Senior Development Officer

Job Description:

Position Title: Senior Development Officer

Position Type: Full Time

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Division: Advancement

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

About Crystal Bridges & The Momentary:

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 is a new contemporary art space that opened to the public on February 22, 2020, in downtown Bentonville, Arkansas. A satellite to Crystal Bridges, the Momentary presents visual, performing, and culinary arts. The mission of the Momentary is to champion contemporary art’s role in everyday life and explore the unfolding story of contemporary American arts in an international context by actively commissioning and exhibiting outstanding works that explore new ideas and inspire action.

Position Summary:

The Senior Development Officer plays a pivotal role on the Development team, helping to advance the mission of both Crystal Bridges and the Momentary through strategic and proactive major gift fundraising from individuals and corporations. As a key member of a collaborative and donor-centered team, the Senior Development Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding philanthropic support.

This role is well-suited for a seasoned and driven professional who can serve as a leader among peers—modeling best practices in donor engagement and contributing meaningfully to a culture of high performance and accountability. The Senior Development Officer will be expected to manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, actively lead donor strategy, and help shape the museum’s fundraising approach through meaningful collaboration, mentorship, and initiative.

The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial self-starter with a track record of securing significant gifts, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to inspire confidence in donors and colleagues alike. A successful candidate demonstrates agility, sound judgment, and professionalism while thriving in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This individual must be capable of effectively articulating the museum’s mission, vision, and impact—and serving as an ambassador and thought partner in building a strong philanthropic culture.

Principle Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

• Build and manage a dynamic portfolio of 75-100 qualified donor and sponsor prospects, focusing on individuals and corporations capable of giving at the $15,000+ level, and engage them through at least 20 substantive face-to-face or virtual interactions and a minimum of 10 solicitations per month, working toward an annual fundraising goal of $500,000-$750,000.
• Lead all phases of the donor lifecycle, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, aligning strategies with institutional priorities.
• Document all interactions, meeting notes, and updated plans in the CRM within 48 hours to ensure accurate and timely donor management.
• Prepare compelling proposals, correspondence, gift agreements, and stewardship reports, in coordination with the Development Communications Coordinator, Development Operations Manager, and Chief Development Officer.
• Identify and execute opportunities for donor upgrades, renewals, and planned giving discussions.
• Serve as a lead point of contact for high-level donor engagement activities, including curated VIP tours, cultivation events, and campaign efforts.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues and senior leadership to advance cross-departmental initiatives and ensure a seamless donor experience.
• Support the team through informal guidance and by setting a high standard for professionalism and results.
• Participate in at least three professional development activities annually, including training sessions, special projects, or industry events, to strengthen skills and enhance effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• At least three years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts—or equivalent transferable experience in relationship-based sales or business development
• Strong working knowledge of CRM platforms (e.g., Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect) and comfort using data to inform strategy
• Ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively; attention to detail and organizational prowess
• Strong alignment with the museum’s mission and willingness to be a passionate advocate for its work
• Ability and willingness to travel for donor meetings and events, and to work occasional evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success securing major gifts from individuals and corporate partners
• Proficiency with Tessitura or other donor databases
• Experience in arts and culture, higher education, or complex nonprofit environments

Education, Training, and Traits

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent work experience in development, research, or related field
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills in data analysis to translate data into actionable information
• Outstanding writing skills and adept at understanding and conveying complexity, nuance, and enthusiasm
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite including Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams,
• Proficiency in AP writing style
• Ability to apply good judgment, discretion, and a commitment to professional ethics and data security when dealing with highly confidential donor and prospect information
• Excellent written and oral communications skills that convey information clearly and concisely
• Detail-oriented, self-starter with an ability to work independently and manage competing priorities in a deadline sensitive environment
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends with an attitude of doing what it takes to get the job done

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: This position requires prolonged periods of working at desk and working on a computer, good eye-hand coordination, verbal and written communication, walking, standing, and occasionally lifting/carrying up to 20 lbs. Vision abilities required by the job include close vision.
• Work Environment:  Work will primarily be performed in an office setting and in Museum spaces. The noise level is generally low to moderate.

All offers of employment are contingent on your successful completion (where permitted by state law) of a confidentiality agreement and background check. In addition, you will need to provide proper identification verifying your eligibility to work in the United States.

Crystal Bridges is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.