peer fundraising strategies with Walker trustees and volunteers.
  • Collaborate with internal partners to build the mid-level and major gift pipeline and advance meaningful donor engagement.
• Refine the Walker’s Membership and Annual Fund Programs, with a focus on growth to meet revenue goals, expansion of meaningful member/donor engagement, and movement of members and donors through the pipeline.
  • Evaluate the current Membership and Annual Fund Programs against best practices within our discipline and within our peer group.
• Analyze and report on Membership and Annual Fund direction and progress to senior leadership, Board Philanthropy Committee, and trustees. 

Member and Donor Communications

• Create annual communications schedules and content for Membership and Annual Fund Programs that tell cohesive and inspiring stories about the impact of the Walker’s mission and work for various, targeted audiences that amplify the Walker’s brand and reputation and reinforce our philanthropic needs.
• Continually update program appeals, campaign materials, and acknowledgment letters.
• Represent the Development department in meetings with Communications and Content teams to ensure member/donor-centric communications, representing that audience and ensuring consistency and quality of all messaging, signage, and marketing collateral.

Member/Donor Engagement, Events, Benefits, and Stewardship

• Strengthen and deliver high-quality experiences and excellent customer service to all members and donors.
• Oversee and execute all member/donor events and initiatives, such as After Hours, Circle Dinners, Curator’s Council, Member Nights and the donor travel program.
• Provide leadership to department staff, interns, and volunteers in order to ensure the timely and accurate execution of gift entries and acknowledgments, data integrity, benefits fulfillment, and other member/donor services.
• Develop member discounts and appreciation events, and other special offers.
• Conduct annual evaluation and update of member/donor benefits, including valuation for tax-reporting purposes. 
• Attend Membership and Development Events, including national and international trips, and ensure appropriate Walker staff (curators, senior leaders, gift officers, trustees, etc.) are present to engage with members and donors.

II. Management of Operational and Administrative Functions

• Manage the Development department’s operational and administrative functions. 
• Supervise, mentor, and motivate staff.
• Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and workflows, that emphasize and maintain high standards for accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and best practices.
• Propose, track, and reconcile income goals and expense budgets for the Membership and Annual Fund Programs, Development events, travel program, and the Avant Garden benefit.
• Serve as a Development department point person for the Tessitura CRM and to the Tessitura Administrator, collaborating with the admi