Product Development Director jobs in Fort Wayne, IN

About the Museum:
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, an educational nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, is an Art Deco treasure, faithfully presenting its original 1930’s grandeur – a place where landmark automotive innovation was once a daily occurrence. It is the only automotive museum anywhere occupying an auto manufacturer’s international headquarters building. It includes the original showroom, design studios, experimental engineering and design, and administrative offices of an American thoroughbred auto maker. In the museum building the designers, innovators, and engineers worked. Since their inception, automobiles designed and built here are highly prized around the world. The museum not only honors three extraordinary motorcars from America’s automotive golden age – Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg – but also dozens of other great classic marques.

Since 1997, the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum has achieved and retained Accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums in accordance with the highest standards of excellence. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Facility received the highest designation in the country, that of National Historic Landmark, in 2005 stating that the museum site has been found to possess exceptional significance in illustrating or commemorating the history of the United States for the benefit and inspiration of the American people.

The mission of the museum is to preserve the past and provide multi-generational audiences an educational and inspirational journey exploring the past, present, and future of the transportation industry while leveraging the Museum's collection as its foundation.

About the Position:
The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum (ACDAM) seeks a Director of Development, a pivotal role that reports directly to the Executive Director & CEO and is essential to the museum's growth and sustainability. This dynamic position encompasses leading comprehensive development programs, crafting and executing innovative fundraising strategies, and managing donor relationships to support ACDAM’s mission. The Director of Development will play a crucial role in donor cultivation, strategic planning, event coordination, stewardship, and overseeing the donor database, in close collaboration with the Executive Director & CEO and the leadership team. As a strategic thinker deeply committed to the mission of the museum and community engagement, the successful candidate will significantly impact fostering connections, achieving ambitious fundraising goals, and shaping the museum's future.

Responsibilities:
The Director of Development plays a pivotal role in the museum's growth and sustainability. This individual will be entrusted with a diverse array of responsibilities designed to maximize fundraising efforts and deepen the institution's engagement with its donors and community. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Fundraising Leadership: Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with ACDAM’s mission and objectives. This includes setting annual goals, identifying new opportunities for donor engagement, and leveraging innovative fundraising channels to enhance revenue streams. Secure sponsorships and other funding for exhibitions, educational programs, and special events. Research grant and other funding opportunities; direct and complete grant and other funding applications; administer grants.
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Along with the Executive Director & CEO, lead all aspects of donor relations, from identification and cultivation to solicitation and stewardship. Create and maintain meaningful relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, ensuring a personalized approach that aligns with the museum's values and goals.
• Database Management and Analytics: Oversee the integration and management of the donor database, ensuring data integrity and leveraging analytics to inform fundraising strategies. Utilize data to track trends, measure effectiveness, and identify areas for improvement.
• Event Planning and Execution: Spearhead the planning and execution of fundraising events and donor cultivation activities. This includes overseeing the logistics, budgeting, and programming of events that engage the museum's community and inspire increased support.
• Leadership and Team Collaboration: Work closely with the Executive Director & CEO, Board of Trustees, and leadership staff to achieve fundraising objectives. Serve as a mentor and guide for team members, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.Engage with community leaders, cultural institutions, and the broader arts and culture ecosystem to build partnerships and collaborative opportunities.
• Community Engagement and Representation: Act as a key representative of the museum within the community, enhancing the museum's visibility and reputation.
• Financial Oversight and Reporting: Collaborate with the Director of Finance & Administration to ensure accurate and timely reporting of contributed income and manage all gift acknowledgements of the Development Department. Participate in budgeting and financial planning processes to align fundraising efforts with the museum's financial goals.
• Compliance and Best Practices: Maintain a thorough understanding of all laws and regulations related to fundraising and philanthropy. Ensure that all fundraising activities are conducted ethically, transparently, and in compliance with legal standards.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Regularly assess the effectiveness of fundraising programs and initiatives, seeking opportunities for innovation and improvement. Stay informed about trends and best practices in the field to keep ACDAM at the forefront of fundraising excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree and 3-5 years of relevant work experience in the non-profit arts and culture sector related fundraising, with ideally three years at a management level
• Demonstrated expertise in all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and public communications, ideally in a non-profit, museum, or education setting
• Advanced knowledge of all laws and regulations surrounding donations
• Clear ethical vision to ensure that all donors and fundraising programs reflect ACDAM’s mission and values
• Strong relationship building and public speaking skills, demonstrated with staff, community, donors, and board members

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person