Job Listing - Development Director (Hermitage Museum & Gardens)
Date postedApril 8, 2026
Development Director
Hermitage Museum & Gardens – Norfolk, Virginia
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens seeks a dynamic and strategic Development Director to lead fundraising efforts in support of the museum’s mission, programs, and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with staff, board members, and community partners, the Development Director will design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy focused on grants, sponsorships, individual giving, and membership growth.
This role is both strategic and relationship-driven, requiring strong writing, project management, and community engagement skills.
Starting salary: $70,000-$80,000 depending on experience
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Planning
- Work with the Executive Director and Controller to establish annual fundraising goals aligned with the organization’s fiscal needs and strategic priorities.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to meet revenue goals through grants, sponsorships, individual giving, and membership programs.
- Identify new funding opportunities and cultivate relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, and public agencies.
Grants & Sponsorships
- Research, write, and submit grant proposals and reports to foundations, corporations, and government entities.
- Develop sponsorship proposals, presentations, and partnership opportunities for organizational programs and events.
- Manage relationships with current and prospective sponsors to ensure strong engagement and fulfillment of sponsorship benefits.
- Oversee and manage city funding relationships and reporting requirements.
Individual Giving & Membership
- Guide the strategy and execution of annual appeals and donor communications.
- Work with the Member and Stewardship Manager to strengthen member engagement and retention.
- Cultivate relationships with individual donors and prospects to build long-term philanthropic support.
Events & Donor Engagement
- Attend signature events and public programs to support donor and sponsor
engagement.
- Serve as the primary contact for sponsors and donors during events, including coordinating VIP areas and hospitality.
- Use events and programs as opportunities to cultivate relationships and increase philanthropic support.
Board & Organizational Collaboration
- Attend all Board of Directors meetings and prepare development reports on fundraising progress and initiatives.
- Work closely with board members to support fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and committee initiatives.
- Collaborate with staff across departments to collect data and stories that support grant reporting and fundraising efforts.
Data & Reporting
- Track and collect required data for grants and funding reports, including visitation and program participation.
- Monitor fundraising progress and maintain accurate records of donor and sponsor
engagement.
Community Engagement
- Represent the Hermitage Museum & Gardens at community events, networking opportunities, and partnership meetings.
- Strengthen the museum’s presence in the regional philanthropic and cultural
community.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in arts, nonprofit/business administration, communications, or a related field.
- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or advancement.
- Demonstrated success in grant writing, sponsorship development, and donor cultivation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong financial acumen, including experience developing, managing, and
forecasting fundraising budgets.
- Ability to build relationships with donors, board members, and community partners.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills.
- Comfort working in a collaborative, small-team environment.
- Passion for arts, culture, and community engagement.
Essential Physical Functions
- This position requires the ability to sit at a desk, using a computer and phone for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to navigate stairs, occasionally walk the grounds, attend events, work indoors/outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, and must be able to lift 50 lbs.
- Ability to interact with guests (front desk coverage) and closing of the museum site.
Benefits, Schedule & Expectations
- Health insurance, Retirement plan, Paid Time Off, and paid holidays.
- Some evening and weekend availability required for events and community
engagement.
- Regular attendance at Hermitage programs and signature events is expected.
To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Jen Duncan, Director (jduncan@thehermitagemuseum.org). Submissions will be open until the position is filled.