Chief Development Officer

Overview

The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Crystal Bridges is a public non-profit charitable organization.

Job Description:

Position Title: Chief Development Officer

Position Type: Full-Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Impact Officer

Date Reviewed: January 26, 2026

Crystal Bridges is a museum of American art located in Bentonville, Arkansas. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate the American heritage and artistic possibilities. Founded by Alice Walton in 2005, the museum opened in 2011 and is a public, non-profit charitable organization with free admission.

The Momentary enriches lives through music, art, and food experiences that inspire creativity, build community, and create joy. The Momentary is a venue for the music, art, and food of our time, and a catalyst for creativity and economic vitality. An extension to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary is a ‘living room’ where community gathers to be inspired, connected, and joyful.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership and operational management for giving and membership initiatives at Crystal Bridges and the Momentary. This position oversees a mission-focused division of fundraising and grants professionals, driving efforts to maximize philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer (CIO), the CDO collaborates with museum leadership and cross-departmental teams to execute strategies that grow contributed revenue and strengthen the organization’s financial sustainability.

This position supports fostering collaboration, innovation, and team-oriented culture within their areas of oversight. The CDO is responsible for setting and achieving performance benchmarks for fundraising and membership growth, ensuring alignment with the museum’s mission and values. This position will also manage a major gift portfolio to secure transformational gifts for Crystal Bridges and the Momentary.

Leadership and Strategy:

• Collaborates with the CIO to develop and implement strategies designed to grow contributed revenue streams, including major gifts, membership, annual fund, grants, and planned giving.
• Lead the development and grants teams to achieve or exceed fundraising goals through inclusive and effective leadership.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration to align fundraising efforts with broader organizational goals.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision-making across areas of responsibility.

Fundraising:

• Oversee strategies for individual, corporate, and foundation giving, with a focus on securing transformational gifts and supporting the institution’s priorities.
• Set and monitor performance benchmarks for fundraising growth.
• Actively manage a portfolio of major donors, participating in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities as appropriate.
• Provide strategic oversight for grant proposals and reporting, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and compliance with grantor requirements.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversees the management of donor proposals, records, reporting, and recognitional processes, ensuring high data integrity and efficiency.
• Monitor division budgeting and reporting for all areas of responsibility, including fundraising, annual fund, and grants.
• Ensure compliance with legal regulations and ethical standards for fundraising professionals.
• Stay informed of industry trends and best practices in non-profit fundraising management.

Representation:

• Represent the museum in the community, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and members.
• Serve as a visible and engaged leader, promoting the museum’s mission and priorities in external and internal settings.

Education, Training, Traits:

• Bachelor’s degree from an…