Director of Development

Organization Mission

Laumeier Sculpture Park engages communities through art and nature to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and promote social connection for all. Our nonprofit museum located in a public green space showcases and stewards a renowned art collection, exhibitions, enriching education programs, and beloved public events.

Organization Overview

Laumeier Sculpture Park, one of the first and largest sculpture parks in the country, is an internationally recognized, nonprofit arts organization that is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and operates in partnership with St. Louis County Parks. Laumeier presents more than 70 works of large-scale outdoor sculpture in a 105-acre park that is free and open daily. Laumeier serves approximately 360,000 visitors of all ages each year with presentations of art through a sculpture collection, temporary exhibitions, education programs, public events, and more. The park is located in Sunset Hills, Missouri in St. Louis County.

Position Overview

The Director of Development is a full-time exempt, salaried position with benefits, reporting to the Executive Director. Considered a member of senior staff, the Director of Development plays a critical role in strategy, cultivation and securing of contributed income. The Director of Development will work closely with other senior staff members and the board of directors to plan and execute fundraising strategies to collectively meet an annual goal of approximately $1 million for operating, plus more for special campaigns.

This position works especially closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, Director of Events, and Marketing and Communications Manager.  While the primary focus is on individual and corporate sources, this person will be looped into grant writing and foundation fundraising and occasionally assist as needed.

Laumeier Sculpture Park will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2026 and is marking this milestone with a fundraising campaign and a full year of special programming. The Development Director plays a lead role in both these initiatives, in partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other senior staff.

The Director of Development also serves as a staff liaison to the Board of Directors Development Committee and 50th Anniversary Campaign Committee.

Duties + Responsibilities

• In consultation with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, develop and execute a comprehensive development strategy that meets Laumeier’s annual operating goals and lays continuing groundwork for increasing contributed revenue
• Partner with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and outside counsel to lead and execute Laumeier’s 50th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign
• Spearhead major gift fundraising with strategies to acquire, renew and upgrade major donors and Leadership Circle ($1,000 and above annually)
• Lead efforts to develop relationships and secure major gifts from corporations, largely in partnership with Special Events team
• Work with staff to capitalize on program-based fundraising opportunities and targeted campaigns
• Manage the annual Membership fundraising program and its associated benefits; explore creative ways to increase the participation of Members
• Execute all administrative functions of the Development Department, including receiving and processing gifts, preparing acknowledgement letters, and generating donor appeals and membership renewal communications
• Manage Laumeier’s donor database (Donor Perfect), including maintaining records, recording gifts, generating reports and mailing lists, and reconciling regularly with accounting/finance
• Serve as the Development lead on cultivation and fundraising events
• Initiate a new planned giving campaign
• Other duties as needed and assigned

Qualifications + Skills

The ideal candidate is passionate about art and parks and can help inspire others to feel the same; has a social manner and friendly personality; is discrete, respectful, well-organized, strategic, persistent, and patient. Possesses:

• Leadership qualities and a strong work ethic
• Growth mindset and ability to self-reflect
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Sensitivity to both “big picture” and small details
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced work environment
• Dependability, attention to detail, and self-motivation to initiate and follow through
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Insight into the role of marketing and communications in fundraising
• Ability to help write and track budgets, and control department expenditures
• Ability to interact politely and respectfully with a wide variety of stakeholders, including colleagues and the public
• Experience with the fundraising landscape in St. Louis, with existing local relationships, is a plus, but not required
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite of programs, experience with Donor Perfect is a plus

Education + Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Upper-level development/fundraising experience for a nonprofit organization, preferably one with an arts and culture-related mission
• Proven track record of donor relationship management and successfully raising major gifts from individuals
• Experience with larger targeted fundraising campaigns, such as capital campaigns or endowments, is especially desirable

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check, including a check for criminal records
• Ability to work several times per year evenings and weekends
• Ability to work outdoors

Compensation

$80,000 – $85,000

Benefits package is competitive and includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability coverage, starting on the first day of employment. Health care plan coverage is also available to spouses, domestic partners and dependents, with the employee being responsible for premiums. A generous amount of PTO is granted and grows with the length of employment.

No relocation assistance is available.

Office Culture

Laumeier is a small organization, with modestly sized departments, and team members all work closely together. Laumeier offers flexibility for hybrid models of remote and in-person work as well as flexible scheduling.

Staff Core Values: We believe in the importance and impact of art and nature. We encourage creativity and innovation. We value collaboration and teamwork. We rely on competency leading to quality and excellence. We stay true to our values by respecting our colleagues and maintaining accountability. We cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, and positive environment for staff, board, artists, students, and visitors

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to HR@laumeier.org with the subject line “Director of Development.” Please do not send additional supporting materials until they are requested.

Only applicants who move forward in the process will be contacted. We ask for understanding and patience. Please do not contact any staff members to check on the status of your application, and absolutely no phone calls.

Search + Timing

The first round of interviews will be held on Zoom. Finalists will interview in person if possible.

Position open until filled. Anticipated start date: as soon as possible, with flexibility to accommodate the hire’s availability.

Laumeier is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Posted: 3/26/2025