Position Overview: The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is seeking a Director, Institutional Relations to secure funding and build relationships with foundations, corporations, and other organizations. This role is vital in advancing AAM’s mission through philanthropic support and strategic partnerships.

This role reports to the Vice President of Advancement and is responsible for raising $1M in FY2025 (approximately to FY2024) and is expected to grow that amount by 25 percent or more in FY2026. The Director, Institutional Relations, is one of ten staff within the Membership and Development team, which collectively contributes 70 percent of the organization’s $11M annual budget.

Your Role in Action:

• Relationship Management & Growth Strategies

• Work to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including executives, program officers, and decision-makers.

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit new corporate and foundation donors to support institutional priorities.

• Provide strategic vision and tactical plans for growing portfolio of funders.

• Proposal Writing

• Develop compelling proposals and grant applications aligned with funder interests and institutional priorities.

• Work cross-departmentally to ensure proposals reflect realistic timelines, team capacity, and deliverables.

• Research & Analysis

• Utilize research tools and databases to identify potential institutional donors and new approaches.

• Provide analysis on fundraising efforts, recommending tactics for continual improvement.

• Document moves with strategic memos and meeting notes to build institutional memory for current and future team members.

• Collaboration & Leadership

• Collaborate with AAM peers and senior executives on strategic engagement of prospective and current funders.

• Represent AAM at relevant events and meetings.

• Provide leadership and mentorship to team members as required.

• Stewardship & Reporting

• Provide, or work collaboratively with relevant team member to provide, appropriate stewardship for corporate and foundation donors.

• Manage the preparation of progress reports, financial statements, and other required documentation.

• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and deadlines.

What You’ll Bring to The Team:

• Bachelor's degree required; master’s degree preferred

• Minimum of 4-5 years of experience in development, focusing on corporate and foundation relations

• Proven track record of securing major gifts and grants from corporations and foundations

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse stakeholders

• Proficiency in donor management software and research databases

• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and ethical standards

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work under pressure

• Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion

• Willingness to travel for donor meetings and events as needed Physical Demands:

• Physical requirements include prolonged sitting and computer usage.

• Travel required for donor meetings and events as needed

American Alliance of Museums

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Director, Institutional Relations