Executive Director of Museum Development
Listed on 2026-07-09
-
Management
General Management -
Non-Profit & Social Impact
Job Description
Department:
College Advancement and Campaigning
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Colby College (Waterville, Maine) and the Colby College Museum of Art seek an experienced, strategic, and inspirational Executive Director of Museum Development. The Executive Director will lead the planning and strategic execution of fundraising efforts that support current programming, as well as near‑term plans for a transformational capital project and significantly expanded programming.
Colby’s Dare Northward campaign is one of the single largest campaigns at a liberal arts college in history. After surpassing the original goal of $750M in November 2023, the Board of Trustees voted to extend the campaign to $1B to support the people, programs, and facilities that will position the College as one of the preeminent liberal arts colleges in the world.
With an anonymous nine‑figure gift to the sciences, Dare Northward has surpassed $1B and looks to complete its investments in financial aid, the sciences, and a Colby Museum expansion project.
The Colby College Museum of Art, including the Lunder Institute of American Art, continues to be one of the College’s greatest assets. As one of the best college art museums in the country, the Colby College Museum of Art is renowned in the fields of American art and contemporary art. It remains at the forefront of its peers through an incredible collection, ground‑breaking exhibitions, unique partnerships, and a deep commitment to the communities it serves.
The Colby arts ecosystem also includes the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, Greene Block & Studios, and the Gordon Center for Creative and Performing Arts. Located in downtown Waterville, the Schupf Art Center includes the Colby Museum’s Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art, and the Greene Block + Studios is the home to the Lunder Institute of American Art.
Following the adoption of a new strategic plan, the Carolyn Muzzy Director of the Museum, Jacqueline Terrassa, and the Museum Board of Governors are actively planning future growth opportunities for both capital projects and enhanced programming. Achieving this vision will require a comprehensive fundraising initiative.
Responsibilities- Lead the planning and strategic execution of fundraising efforts that support current programming, near‑term capital projects, and expanded programming.
- Serve as the primary leader for all aspects of fundraising and donor engagement for the museum.
- Develop and oversee a comprehensive advancement program of similar scope and complexity to the institution’s needs.
- Collaborate with museum leadership, board, and stakeholders to identify opportunities to leverage visibility for philanthropic support.
- At least 10 years of experience envisioning, shaping, and implementing a successful philanthropic program.
- Demonstrated experience or familiarity with art communities, including responsibility for initiating and closing major and principal gifts.
- Track record of cultivating major and principal gifts and developing fundraising plans.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, with a history of leading and managing advancement teams.
- Ability to lead a high‑level fundraising initiative and drive success through individual and collaborative efforts.
- Champion of the arts and embodiment of institutional values of honesty, integrity, and personal responsibility.
Colby is a private, coeducational liberal arts college that admits students and makes employment decisions based on the individual's qualifications to contribute to Colby's educational objectives and institutional needs. Colby College does not discriminate in its educational programs or employment based on race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, religion, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, or military or veteran status.
Colby is an equal opportunity employer and operates in accordance with federal and state laws regarding non‑discrimination. Colby complies with Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in an institution’s education programs and activities. Questions regarding Title IX may be referred to Colby’s Title IX coordinator or to the federal Office of Civil Rights. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.
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