Development Manager

The Trout Museum of Art is entering a defining chapter of artistic growth and regional leadership. Operating from a newly built, architecturally significant facility in the heart of the Fox Cities, the Museum is expanding its reach, deepening its educational impact, and strengthening its position as a leading visual arts institution in Wisconsin.

We seek a strategic and relationship-driven Development Manager to help advance a comprehensive and forward-looking fundraising program at this pivotal moment. This role offers the opportunity to shape philanthropic strategy within a growing institution that values excellence, accessibility, and meaningful community connection.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director and working in close partnership with Board leadership, the Development Consultant, and colleagues across the organization, the Development Manager will cultivate and steward key donor relationships, contribute to major gift growth, and support sustainable revenue strategies that align with the Museum’s artistic ambition and commitment to public access.

This position is ideal for a development professional seeking both strategic responsibility and authentic community engagement—including those interested in relocating from areas like Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, or Chicago to the vibrant and affordable Fox Cities region.

The Development Manager plays a central role in strengthening the Museum’s culture of philanthropy. This position builds and sustains relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and members to support exhibitions, education programs, and community initiatives.

Working collaboratively with the Executive Director, Development Consultant, staff team, and the Board’s Development Committee, the Development Manager advances fundraising goals through thoughtful cultivation, clear communication, and consistent stewardship. Success in this role requires both strategic focus and genuine relationship-building—balancing institutional growth with the warmth and accessibility that define the Trout Museum of Art.

• Manage a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors at the $5k+ level.
• Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospective donors, ensuring timely and thoughtful communication and engagement.
• Work in tandem with the Executive Director to facilitate key stakeholder engagement and alignment.
• Preparing donor communications for stewardship, cultivation, and asks including donor proposals, impact reports, and acknowledgements.

• In partnership with the Executive Director, develop and execute an annual fundraising plan and revenue projections aligned with organizational goals.
• Monitor progress toward fundraising targets and report regularly on KPIs (e.g., revenue, donor visits, retention).
• Serve as a Staff Lead for Board Development Committee, working in tandem on strategy and donor cultivation, and generating monthly agendas and reports.
• Lead the annual appeal and year-end giving campaigns with support from operations and marketing staff.

• Write grant proposals for individual donors including research, drafting, and submitting applications when necessary.
• Prepare reports for donors, highlighting the impact of their contributions on museum programs and exhibitions.

• Collaborate with the team on fundraising events such as galas, donor happy hours, Contemporaries activities, and donor exhibit tours.
• Engage donors and members through regular communications, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, and personalized invitations to museum activities.
• Secure sponsor ships for Museum signature events, working in tandem with Special Events Manager
• Partner with finance on projections and revenue reports.
• Coordinate with exhibitions, program and marketing staff for storytelling, donor engagement, and events.
• Serve as an internal champion for philanthropy across departments.

• Maintain accurate donor records and activity…