Director of philanthropy

• The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities;


• ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities / expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives;

and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

Position Summary :

One of the leading historical societies in the country, the Missouri Historical Society seeks a Managing Director of Philanthropy and Engagement who will help guide the organization into its next chapter.

The Society, which operates the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers' Memorial Military Museum, and the Library and Research Center, is at a pivotal moment.

MHS is in the middle of major efforts to transform its permanent galleries, to share more of its collection than it ever has before, and to continue to diversify its staff and the museum field.

• We are looking for a dynamic leader who believes in the power of local history to strengthen communities and who will lead our fundraising efforts;


• who will significantly increase our annual giving, which averages $2.5 to $3 million from more than 4,000 donors and members;


• who will guide the completion of a $50 million capital campaign; who will manage a large team of professionals responsible for fundraising, membership, tourism and guest services;

and who will partner with the president and the leadership team to share our mission of engaging and inspiring audiences by connecting them to their shared past and helping them use that past to better plan the present and future.

The Missouri Historical Society, founded in 1866, is poised to build on its proud history in the decades ahead. As part of the historical society's senior leadership team, the Managing Director of Philanthropy and Engagement will be an instrumental part of that growth.

The Managing Director leads a team of development professionals focused on membership, individual and corporate giving, grant writing, special events, and planned giving.

They also lead our tourism and visitor engagement staff who oversee the welcome desk, public, private and group tours, rental events, and program registration.

MHS has a $22 million annual budget and a staff size of 200. We are generously supported by the Zoo Museum Tax District, which provides roughly half of our yearly funding.

Duties / Responsibilities :

The position is responsible for the planning, coordination and oversight of development strategies to achieve the MHS goals for fund raising and membership.

This includes supervision of staff to plan and implement on-going annual, major and planned giving; and membership, as well as developing the strategies for implementation of a capital or sustained giving campaign.

It also includes supervision of a team of front-line staff who welcome visitors and coordinate rentals. In addition to development, membership, and guest services, the position provides cross-departmental leadership working collaboratively with other MHS Departments including Communications, Community Outreach and Education, Exhibitions and Research, and Finance to achieve the strategic goals set for the MHS.

This position provides direct supervision of the Director of Membership and Annual Giving, two Charitable Giving Advisors, Planned Giving Officer, Grant Writer, Campaign and Donor Relations Manager, and a Director of Tourism and Visitor Experience.

This position also provides oversight of Blackbaud's Altru database for Development and Membership.

Responsibilities for Management and Donor Stewardship

• Plans and executes major fundraising campaigns and other initiatives in conjunction with the President and the Board.


• Manages a portfolio of major donors in partnership with the President.


• Oversees the Department's planning process including annual goal setting and budget preparation.


• Ensures fundraising effectiveness by tracking, evaluating and reporting on progress and identifying opportunities.


• Excellent working knowledge of Altru and its interface with Financial Edge software.


• Ensures effective communication and marketing activities to promote membership and support for the organization.


• Manages major donors and prospects through an ongoing process of identification, qualifying, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individuals, corporations and foundations.


• Establishes and maintains partnerships with donors and others in the community through cultivation and stewardship activities.


• Serves on board development committee and encourages, supports, and guides board members in their fundraising and outreach efforts.


• Attends key MHS events to steward donor relationships.


• Manages department staff with creativity and compassion, creates a productive culture of mutual respect, evaluates individual performance and ensures professional development.


• Partners with the president on a vision focused on building a stronger St. Louis by connecting people to their shared past and to one another.

Education and Experience :

A Bachelor's degree is required; preferred in related field. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience : At least seven years of successful fund-raising and progressive development experience, including major gifts and special events, team leadership and management.

Knowledge of / experience in museum or non-profit best practices in philanthropy a plus.

Skills and Experience :

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain key relationships and raise funds through annual giving, membership, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, special events, and grants.


• Proven track record of closing 7 and 8-figure gifts.


• Experience planning and implementing a multi-million dollar capital campaigns.


• Demonstrated proficiency with all planned giving vehicles and a broad and thorough knowledge of the principles of tax-encouraged philanthropy.


• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and application of appropriate stewardship means.


• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities.


• Must be organized, results oriented, creative and able to motivate others toward team goals with skill and positive motivation.


• Demonstrated success leading in a team environment.


• A track record as an effective communicator with excellent writing and public speaking skills.


• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in development with planning, management, budgeting and major donor responsibilities.

Deadline to Apply : Position open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

External job boards : Please click here , to apply.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

Last updated : 2022-06-25