The Deputy Director, Development has primary responsibility for writing grant requests, securing sponsorships for LHF events, programs and other museum initiatives and preparing reports on the impacts of these secured gifts. This involves developing an annual proposal submission plan, researching potential sponsors for LHF events, preparing grant and sponsorship requests and meeting with prospective sponsors. The Deputy Director, Development works with the Vice President, Development to raise funds for special projects, SMIPs (Site Maintenance & Improvement Projects) and a planned capital campaign.
In conjunction with the Vice President, Development, maintains, updates and expands annual grants and sponsorship plans/calendars.
Writes grant proposals, sponsorship requests and reports for programs, events and other museum operations. Works with appropriate LHF staff to collect and communicate needed information for proposals and funded projects.
Works with Manager of Community Events and Vice President, Development to identify potential event sponsors and partners. Takes the lead in securing sponsors, as well as in engaging them in LHF activities year-round.
Takes the lead in identifying and pursuing in-kind donations for events and programs as needed and determined by appropriate LHF staff.
Manages a portfolio of at least 25 mid-and upper-level donors/prospects (primarily $250-$5,000), maintaining regular contact with them.
Works with Manager of Community Events to develop plans for promoting rentals of museum facilities and with Assistant Manager, Membership & Guest Services to promote group visits to the museum.
Completes action forms regarding significant donor contact and background information and participates as part of a moves management team.
Ensures that organization and project information for grants and proposals is up to-date and accessible to all appropriate LHF staff to provide consistency and accuracy.
Regularly evaluates general sponsorship levels and recognition; works with appropriate staff to ensure that they remain consistent across all events, programs, and initiatives.
Work with Vice President, Development and Development Manager to identify new corporate and foundation prospects for research.
Tracks and monitors campaign budgets (both revenue and expense), providing the Campaign Manager with reports to keep campaign leadership (Board and staff) apprised of campaign progress.
Prepares written profiles, rating memos, prospect bios and qualified lists to support the cultivation of individuals for the campaign.
Attends all campaign committee and steering committee meetings and takes official minutes. Follows up with each committee/staff member regarding assignments from meetings. Provides the necessary materials information for completion of assignments.
Personally participates in solicitations for the capital campaign.
Serves as an active and contributing member of a team-based work environment, including as a member of the Development Team.
Other duties as assigned.
Sponsorship or events experience preferred.
Experience in Development or a related field a plus.
Demonstrated excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills required.
Exceptional attention to detail and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines required.
Core computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets and electronic communications required.
Must be a strong collaborator, able to work well in team environments.
Demonstrated excellent customer service, communication and interpersonal skills required.
Classified as full-time exempt (benefits eligible). Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends
Please apply via Living History Farms website at https://www.lhf.org/employment/. Upload cover letter & resume within the application form, no calls please.
Living History Farms is an interactive outdoor history museum which educates, entertains and connects people of all ages to Midwestern rural life experiences. It is a privately run, not-for-profit organization on 500 acres in Urbandale, Iowa. Historical interpreters recreate daily routines of early Iowans on three farm sites spanning the years 1700 to 1900 and an 1875 town. The season typically runs approximately May 1 to October 15. For more information, please visit www.LivingHistoryFarms.org