Margaret Acheson Stuart founded the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg in 1965 as the first art museum in St. Petersburg. Today, it hosts the largest encyclopedic collection of art in Florida. Situated at the heart of the third-largest downtown waterfront park system in North America (after Vancouver and Chicago), the museum’s grounds include buildings designed by esteemed architects John Volk and Yann Weymouth, a glass conservatory, a store, a café, and lush waterfront gardens.
The Museum strives to “engage, educate, and excite the community by collecting, exhibiting, and preserving works of art for the enjoyment of all,” according to its mission statement. In accordance with this mission, the museum has positioned itself as a cultural leader within the community and, in addition to its comprehensive collection of centuries-spanning classic and modern art, hosts a number of educational programs on its grounds and off for the community’s enjoyment.
The Opportunity
As the chief fundraiser, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will devise, implement, and manage a comprehensive program, including the creation of a development plan that maximizes contributed income from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources. S/He will be the museum’s lead for patron cultivation and revenue enhancement strategy and execution, partnering with the Executive Director and Board to develop and implement long- and short-term fundraising strategies to meet and/or exceed annual fundraising goals. The CDO will oversee a team of six professionals responsible for maintaining and growing the museum’s base of individual and institutional support. Ideal candidates will bring a broad background in development with at least five years in senior leadership posts, including work in all core functional areas of fundraising, as well as broad-based knowledge of strategic planning, national and international caliber fundraising, donor acquisition, research, engagement, stewardship, reporting, and overall management to ensure efficient and effective departmental administration and operations.
