Specialist, Museum Development

The Kentucky Museum opened in 1939 as a place for "Kentuckians to know Kentucky." Today, the Kentucky Museum continues this charge while increasing interdisciplinary knowledge of, appreciation, and respect for a collection representative of Southcentral Kentucky. As a teaching museum part of Western Kentucky University, we conduct research and preserve and interpret artifacts in a variety of fields, with special emphasis on fine, decorative, and folk arts;

clothing and textiles; toys; political memorabilia; and other culturally significant items from our community.

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the third largest public four-year institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 16,293 students and nearly 2,612 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community.

At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our ever-evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents.

Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life.

Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green /about .

Position Summary

The Museum Development Specialist advances the Kentucky Museum's fundraising, grant development, external relations and communications, and exhibitions planning and execution activities. The position researches and develops funding opportunities, writes grant proposals, cultivates relationships with funders and community partners, supports the museum's membership and development initiatives, and guides exhibitions through the planning and creation process. Exhibition work will include helping museum staff identify guest curators, manage project schedules and budgets, facilitate communication between internal staff and external partners, and support the successful development and implementation of exhibitions.

Primary/Key Responsibilities

Development, Grant Writing, and Funding (50%)

• Work with Museum Director, museum staff, and WKU Philanthropy to identify funding priorities and translate museum exhibitions, programs, education initiatives, collections, research, and other activities into persuasive funding proposals.
• Research, identify, and pursue grant and fundraising opportunities from foundations, government agencies, corporations, individuals, or other potential fundraising sources.
• Work with museum director and WKU Philanthropy staff to identify funding opportunities.
• Stay up to date on emerging trends in funding opportunities related to museums, higher education, arts, humanities, and cultural organizations.
• Write compelling grant proposals,…