Director of Development Events and Donor Relations

Historic New England seeks a dynamic, relationship-oriented, and highly collaborative Director of Development Events & Donor Relations (“Director”) to lead the organization’s strategy for philanthropic events, donor engagement, and stewardship experiences.

OVERVIEW:

This position plays a central role in advancing Historic New England’s fundraising priorities by creating meaningful opportunities for donors to connect more deeply with the organization’s mission, leadership, collections, exhibitions, preservation work, and future vision. The Director will oversee a comprehensive suite of donor-facing experiences and stewardship initiatives designed to strengthen relationships with annual leadership-level donors, campaign supporters, major gift prospects, institutional funders, and planned giving donors.

The Director is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of Historic New England’s signature fundraising and engagement events and communications, including the Historic New England Medal Gala, donor experiences associated with the Summit, campaign cultivation events, exhibition openings, Patron and leadership donor programs, institutional messaging, such as the Annual Report, and other mission-centered gatherings across the region.

Historic New England is currently in the private phase of a transformative comprehensive campaign that will shape the future of preservation, collections stewardship, exhibitions, public engagement, and institutional capacity across New England. Donor relations, stewardship, and philanthropic engagement events play a critical role in advancing campaign momentum, strengthening donor confidence, deepening long-term relationships, and inspiring increased investment in Historic New England’s mission and future.

In partnership with the Vice President, Development & External Affairs (“VP-DEA”), President & CEO, gift officers, trustees, and colleagues across the organization, the Director will help develop and implement sophisticated donor engagement and stewardship strategies that support campaign priorities, deepen philanthropic investment, and reinforce Historic New England’s position as a leading cultural and preservation organization.

This role requires exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, strong event and donor relations experience, excellent written communication abilities, aesthetic and experiential sensibility, and a highly polished, donor-centered approach.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Events, systems, and processes: Coordinate Historic New England’s development administrative operations, including supervision of the Development Events Manager and Marketing Coordinator. Under the direction of the VP-DEA, direct and manage development events strategy, ensuring the highest level of engagement and stewardship of target member groups, and top donors. Effectively manage and communicate team efficient processes that ensure excellence, data-driven fundraising strategies, and functional reporting. Oversee systems that support the VP-DEA, and Gift Officers in donor moves management and stewardship.

Marketing and communication, and planned giving: Define, draft, and manage the development of marketing and communication materials, including e-communications, print, video, and other resources needed to fulfill fundraising objectives. Develop, manage, and market the planned giving program. Coordinate strategy, content, timing, and resources with the Marketing team.

Donor communications: Ensure gift acknowledgment systems are efficient and effective, in line with industry best practices. Develop ongoing communications to share institutional impact throughout the year, including the Annual Report.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, and minimum of five years’ experience in nonprofit fundraising or equivalent combination of skilled credentials.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills to attain fundraising objectives.
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in fundraising processes and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment with outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with colleagues.
• Deep understanding of team approach and an objectiveness and respect for diverse perspectives and skillsets.
• Excellent interpersonal and time management skills including ability to lead, guide, and achieve goals.
• Clear concise written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Fully competent user of technology with well-developed working knowledge of MS 360 applications (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet search navigation, project management systems, and email management (Outlook).
• Ability to travel throughout the New England region with flexible night and weekend availability.
• Valid driver’s license and means of transportation.
• Knowledge of New England culture and history.
• Strong belief in, and demonstrated commitment to, Historic New England’s mission and values.
• Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, excellence, and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising copy development.
• Strong working knowledge of Tessitura.
• Experience in an arts and culture organization.

Other Duties:

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

About the Organization:

Historic New England—founded as the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities in 1910—is the oldest, largest, and most comprehensive independent preservation organization in the United States. Historic New England welcomes the public to thirty-eight exceptional museums  and landscapes, including several coastal farms.

The organization operates a major collections and archives center in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and has the world’s largest collection of New England artifacts, comprising more than 125,000 decorative arts and objects and 1.5 million archival documents including photographs, architectural drawings, manuscripts, and ephemera. Engaging education programs for youth, adults, and preservation professionals, and awardwinning exhibitions and publications are offered in person and virtually. The Historic New England Preservation Easement program is a national leader and protects 127 privately owned historic properties throughout the region.

To learn more, visit historicnewengland.org

Historic New England is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.