Manager of Institutional Giving

Share On Social:

About the Position

Summary

Reporting to the Director of Advancement Operations and working in close partnership with the Director and CEO, the Manager of Institutional Giving will take the lead in developing and implementing strategies for the solicitation of major gifts primarily focused on individual major prospects.

The Manager will be responsible for building and managing a portfolio of major donors and prospects, specifically focusing on awards, sponsorships, and gifts in excess of $25,000 as they build upon current advancement success in creating a robust and sustainable culture of continued growth as a leading cultural institution in West Michigan

Working Conditions

While performing this job the employee will be required to sit (80%), stand, and walk (20%), and lift up to 20 pounds occasionally. Will do close work with a computer monitor and repetitive hand movement. Individual must be able to communicate verbally.

Job Duties

• Work with the Director and CEO as a senior team member to establish fundraising strategies and goals, oversee execution of strategies, monitor overall progress toward goals, and address any unanticipated shortfalls. In collaboration with other leaders of the museum, establish and execute a Fund Development Plan that will support the operating and capital needs of the institution for the present and the long term.

• Aggressively lead and implement the museum’s fundraising strategies from individual sources.  Collaborate with the Director of Advancement Operations to implement advancement strategies, developing support through major gifts, endowment, legacy gifts, and some miscellaneous sources.

• Manage the ongoing identification and cultivation of individual donors; develop and lead the implementation of a dynamic planned giving program; increase emphasis on the effective stewardship of donors; enhance and encourage the productive use of research and data.

• Partner with the Manager of Advancement Events to cultivate new prospects and deepen the relationships with current donors. Work to maximize the museum’s current set of diverse philanthropy events, ranging from small cultivation events to the annual gala, to help develop, attract, and retain donors.

• Develop and prepare, alongside the Communications Team, effective printed materials, including proposals, reports, and sponsorship packs, that support these fundraising efforts.

• Work with the Director and CEO to provide opportunities to strengthen the development and involvement of the Board in museum programs and donor cultivation and fundraising activities. Take an active role in Board governance and growth.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice based on needs and strategies of GRAM.

Requirements

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Background in the cultivation and solicitation of individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors, with proven experience and ability, to develop, solicit, and steward major gifts of at least $25,000. A demonstrated track record in the management of successful advancement programs.
• Understand and support the mission of GRAM, appreciate the important role cultural institutions play in the life of a vibrant community, and have the ability to articulate this mission and role to others.
• Be an effective leader and administrator, with solid experience in managing, mentoring and motivating staff, and the ability to inspire those working with him/her toward accomplishing common objectives.
• Be very well-organized, able to plan strategically, set priorities and focus on details and follow through while not losing sight of the big picture, with the flexibility to welcome and embrace change, and the ability to balance the many challenges inherent in a changing, growing organization.
• Be a highly personable and positive individual, with integrity, a strong work ethic, and self-confidence, who works effectively with Board members, donors, volunteers, and staff, and who relishes taking an active, public role in the cultivation and solicitation of donors, and as a representative of GRAM.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience with fund raising technology and integrated database systems.

Training, Education and Experience:

• Baccalaureate degree, postgraduate training is a plus, and at least seven to ten years of progressive fundraising experience in a not-for-profit organization, preferably in the Arts.
• Highly organized strategic thinker; strong motivator and leader.
• Knowledge of professional standards and legal parameters regarding fundraising activities as well as a strong awareness of critical social issues and their relationship to inclusive and equitable decision-making in the Arts.
• Experience working with fundraising databases such as Raiser’s Edge, Altru or other comparable programs.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to the following:
careers@artmuseumgr.org

Application Deadline:

11/28/2025

About the Organization

At GRAM, our mission is to connect people through art, creativity and design.

To do this successfully, we want to engage mission-focused team members who will join us in creating exceptional art and learning experiences for our guests and community. We strive to provide a collaborative work environment for our staff with a focus in increasing diversity and inclusion within our teams and our organization.

Whether you are passionate about art or interested in bringing your skills and experience to a world-class organization, GRAM has different opportunities for you to join our dedicated staff. As an employer, we offer a variety of benefit options to both full and part time staff and you will enjoy working in the world’s first LEED® Gold certified art museum. Highlights of our employment package:

Paid vacation time, sick days, personal days and holidays.
401(k) Plan
Health, Dental and Life Insurance
Museum Membership for you and your immediate family
GRAM is committed to creating a work environment where all team members, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status or national origin, have the opportunity to find inspiration.