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Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art · 10 hours ago

Senior Development Officer

Bentonville, AR

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

3+ years exp

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a public non-profit charitable organization dedicated to celebrating the American spirit through art and nature. The Senior Development Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing the museum's mission by managing major gift fundraising efforts and cultivating relationships with donors.

AssociationLifestyleMuseums and Historical Sites

Responsibilities

Build and manage a dynamic portfolio of 75-100 qualified donor and sponsor prospects, focusing on individuals and corporations capable of giving at the $15,000+ level, and engage them through at least 20 substantive face-to-face or virtual interactions and a minimum of 10 solicitations per month, working toward an annual fundraising goal of $500,000-$750,000

Lead all phases of the donor lifecycle, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, aligning strategies with institutional priorities

Document all interactions, meeting notes, and updated plans in the CRM within 48 hours to ensure accurate and timely donor management

Prepare compelling proposals, correspondence, gift agreements, and stewardship reports, in coordination with the Development Communications Coordinator, Development Operations Manager, and Chief Development Officer

Identify and execute opportunities for donor upgrades, renewals, and planned giving discussions

Serve as a lead point of contact for high-level donor engagement activities, including curated VIP tours, cultivation events, and campaign efforts

Collaborate with internal colleagues and senior leadership to advance cross-departmental initiatives and ensure a seamless donor experience

Support the team through informal guidance and by setting a high standard for professionalism and results

Participate in at least three professional development activities annually, including training sessions, special projects, or industry events, to strengthen skills and enhance effectiveness

Qualification

Nonprofit fundraisingCRM platformsMajor gift solicitationData analysisWriting skillsProfessional ethicsInterpersonal skillsDetail-orientedSelf-starterCommunication skills

Required

At least three years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts—or equivalent transferable experience in relationship-based sales or business development

Strong working knowledge of CRM platforms (e.g., Tessitura, Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect) and comfort using data to inform strategy

Ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively; attention to detail and organizational prowess

Strong alignment with the museum's mission and willingness to be a passionate advocate for its work

Ability and willingness to travel for donor meetings and events, and to work occasional evenings and weekends

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience in development, research, or related field

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills in data analysis to translate data into actionable information

Outstanding writing skills and adept at understanding and conveying complexity, nuance, and enthusiasm

Proficiency in MS Office Suite including Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams

Proficiency in AP writing style

Ability to apply good judgment, discretion, and a commitment to professional ethics and data security when dealing with highly confidential donor and prospect information

Excellent written and oral communications skills that convey information clearly and concisely

Detail-oriented, self-starter with an ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a deadline sensitive environment

Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends with an attitude of doing what it takes to get the job done