Deputy Director of Advancement & Strategy

In April 2023, AMFA opened a newly reimagined and expanded
facility designed by the renowned architecture firm Studio Gang.
The building features state-of-the-art galleries, an art school, a
performing arts theatre, an outdoor event area, and other spaces to
host programming, events, and performances. The innovative Cultural
Living Room, restaurant, store, and landscaped grounds position
AMFA as a cultural hub for Little Rock and the Mid-South
region.

In AMFA’s first year of operation, Museum visitation and donor
and member engagement have exceeded all historic records and
expectations. AMFA has positioned itself as an arts and cultural
hub hosting hundreds of educational and inclusive social programs
that attract a diverse community. In May
2023, Forbes called AMFA “America’s Most
Inviting Art Museum,” a headline that reflects the Museum’s
commitment to the community and desire to lead as a model for
innovation and 21st-century art museum practice.

The Deputy Director, Advancement and
Strategy is a key member of the senior executive
leadership team and is responsible for advancing the Museum’s
fundraising program to support AMFA’s priorities and future
aspirations. This leadership position oversees all aspects of the
Development and Membership Departments through a developed and
strategic plan focused on retention and growth.

With the Executive Director and CFO, this individual will
develop and implement a strategy and plan that supports sustainable
budget growth to meet AMFA’s long-term goals. Further, this
individual seeks to optimally situate the Museum within the
ecosystem of the state, region, and nation, underscoring AMFA as a
vital contributor to the economy, quality of life, and education,
and lifelong learning landscape.

The Deputy Director will report to
and work closely with the Executive Director, and actively
interface with donors, members of the AMFA Board of Trustees,
Foundation Directors, and other stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities:

• In consultation with the Executive Director, develops and
  implements a strategic, achievable, and sustainable multi-year
  fundraising plan that increases the Museum’s overall budget by $3
  to $5 million dollars.
• Reaches annual revenue goals through unrestricted giving and
  sponsorships for exhibitions and programming from major donors,
  individuals, corporations, grant support, membership, events, and
  other means
• Oversees the creation and implementation of a comprehensive
  advancement plan that encompasses all aspects of development
  including the growth of restricted and unrestricted giving,
  endowment support, planned giving, and other initiatives.
• Oversees the strategy for and successful execution of galas,
  benefits, and other fundraising events, with the support of the
  Executive Director and AMFA Board of Trustees, AMFA Foundation
  Directors, and volunteer chairs and committees.
• In an ever-competitive fundraising arena, leverages the
  specialness and uniqueness of AMFA to offer an attractive donor
  benefit and recognition plan.
• Develops and implements a balanced and compelling
  identification, cultivation, and stewardship plan that reaches
  donors within the state and nationally.
• Develops and oversees a strategic and thoughtful retention plan
  for all donors, including securing new and increased gifts from
  current donors.
• Manages special projects including strategic planning and other
  initiatives that raise the profile of AMFA.
• Works closely with the Executive Director, AMFA Board of
  Trustees and AMFA Foundation Directors to maximize efforts,
  including the alignment of the overall advancement of the
  institution with the growth of the Museum’s development
  program.
• Develops and can convey a deep understanding of AMFA’s mission,
  values, impact, programing, and priorities to effectively connect
  supporters to the Museum.
• Reinforce a culture of philanthropy among Museum staff and
  stakeholders.
• Supervises and leads a staff of 4- 6 Development professionals,
  AMFA Board of Trustees and others engaged with fundraising by
  fostering a supportive culture of teamwork and collaboration.
• With Communications Director, strategizes institutional
  messaging and supports production of materials to build donor and
  membership programs.

Candidate Profile and Attributes:

• Substantial development leadership skills, with five years
  minimum experience, preferably in a cultural or nonprofit
  organization
• Must be a proven fundraiser and have direct experience in
  securing significant support from major donors, individuals,
  corporations, foundations, and government agencies
• Superior strategic, organizational, and interpersonal
  skills
• Proven success in developing and executing clear and effective
  fundraising plans
• First-hand experience working with board members and trustees
  and key donors, and cultivating, soliciting and stewarding
  donors
• A proven track record in meeting goals and building long-term
  organizational capacity
• Strong management skills, both strategic and operational
• A demonstrated ability to build, manage, motivate, and inspire
  staff to perform beyond expectations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and the
  ability to translate AMFA’s mission and programs into fundraising
  initiatives that result in financial support
• A commitment to AMFA’s mission and diversity, equity, and
  inclusion
• Self-motivated with a high energy level and record of
  success
• Ability to manage a budget and understand financial
  reports
• Remain focused on maximizing revenue and raising the profile of
  the institution

Life in Little Rock

Central Arkansas offers a vibrant blend of urban amenities and
natural beauty, providing residents with the best of both worlds.
With its capital city of Little Rock nestled amid scenic
landscapes, residents enjoy a rich cultural scene, diverse dining
options, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Boasting a
welcoming community spirit and one of the country’s most affordable
cost of living rates, Central Arkansas stands as an ideal
destination for those seeking a balanced and fulfilling
lifestyle.

In the next few years, Little Rock will see major improvements
and additions to its downtown. The City of Little Rock is pursuing
a new master plan and cultural organizations, including AMFA,
continue to serve the community. A new ArtSpace, designed to serve
both visual and performing artists, is scheduled to break ground in
2024.

Downtown Little Rock’s arts and culture community is about to be
as connected as ever. This is a critical time to center AMFA as a
hub for artists and artmaking in this fast-developing
landscape.