Position Summary & Objectives

The Director of Development is responsible for developing and executing donor acquisition 

strategies to increase membership, annual gifts, capital campaign gifts, endowment gifts, and 

estate gifts.

The main objective for this position is to increase the Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites 

(HBMS) support base and cultivate an active pool of current and prospective donors to support 

the HBMS mission.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

• Manage all strategies and activities for donor cultivation, solicitation, and ongoing 

relations

• Oversee membership renewals and lapsed membership appeals

• Conduct research and proactive outreach to identify potential corporate, foundation and 

individual donors and present planned giving opportunities

• Craft donation proposals for individuals, foundations and corporations and perform

timely follow-up after receipt of proposal 

• Solicit and secure gifts in support of HBMS unrestricted funds, as well as programmatic 

funding

• In conjunction with the VP/Managing Director and President, recruit top-level business 

and community leaders to serve as co-chairs, honorees, and committee members

• Serves as primary staff liaison for the Development Committee and Taking the World 

Stage campaign 

• Create and generate reports via Raiser’s Edge

• Institute systems and protocols to support all development operations and projects and

ensure the integrity of the development database(s)

• Manage donor, gift record keeping processes and files

• Implement a Moves Management system at HBMS to enhance donor communication and 

solicitation strategies

• In conjunction with the Institutional Advancement Database Coordinator, manage the 

pledge reminder and acknowledgement programs

• Develop concept, plan and execute a minimum of six donor relation events annually

• Attend community events related to donor cultivation and participate in outreach 

activities and performances outside of regular business hours 

Required Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree 

• 3-5 years’ experience in a development role

• Experience working collaboratively with board members, donors and community 

members to achieve organizational goals

• Knowledge of ticketing, registration and donor software. Raiser’s Edge experience 

preferred

• Understanding of budgeting principles

• Able and willing to assist at HBMS programs and events including event set-up

Position Success Factors

• Strong relationship building skills to establish and maintain positive working 

relationships with internal colleagues, volunteers, current and prospective donors, board 

members, visitors and community partners

• High level of flexibility and collaboration to effectively work in a small team 

environment

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills to professionally represent HBMS to 

current and prospective donors, board members and community partners

• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate reporting, maintenance of donor records and 

thorough follow through on donor related activities

• Exceptional organizational and project management abilities to effectively work on a 

variety of initiatives simultaneously

Reporting Relationships: 

The Director of Development reports to the VP/Managing Director

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Duties of this position are performed in an office setting as well as at various HBMS historical 

sites. The position frequently requires standing, sitting, bending, walking and climbing stairs. 

The position also requires the ability to lift or carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of 

activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position. Duties, responsibilities and 

activities may change at any time.

HBMS considers individuals for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, 

gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status