DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Hartford, CT The Hartford Region and all of Connecticut offer a rich culture of vibrant arts that contribute to our quality of life and serve as building blocks for those who live and work here. The arts community in Hartford is passionate, energetic, and talented, and venues like the Wadsworth Atheneum play an integral role in attracting people from across the globe and reinforcing Hartford as a world-class city and region. David Griggs, President and CEO, Metro Hartford Alliance THE MUSEUM Atheneum is an art museum of vital regional impact and global importance. With 50,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years and encompassing European art from antiquity through Modernism, as well as American art from the 1600s through today, the Wadsworth s collection is recognized as one of the finest in the nation. Works by masters such as Caravagio, Frederic Church, Salvador Dalí, and Georgia O Keefe share space with works by living artists such as Sean Scully and Kehinde Wiley, painter of President Barack Obama s official portrait. Our community access program provides barrier-free participation for over 3,000 Hartford households. Our last nine exhibitions in a row have garnered national press and critical acclaim. We host more than 100,000 visitors per year. The Wadsworth is a premier lender to museums worldwide and sought out by global arts leaders as consortium and thought partners. Without the Wadsworth, the arts in Connecticut would be diminished significantly and our important role within the art world would be unfulfilled. THE FACILITY Described as stunning and astute by New York Times art critic Roberta Smith, the Wadsworth underwent a major renovation from 2010 through 2015. The $33 million project renewed the museum s historic structures and added 17 new gallery spaces nearly 16,000 square feet of exhibition space to the building s existing city-block sized footprint for an improved visitor experience. Repair and replacement programs are ongoing. There is an emerging plan for incremental capital improvements to interior and exterior public spaces over the coming five years. LEADERSHIP In early 2016, Tom Loughman became the 11 th Director in the Wadsworth s 175 year history, the result of an international search for a visionary leader with a track record of delivering high-quality programming, financial savvy, and a collaborative work style. Previously Tom served as the Associate Director at Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts (2008-2016) as well as in a variety of curatorial, research, and teaching roles in the field.
In just shy of three years, Tom has instituted a vibrant marketable vision and solidified the museum s role in the local and national arts community. He has spearheaded projects that raised awareness of the museum and its collections on a global scale, elevated art acquisition activity, and built relationships with major international institutions. Alongside these national and international endeavors, Tom has taken on global arts leadership roles, most notably Co-Chair of the United States National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The senior team has been realigned and recalibrated to match and achieve the organization s future scape. The team is composed of seven leaders overseeing development, museum services, educational programming, curatorial/exhibitions, finance, marketing/communications, and HR/operations. Collaboration is the hallmark of the team s effectiveness. benefits from the guidance of 31 trustees, each of whom generously participates in the philanthropic support of the institution. William R. Peelle, Jr. assumed the presidency of the board in November 2018 following his service as chair of the board s development committee and a variety of other roles over the course of his 20 years of board service. FINANCIAL STRENGTH is showing solid financial growth in support of its operating objectives. The museum s total operating budget for FY19 is $10.4 million, up over 20% from FY16. A future annual operating budget of approximately $12 million is required to fully realize the museum s strategic objectives. The budget target for contributed income is $4.6 million in the current fiscal year. Of this, $2.6 million is allocated for general operating purposes. These unrestricted funds are raised through premier memberships, an annual fund, general and corporate memberships, major gifts, and fundraising events. The other $2 million is raised in support of exhibitions and programs primarily through grants, foundations, and individuals. Individual giving increased 23% in FY18, momentum that the museum is eager to continue. s endowment (unrestricted and restricted operating as well as restricted for purchase of art work) currently totals $88 million. A campaign is expected to commence within the next two years with a five year goal of raising $6-8 million in support of infrastructure maintenance and facility enhancements. THE ROLE: CONFIDENCE + COMPETENCE seeks a quintessential fundraising professional confident, relationship-savvy, and goal-driven to partner with the Director in active solicitation, as we accelerate our transformation from venerable cultural institution to a vibrant place of consequence infusing art into the American experience. Page 2 of 5
OVERVIEW The will have primary responsibility for managing, overseeing, and leading all fundraising initiatives, including membership, corporate and government grants, gala and special events, sponsorships, major gifts, and other sources of contributed income. You will be a role model for your staff inspiring commitment, supporting their professional growth, and motivating them toward achieving individual and organizational success. Reporting directly to Tom, you will have a goal of initially raising approximately $5 million in contributed income and growing that to a sustained level in support of the total budget of $12 million in an agreed upon timeframe. The director of development will leverage the Wadsworth s existing donors but, more important, will identify, cultivate, and secure new philanthropic support and sponsorships regionally. You will drive acquisition and retention for all contributed revenue through both innovative and traditional methods. You will bring a dynamic, contemporary, fresh perspective to the leadership, management, and administration of the museum s individual and institutional fundraising efforts. It is critical that all communications with existing and potential donors are managed to ensure the highest level of donor engagement, satisfaction, and expressions of appreciation. Educating potential donors about the Wadsworth s mission and programs and developing specific strategies and tailored cases for support is key. This is a collaborative, roll-up-your-sleeves, direct solicitation environment that requires a commitment to the art and cultivation of strong, long-lasting, and friendly relationships across Connecticut and beyond. The focus is on the long game while executing strategic short-term plays in support of sustainable and reliable funding. In accordance with our core values and mission, the Wadsworth is especially interested in recruiting members of diverse communities and individuals with a commitment to multiculturalism. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Program Management Assess the fundraising potential of the institution and craft/execute a plan that includes capturing new donors, increasing unrestricted and restricted funds, and ensuring internal resources are appropriately leveraged. Maintain up-to-date pipelines of prospects and ensure that appropriate systems and development procedures are in place to achieve the museum s fundraising and revenue requirements. Optimize the Tessitura CRM platform. Develop and implement strategies to increase unrestricted support through a robust annual giving program; reinvigorate the Society of Daniel Wadsworth, the museum s high-end donor recognition group; expand vehicles and grow planned giving support. Page 3 of 5
Establish clearly definable, near and long-term performance goals for overall development and membership efforts and for specific program components. Leadership Lead six fundraising professionals who have responsibility for individual giving, membership and patron programs, corporate sponsorships and memberships, galas, foundation and government grants, third party rentals, client services, and database management. Empower and motivate staff while supporting and advocating for them; recruit, develop, and retain exceptional talent. Translate organization goals into aligned work plans and objectives for individual staff members while fostering a work environment that values creativity, embraces new ideas, and rewards collaboration/teamwork. Ensure staff members utilize best practices and execute effective management strategies that result in meaningful engagement and successful solicitation of donors. Actively participate as a member of the Wadsworth leadership team, working collegially to meet the institution s strategic and operational goals. Engagement with Colleagues and Support Organizations Partner with the Director, providing strategic focus necessary to ensure his effectiveness as chief spokesperson and fundraiser for the Wadsworth; offer guidance and good counsel with respect to his cultivation activities. Collaborate with curatorial staff to secure necessary funding for the thoughtful and illuminating exhibits that are vital to the national and international reputation of the Wadsworth. Partner with museum educators to raise funds needed to connect audiences with a wide array of programming available at the museum; strategize with the director of education on possible funding sources to support new institutional partnerships and endeavors. Provide the highest level of support to the board of trustees for their efforts on behalf of the Wadsworth; ensure that their experience is meaningful, productive, and enjoyable, and that their intellectual and emotional connection to the institution is strengthened. Tap into and optimize museum support organizations (i.e. Women s Committee, Docent Council) as fundraising partners/prospects. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial, results-driven, development professional with a proven track record of success in cultivating relationships and executing a strategic vision to maximize contributed income. Your total years of experience are less important than what you have accomplished and your ability to replicate that success here at the Wadsworth. Page 4 of 5
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE, Continued Experience building the infrastructure of a fundraising program. Proven ability to formulate and execute a successful strategic fundraising plan that simultaneously addresses near-term needs for annual operating support as well as longer-term objectives to grow the endowment and broaden the base of support. The ability to inspire high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and major foundations to support an organization at the highest levels; proven personal success securing transformational gifts. The intellectual depth, maturity, and collaborative skills to garner the trust and confidence of the constituents of the Wadsworth. Superior written and oral communication skills; the ability to understand and translate information for all audiences; crispness, clarity, and elegance in writing and speaking. Financial acumen and the ability to utilize, maximize, and integrate various means of technology and communication to fully leverage the fundraising potential of an institution. The ability to think strategically and manage multiple projects effectively; evaluate problems; and display sound judgment in a team-oriented environment. Talented team leader adept at motivating, training, and managing staff with diverse skills and experience. A collegial, collaborative, and accessible leadership style that is well suited to both overseeing a unit integral to the success of an institution and serving as a member of a leadership team. Skilled problem solver with the ability to analyze information and think strategically, critically, and creatively; the ability to translate new ideas into executable and enduring programs. A deep appreciation for and an ability to articulate the unique mission and aspirations of the Wadsworth; a desire to play a meaningful role in the organization s vision and to share in the community s enthusiastic commitment to the institution. COMPENSATION Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Relocation assistance will be provided if required. TO APPLY Jack Gorman of the firm Isaacson, Miller is leading this search with Rachel Partin and Kaleigh Hoffman. For more information, to make a nomination, or to apply for this role, please visit: www.imsearch.com/6849 Atheneum Museum of Art is a progressive, equal opportunity employer and all candidates are encouraged to apply. Page 5 of 5