Development Manager

Department: Development & Communications
Reports to: Executive Director
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $52,000-$57,000
Date: March 2026

Closing Date: April 30, 2026

The Holland Museum (HM) is a thriving local history and art museum on the lakeshore whose exhibitions, programs, and ever-growing collection share the rich stories of Holland from its Indigenous and Dutch origins to its increasingly diverse community.

The Development Manager leads the Holland Museum’s fundraising and development efforts, including annual giving, grants, planned giving, sponsorships, and membership. This role is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive development strategy to meet the Museum’s philanthropic goals and support its mission.

Key Responsibilities

Development (85%)

• Partner with the Executive Director to develop, implement, and evaluate an annual fundraising plan aligned with the Museum’s mission, vision, and financial goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual donors and corporate sponsors; support the Executive Director in major gift strategies and solicitations.
• Research, write, and manage grants, including compliance and reporting.
• Build and steward donor relationships to grow and diversify the Museum’s donor base.
• Oversee and update donor database with donor relations information
• Plan and execute fundraising events, including logistics, committee coordination, and volunteer engagement; co-lead the annual State of the Museum event.
• Lead and support the Development and Marketing Committee.
• Manage and grow membership and planned giving programs.
• Develop and manage the annual Development and Marketing budget.
• Prepare reports and analysis, including Museum’s annual report.
• Handle donor information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Supervise the Museum Administrator in support of development and membership activities, including donor communications, data entry, and member newsletters.

Communications (15%)

• Collaborate with the Visitor Experiences and Communications Manager to ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms, including marketing materials, e-newsletters, website content, and social media.
• Represent the Museum in media opportunities alongside the Executive Director.
• Build and maintain relationships with media partners.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High level of integrity, sound judgment, and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a commitment to excellent customer service.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Creative, collaborative, and solutions oriented.
• Knowledge of West Michigan business and philanthropic community
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic team.
• Understanding of nonprofit fundraising practices and budgeting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication tools; experience with donor database systems (e.g., DonorPerfect) and Microsoft Teams preferred.
• Ability to supervise staff, volunteers, interns, and contractors as needed.
• Commitment to museum best practices, including those established by the American Alliance of Museums.
• Ability to work the occasional evening and weekends for events.
• Ability to pass a background check.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience in development, fundraising, nonprofit management, marketing, communications, or a related area.
• 2+ years with nonprofit and/or arts and culture fundraising experience strongly preferred
• Valid driver’s license required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and disability insurance
• Paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal time
• Flexible scheduling, including the option for 1–2 remote workdays per week (minimum three days onsite)
• Employee discounts in the Museum Store and on facility rentals

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion

The Holland Museum is committed to fostering a workplace and community that values diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. We strive to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel respected and reflected.

The Holland Museum is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. At the Holland Museum, you can bring your whole self to work.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and writing sample to:
Michelle Stempien, Executive Director, hollandmuseum@hollandmuseum.org by April 30, 2026.