Development and Membership Manager

Development & Membership Manager

South Bend Museum of Art

Reports To: Executive Director

About the South Bend Museum of Art

SBMA as a free public museum, serves this community by showcasing up to 15 exhibitions a year in its 5 galleries, conserving 1200+ works of art in its permanent collection, engaging in school and community partnerships, and offering studio art classes and numerous educational programs to the public.

Position Summary

The Development & Membership Manager plays an essential role in expanding and strengthening the South Bend Museum of Art’s base of members, donors, and supporters. This position manages the museum’s development database, membership program, fundraising mailings, donor stewardship processes, and event coordination, including support for Elevate and other museum events.

The ideal candidate brings experience in donor databases, membership systems, event logistics, and development operations. They are detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable balancing multiple deadlines in a dynamic nonprofit environment.

Key Responsibilities

Membership Management

• Process new memberships, renewals, upgrades, gift memberships, and facilitate the biannual membership drive to increase and upgrade memberships.
• Manage membership communications, renewal reminders, lapsing reports, and member engagement efforts.
• Maintain accurate membership records in DonorPerfect or other CRM systems.
• Prepare and execute membership mailings and e-communications.

Development Operations & Database Management

• Maintain accurate donor records, including gifts, pledges, grants, contact information, and reporting categories.
• Assist in preparing grant proposals and applications.
• Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and ensure timely submissions.
• Maintain organized grant files and assist with reporting and data collection.
• Generate donor acknowledgment letters and stewardship communications.
• Pull database reports for campaigns, board reports, and fundraising analysis.
• Assist with annual fund campaigns, sponsorship tracking, and donor segmentation.
• Coordinate development-related mailings (annual fund, special appeals, campaign updates).
• Support donor research and cultivation activities as needed.

Event Support (Fundraising & Stewardship)

• Assist in coordinating museum fundraising events, including Elevate, exhibit openings, the Scholastics events, and donor cultivation events.
• Manage event logistics such as vendor coordination, equipment orders, RSVPs, layout plans, and on-site support.
• Ensure accurate event records, including guest lists, sponsorship fulfillment, and follow-up stewardship.
• Support event-related communications, invitations, and marketing materials.

Internal Coordination & Communications

• Work collaboratively with the Curators of Education, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, and staff to support membership, grant-writing and fundraising storytelling.
• Prepare donor lists for publications and signage.
• Support museum-wide communications related to membership, donor updates, and event announcements.

Development Support for Mailings

• Coordinate print and digital development mailings (appeals, membership letters, stewardship notes).
• Produce mailing lists, printing files, and tracking spreadsheets.
• Work with external printers/mail houses when needed.
• Prepare acknowledgment and stewardship packets.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, nonprofit management, business, marketing/communications, or related field.
• 2–5 years of experience in development, membership management, events, or related nonprofit administrative roles.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• Experience with donor or membership databases (DonorPerfect preferred).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple timelines and priorities.
• Event planning experience strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google docs; familiarity with Constant Contact or similar platforms a plus.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.

Work Environment

This is an in-person, fulltime (35 hours weekly), role based at SBMA. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required to support museum events. This position works in a professional office environment and requires regular interaction with members, donors, and visitors. Some physical activity may be required at events, including lifting up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The South Bend Museum of Art is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe in fostering a workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences, which enriches our work and strengthens our community.

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience. Full-time benefits package includes health insurance and paid time off.

To Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.

Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental