May 8th, 2026
Reginald F. Lewis Museum
About the Organization
Organization Mission:
The mission of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum is to document, interpret, and preserve the complex experiences, contributions, and culture of Black people in Maryland.
We serve as a catalyst for sustained change by providing programs, exhibitions, and bold conversations that educate and challenge.
Job Description
JOB TITLE: Director of Development
REPORTS TO: President
FLSA: Exempt
DATE REVISED: March 16, 2026
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Position Summary
The Director of Development will be responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, grants, membership, and special initiatives.
The Director will serve as a strategic partner to the President and the Board of Directors in building a sustainable and diversified revenue strategy that strengthens the museum’s long-term financial position.
This position requires a highly strategic, relationship-driven leader who can cultivate new philanthropic and corporate partnerships, activate board networks, and leverage innovative fundraising strategies to expand the museum’s donor base locally, regionally, and nationally.
The Director of Development will also oversee data-driven fundraising operations, ensuring the effective use of technology, donor analytics, and CRM systems to maximize donor engagement, stewardship, and revenue generation.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Fundraising Leadership
Design, implement, and oversee capital campaigns and multi-year fundraising strategies aligned with institutional priorities
Establish annual and long-term revenue goals and ensure accountability
Serve as a senior advisor to the President and Board on fundraising strategy and trends
Major Gifts & Individual Philanthropy
Lead a major gifts program and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors
Cultivate, solicit, and steward long-term donor relationships
Expand donor pipelines locally, regionally, and nationally
Foundation, Government, & Corporate Partnerships
Oversee institutional giving strategy across foundation, corporate, and government funding
Guide prospect research, proposal development, compliance, reporting, and stewardship
Cultivate corporate partnerships aligned with mission and brand
Board Engagement & External Leadership
Partner with Board members to leverage networks and support peer-to-peer fundraising
Support Development Committee leadership with tools and data
Serve as a visible ambassador at events and convenings
Data, Systems, & Strategy
Leverage donor data and analytics to inform strategy
Ensure data integrity and effective CRM usage (Salesforce or similar)
Build and refine development infrastructure, policies, and reporting practices
Team Leadership & Collaboration
Lead and mentor a high-performing development team
Foster collaboration, accountability, and innovation
Work cross-functionally with departments including Finance, External Relations and Marketing, Interpretation, Visitor Experiences and Education, and Special Events
Contribute to institution-wide planning as part of the senior management team
Skills and Qualifications
7–10 years of progressive nonprofit development experience
Demonstrated success in major gifts and institutional fundraising
Proven ability to lead complex fundraising efforts and meet or exceed revenue goals
Experience partnering with senior executives and boards
Strong strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills
Proficiency with fundraising databases and analytics (Salesforce preferred)
Museum, cultural, or mission-driven institutional experience highly desirable
Benefits
10 days of vacation leave annually
10 days of sick leave annually
6 days of personal leave
Retirement plans
Comprehensive healthcare program
Experience
B.A. or B.S. degree (Preferred)
Development: 7–10 years (Preferred)
Donor Database Management: 5–7 years (Salesforce preferred)
Museum experience (Preferred)
Compensation
Salary Range: $100,000.00 – $120,000.00
How to Apply
Please send a resume and cover letter to:
careers.lewis@lewismuseum.org
Equal Opportunity Employment
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum is committed to diversity and equal opportunity in recruitment, hiring, and employment.
The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, disability, national origin, citizenship, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, matriculation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Contact email for applicants warren.lee@lewismuseum.org