Chief Development Officer

Art and Wellness Enterprises•Bentonville, AR

About The Position

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 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.

Requirements

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.
Seasoned professional with 10+ years proven leadership experience in fundraising, development, or a related field.
Experience with relational data systems and data-driven strategies.
Valid Arkansas driver’s license with clean driving record required.
Valid passport required.
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).

Nice To Haves

Experience overseeing grant management preferred.
Membership in a professional fundraising association preferred.

Responsibilities

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 and grants teams to achieve or exceed fundraising goals through inclusive and effective leadership.
Support cross-departmental collaboration to align fundraising efforts with broader organizational goals.
Foster a culture of philanthropy, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making across areas of responsibility.
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 growth.
Actively manage a portfolio of major donors, participating in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities as appropriate.
Provide strategic oversight for grant proposals and reporting, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and compliance with grantor requirements.
Oversees the management of donor proposals, records, reporting, and recognitional processes, ensuring high data integrity and efficiency.
Monitor division budgeting and reporting for all areas of responsibility, including fundraising, 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 management.
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.