Director of External Affairs

The Angeletti Group invites nominations and applications to
serve as the newly reimagined Director of External Affairs for the
Morris Museum. If you are a dynamic, relationship-driven
fundraiser, this is your chance to join a vibrant and established
cultural institution and be part of its strategic growth. This role
will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive
strategies to enhance the Museum’s external relations, including
fundraising, marketing, partnerships, and community outreach
efforts.

 

MORRIS MUSEUM: A VIBRANT CENTER OF LEARNING AND
CULTURE

The Morris Museum—founded in 1913 and located since the
mid-1960s on 8.5 sylvan acres in Morris Township, NJ—draws visitors
from across the region to its dynamic and acclaimed art
exhibitions, programs, and performing arts events. Its 45,000+
object collection of art and material culture from around the world
join the art of our time. The Museum has nearly 80,000 square feet
of predominantly purpose-built spaces enmeshed with the historic
Twin Oaks mansion, recently preserved thanks to a $1M campaign.
Forward capital priorities will continue to elevate the visitor
experience and extend the life of these core structures, as well as
emphasize outdoor experiences around the campus.

 

The Morris Museum is the only Smithsonian Affiliate in New
Jersey and serves audiences from across the state and beyond. A
growing emphasis on art and design in the galleries combines with
world-class performances in the 312-seat Bickford Theatre.
Education has been central to the Museum’s mission since its
founding. The current K-12 student program is at-capacity and
serves more than 3,500 students per year. Impactful learning is
accomplished via festival days, standing educational programs, and
outreach in schools as well. The Museum is in the early stages of
capital improvements to meet students’ needs better with renovated
classroom, touchable exhibits, and an ADA accessible student
terrace.

 

The Morris Museum is bringing together cultural enthusiasts and
welcoming first-time visitors as it regrows the program
post-pandemic. Attendance surged 62% last fiscal year. As such, the
Museum is building a dynamic workforce that is reshaping the
conversation about creativity and curiosity.

 

45,000+ objects of global material culture,
art, and design

More than 3,000 students hosted from 56 area
schools in 2023

18 exhibitions per year

34 live programs annually, featuring acclaimed
regional, national, and international artists—5
2024 Grammy nominees recently performed at Morris Museum

 

THE DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

The Director of External Affairs plays a pivotal role in
advancing the mission of the Morris Museum through fundraising,
special events, membership management, and community relations. As
Director, you’ll spearhead the planning, implementation, and
oversight of all fundraising activities, as well as develop
strategies to expand the Museum’s role in the greater Morris County
community. The successful candidate will report directly to the
Executive Director and work closely with board members and other
key internal and external constituencies to secure support and
build long-term relationships with the community in support of the
Museum’s diverse programs.

 

Responsibilities include the following:

DEVELOPMENT OVERSIGHT AND STRATEGY

• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and
  senior leadership team to establish fundraising priorities,
  objectives, and timelines aligned with the Museum’s mission and
  strategic plan.
• Develop and execute annual fundraising plans to meet revenue
  goals, including individual giving and membership, corporate and
  foundation sponsorships, grants, and special events.
• Plan and execute special events, fundraising campaigns, and
  cultivation activities to engage donors, generate revenue, and
  raise awareness of the Museum’s mission and impact.
• Develop promotional materials, invitations, and digital content
  to support fundraising events and campaigns.
• Oversee the Museum’s ever-growing membership program (currently
  +/- 1,500 households) and a select group of Premier Members and
  Board Members.
• Cultivate and steward upper-level donor groups including the
  Director’s Circle ($2,500+) and the 1913 Circle for planned
  giving.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of fundraising initiatives, track
  key performance metrics, and provide regular reports to senior
  leadership and board members.
• Manage a staff of two: Institutional Giving Manager and
  Membership Coordinator.
• Assess development team needs and recommend appropriate hires
  and structure for continued growth.

 

FUNDRAISING

• Maintain a portfolio of up to 100 major gift prospects,
  corporate partners, and foundations to secure financial support for
  Museum programs, exhibitions, and initiatives.
• Collaborate with board members, volunteers, and staff to
  leverage their networks and relationships in support of fundraising
  efforts.
• Conduct prospect research and analysis to identify and
  cultivate potential donors, sponsors, and funding
  opportunities.
• Develop and implement strategies for donor recognition,
  engagement, and retention, including personalized stewardship
  plans, acknowledgment letters, and donor events.

 

COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND ENGAGEMENT

• Develop and maintain partnerships with local businesses,
  corporations, schools, and community and cultural organizations to
  expand the Museum’s reach and impact within the community.
• Work closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications
  to implement strategies that will increase visibility and
  engagement.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to systematically
  have a presence in the community, serving as a key point of contact
  for community organizations and municipal groups, members and
  supporters, and key community stakeholders to promote the Museum’s
  mission and initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure that Museum
  offerings are accessible and inclusive to all members of the
  community.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in
  fundraising or external affairs, preferably in a museum or cultural
  institution.
• Demonstrated track record of success in developing and
  executing fundraising campaigns, securing major gifts, and
  cultivating donor relationships.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to
  motivate and inspire team members to achieve organizational
  objectives.
• Articulate and culturally agile; able to effectively represent
  the Museum and its goals to external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement
  innovative strategies to drive engagement, revenue growth, and
  community impact.
• Proficiency in donor management software, CRM systems, and
  Microsoft Office suite; experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar
  fundraising database and MIP accounting system is preferred.
• Strong understanding of how fundraising relates to operating
  finances/auditable financial reporting; competitive candidates will
  demonstrate experience partnering with leadership and finance
  department to drive a financial story for the institution.
• Passion for the arts and fluency in articulating the value
  proposition of a venerable cultural institution, with a commitment
  to advancing the mission and values of the Morris Museum.
• Knowledge of the regional philanthropic landscape and cultural
  sector is a plus.

 

SALARY RANGE

$100,000 – $115,000

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be accepted until position is filled, but
candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

 

To be considered, candidates should submit a statement of
interest and resume to The Angeletti Group at search@theangelettigroup.com.

 

Nominations and confidential inquiries can be made to: 

Kate Hughes

The Angeletti Group

(973) 540-1400

search@theangelettigroup.com

The Morris Museum is an Equal-Opportunity Employer,
dedicated to the goal of building a multicultural staff, with a
passion to reach and serve our expanding, diverse public. We are
also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to employees
with disabilities.