PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
The Director of Development will combine strategic sophistication with genuine warmth and collaborative relationship-driven spirit. They will bring proven experience in high-level fundraising and campaign management, coupled with the confidence to take initiative and the curiosity to explore new possibilities. This is someone who can think analytically and act creatively—an organized, disciplined project manager who also thrives in human connection. Open, friendly, and self-assured, they inspire trust with donors, colleagues, and community partners alike, approaching every opportunity with optimism, professionalism, and authenticity.
Equally important is a personal style that embodies the grounded and inclusive character of both Door County and PenArt. The successful candidate will be hands-on and unpretentious, someone equally comfortable leading a major gift solicitation as they are pitching in at an event. They will appreciate the intimate arts ecosystem of Door County, bringing empathy, resilience, and perseverance to their work. Confident yet collaborative, this leader will embrace PenArt’s strong foundation, join its momentum, and help shape its next chapter with integrity, heart, vision, and a deep belief in the power of art to connect community.
KEY COMPETENCIES
Strategic Fundraising & Donor Development
Demonstrated ability to design, lead, and execute comprehensive fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, campaigns, business sponsorships, and grants, that strengthen financial sustainability and advance organizational growth.
• Deep experience with development operations and donor lifecycle management.
• Data-driven approach to identifying donor gaps and opportunities.
• Proven success leading campaigns and closing significant gifts.
• Balances short-term fundraising needs with long-term relationship building.
Analytical & Project Management Acumen
Brings disciplined organization, analytical thinking, and project management skills to plan, track, and optimize development operations.
• Structured and methodical in managing projects, campaigns, and donor pipelines.
• Strong grasp of fundraising metrics, data analysis, and CRM usage.
• Balances creativity with accountability and measurable results.
• Ensures follow-through and attention to detail across multiple priorities.
Resilience, Adaptability & Self-Direction
Confident, self-starting professional who navigates ambiguity and change with optimism, perseverance, and problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable operating independently with limited day-to-day guidance.
• Thrives in a “building phase" — creating structure where it may not yet exist.
• Rolls up sleeves when needed — equally at ease managing a campaign or setting up for an event.
• Flexible and calm under pressure; maintains perspective in evolving environments.
Relationship Building & Community Engagement
Skilled at cultivating authentic, long-term relationships with donors, community leaders, and stakeholders rooted in trust, warmth, and shared purpose.
• Relational, not transactional, approach to fundraising.
• Actively present in the community — visible, approachable, and engaged.
• Sensitive to local culture and capable of integrating into Door County’s close-knit, evolving community.
• Exceptional verbal and written communicator; able to connect across diverse audiences.
Collaborative Leadership & Team Orientation
Operates as a collegial, open, and supportive leader who fosters trust and teamwork across staff, board, and volunteers while keeping organizational goals front and center.
• Positive, diplomatic, and non-controlling leadership style.
• Comfortable managing multiple personalities (especially with a large board).
• Thrives in a small, growing team — willing to pitch in on events and operational needs.
• Builds bridges between marketing, development, and program teams to align messaging and donor engagement.
Strategic Communication & Storytelling
Uses compelling, mission-driven communication to engage donors, partners, and the public, amplifying PenArt’s impact and deepening community investment.
• Strong writer and public communicator — clear, thoughtful, and authentic voice.
• Understands how to integrate marketing and development for cohesive messaging.
• Effectively articulates vision, impact, and opportunities to diverse audiences.
• Represents PenArt with warmth, confidence, and professionalism.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Arts Administration, or related field. A master's degree in arts management, or similar is preferred.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in development or fundraising, with 3 years in a leadership capacity, ideally within the arts, education, or cultural nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated success in all areas of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, campaigns, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and government grants.
• Proven ability to build and sustain meaningful donor relationships and to cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts at all levels.
• Proficiency with donor CRM systems (Neon One strongly preferred) and data-driven approaches to tracking and optimizing donor engagement.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire, educate, and connect diverse audiences to PenArt’s mission.
• Experience collaborating with internal and external partners, including marketing professionals and creative contractors, to develop compelling messaging and donor materials.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Hands-on, collegial leader with the ability to motivate staff, engage the board, and foster collaboration across teams.
• Passion for the visual arts and arts education, with a deep appreciation for their role in community vitality and cultural enrichment.
COMPENSATION & UNIQUE BENEFITS
Compensation range of $85,000 - $100,000. Five-day work schedule May through October, four-day work schedule November through April, Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays with a paid winter break, Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Employee Funded Health Savings Account (HSA), Individual Retirement Plan (IRA), Professional Development, Relocation Support, Getting to live and work in beautiful Door County.
NOMINATION & APPLICATION PROCESS
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Shelly Beaver
Spano Pratt Executive Search
Executive Search Consultant
sbeaver@spanopratt.com
(262) 685-8017
