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Development Officer

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA), located in Little Rock, AR, seeks a fundraising professional to advance the institution during a transformative time in the Museum’s history.

In 2023, the Museum reopened following a four-year renovation that expanded the building and grounds. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Studio Gang, the facility includes landscaped grounds by the firm SCAPE and secures AMFA’s position as one of the top cultural institutions in the region. The building includes state-of-the-art galleries, an art school, restaurant, store, theater, lecture hall, and other programming and event spaces. AMFA is an active partner in the educational, economic, and cultural life of a diverse community, inviting discovery, creativity and learning through engagement with the visual and performing arts.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Advancement and Strategy, the Development Officer is responsible for helping to create and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the museum’s mission and operations. This role requires a proactive approach to securing financial contributions through individual, corporate, and foundation giving, as well as event-based fundraising.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develops and implements a robust and comprehensive support program that generates annual revenue and actively engages the individual and corporate community in AMFA
  • Helps to develop cultivation, stewardship, and engagement opportunities for current supporters and prospective donors, deepening the relationship with AMFA and leveraging the benefits of the Museum and offerings
  • Researches and pursues new individual and corporate funding, developing, and sustaining long term support of the AMFA
  • Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationships with AMFA partners, donors, and stakeholders. Develops and maintains constructive and cooperative working relationships internally and externally
  • Develops fundraising strategies based on knowledge of established AMFA objectives, needs, and priorities
  • Works with AMFA staff to build a deep knowledge of programming, benefits, and objectives to create a compelling case for support
  • Assists in and makes independent, direct solicitations for sponsorships and in-kind support
  • Assists in the generation of annual revenue to meet budgetary goals through identification, cultivation, and solicitation of gifts 
  • Continuously monitors the status of current donors and cultivates prospects for new gifts
  • Assists with the development and execution of fundraising events and department priorities, including galas, donor events, and other donor engagement opportunities throughout the year
  • Assists in reporting, research, and supports other aspects of the Development Department; and as needed, serves as liaison with certain community and auxiliary groups
  • Other related duties, as required

Candidate Profile

  • Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university, preferably in Nonprofit Management, Arts Administration, Business, or related field
  • 3-5 years related fundraising experience and/or training; equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Proven success in securing major gifts, grants, and sponsorships
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Proactive with strong organizational skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Detail-oriented with strong project management capabilities
  • Uses active learning and listening while working with potential and existing donors and partners
  • Ability to work independently and as a team player
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including some night and weekends for special events
  • Possesses knowledge of the strategic use and reporting of donor and/or customer relationship management software
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

AMFA offers a full complement of benefits including:

  • Group Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, and Life insurance
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Voluntary Supplemental Insurance plans
  • Pet Insurance
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Leave that accrues immediately
  • Paid holidays
  • AMFA Membership