Director of Advancement, Heritage Museum of Newaygo County

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About the Position

Summary

The Heritage Museum of Newaygo County, located in Newaygo, Michigan, is seeking a Director of Advancement. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing the museum’s plans for development, community engagement, fundraising, grants management, marketing, and communications. This role ensures that the museum’s financial health and strategic growth aligns with its mission and long-term sustainability. The Director of Advancement will work closely with the Board and Executive Director to ensure smooth operations and the cultivation of resources to support the museum’s vision.

The successful candidate will have a bachelor’s degree with at least 5 years of senior level administrative or development success within a small to medium-sized non-profit, cultural institution or museum.

Newaygo County, Michigan is approximately forty miles north of Grand Rapids, and boasts plentiful lakes, rivers, and woods to enjoy. The county has strong schools, businesses, cultural, and non-profit organizations, making this outdoor paradise a wonderful place to live and work.

Please submit resume, cover letter and letters of recommendation to HMNCJobs@gmail.com by March 1, 2025.

Working Conditions

Position works closely with Executive Director and Board of Directors. Schedule and location is flexible based on activities and goals. Location of offices is Newaygo, Michigan.

Job Duties

Development & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and potential donors, sponsors, and community partners to ensure continued support for the museum’s programs and initiatives.
• Oversee the planning and execution of annual fundraising campaigns, membership drives, and special events.
• Develop and implement strategies for increasing public awareness of the museum’s mission, exhibitions, and community impact through targeted marketing and outreach.

Grants & Fundraising

• Manage and cultivate, working closely with the Executive Director, the museum’s grant development process, from identifying and applying for funding opportunities to fostering relationships with funding agencies and reporting on grant outcomes.
• Develop and implement strategies for corporate, government, and foundation fundraising, including writing compelling proposals and securing long-term partnerships.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board to identify and engage potential individual donors and sponsors.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and other team members to align fundraising efforts with the museum’s programmatic goals and strategic vision.

Marketing & Communications

• Direct the museum’s marketing strategy to increase visibility, enhance community engagement, and drive attendance to exhibitions, gift shop sales and programs.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of marketing materials, including print and digital media, social media campaigns, newsletters, and press releases.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director to ensure consistency in messaging and branding across all museum communications.
• Understand community interests and needs and develop marketing strategies, messages, vehicles and calendar in accordance.
• Collaborate with external partners and media outlets to enhance the museum’s profile and reputation within the broader community and cultural sector.

Leadership

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture that supports the museum’s mission and goals.
• Work closely with the Executive Director and Board to implement long-term strategic and funding plans.
• Assist the Executive Director with museum rental events.
• Serve as an ambassador for the museum, representing the institution in public forums and with donors and supporters.

Finance & Budget Management

• Assist the Executive Director with the preparation, management, and monitoring of the museum’s annual budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet operational and programmatic goals.
• Work with the Executive Director and Board Finance Committee to develop and implement financial strategies, forecasts, and annual reports.
• Adhere to generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and comply with all applicable tax regulations and non-profit standards.
• Monitor and report on fundraising goals, grant income, and other revenue streams to inform decision-making.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Arts Management, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior-level administrative or development role, ideally within a small-to-medium-sized nonprofit, cultural institution, or museum preferred but not required.
• Strong financial management skills, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

• Proven experience in fundraising, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and managing fundraising campaigns.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders, from Board members to donors, staff, and community partners.
• Experience fostering a positive, team-oriented work environment.
• Proficiency with financial software, fundraising platforms, and office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Canva, etc.).

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Knowledge of museum operations and best practices.
• Familiarity with museum-specific grants and funding sources.
• Experience with both print and digital marketing.
• Strong connections within the local arts, business, and philanthropic communities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry items up to 20 pounds.
• Comfortable working in various environments, including office spaces and museum galleries.
• Ability to attend evening or weekend events, as required for development activities and museum programs.

Salary Range

• $63,000 – $68,000 a year. • Flexible/hybrid work schedule. • Paid time off. • Healthcare center membership (individual or family).

How to Apply

Submit resume, cover letter and references to hmncjobs@gmail.com by March 1, 2025

Application Deadline:

02/03/2025

About the Organization

First formed as the Newaygo County Society of History and Genealogy in 1966, the museum was established to display artifacts in the early 1970s. The Heritage Museum of Newaygo County has high-quality and engaging exhibits and programs reaching 14,000 community members every year through partnerships with schools, governments, area non-profits and the Native American community. Our mission is to collect, preserve, and share the culture and history of Newaygo County.

www.newaygocountyhistory.org