Description
Position Title : Chief Development Officer
Position Type : Full-Time
FLSA Classification : Exempt
Department : Development
Reports to : Chief Impact Officer
About Crystal Bridges :
Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.
About the Momentary
The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful.
Position Summary :
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership and operational management for giving and membership initiatives at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. This position oversees a mission-focused division of fundraising, membership, and grants professionals, driving efforts to maximize philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer (CIO), the CDO collaborates with museum leadership and cross-departmental teams to execute strategies that grow contributed revenue and strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability. This position supports fostering collaboration, innovation, and team-oriented culture within their areas of oversight. The CDO is responsible for setting and achieving performance benchmarks for fundraising and membership growth, ensuring alignment with the museum’s mission and values. This position will also manage a major gift portfolio to secure transformational gifts for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.
Principle Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
Leadership and Strategy :
- Collaborates with the CIO to develop and implement strategies designed to grow contributed revenue streams, including major gifts membership, annual fund, grants, and planned giving.
- Lead the development, membership and grants teams to achieve or exceed fundraising and membership goals through inclusive and effective leadership.
- Support cross-departmental collaboration to align fundraising and membership efforts with broader organizational goals.
- Foster a culture of philanthropy, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making across areas of responsibility.
Fundraising and Membership :
Oversee strategies for individual, corporate, and foundation giving, with a focus on securing transformational gifts and supporting the institution’s priorities.Set and monitor performance benchmarks for fundraising and membership growth.Actively manage a portfolio of major donors, participating in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities as appropriate.Oversee the membership program to maximize growth, retention, and revenue.Provide strategic oversight for grant proposals and reporting, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and compliance with grantor requirements.Operational Oversight :
Oversees the management of donor and member proposals, records, reporting, and recognitional processes, ensuring high data integrity and efficiency.Monitor division budgeting and reporting for all areas of responsibility, including fundraising, membership, annual fund, and grants.Ensure compliance with legal regulations and ethical standards for fundraising professionals.Stay informed of industry trends and best practices in non-profit fundraising and membership management.Representation :
Represent the museum in the community, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and members.Serve as a visible and engaged leader, promoting the museum’s mission and priorities in external and internal settings.Qualifications and Skills :
Education, Training, Traits :
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.Proven track record of professional ethics and integrity related to private gift fundraising and / or program management.Strong enthusiasm for being part of a team at a major art museum with a guest-centered community dynamic.Ability to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality.Flexible and helpful; willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.Willingness and ability to travel to grow and maintain philanthropic relationships.Work Experience :
Seasoned professional with 10 years proven leadership experience in fundraising, development, or a related field.Experience overseeing membership programs and / or grant management preferred.Experience with relational data systems and data-driven strategies.Licenses and Certifications :
Valid Arkansas driver’s license with clean driving record required.Valid passport required.Membership in a professional fundraising association preferred.Skills and Abilities :
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.Ability to set and achieve measurable goals in fundraising and membership growth.Proficiency with customer relationship management (CRM) database systems, gift management, and donor / member tracking tools.Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities.Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interface effectively with high-profile corporate leaders and philanthropists.Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint) and standard office equipment (e.g., copiers, fax machines, telephones).Physical Demands and Work Environment :
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
In the work environment described below, position requires utilizing a computer and a telephone for prolonged periods of time and good eye / hand coordination, bending and stretching for filing. Visual acuity to review written materials is required for this job. While performing the duties of this job, employee is occasionally required to independently travel in the local area.Work will be performed in an office environment, museum spaces, and in communities served. The office may have an open layout requiring close proximity to colleagues. Workspace must be organized and reflect efficiency. The noise level in the Museum work environment is usually low to moderate. Occasional evening and weekend work hours are required.
