Henry Art Gallery seeks Membership & Special Events Manager

Membership & Special Events Manager

ABOUT THE HENRY
The Henry Art Gallery was founded as Washington State’s first art museum in 1926, on the principle that art stimulates inquiry, fosters knowledge, and builds healthy communities. Located on the campus of the University of Washington (UW), Seattle, the Henry is internationally recognized as a pioneer in the research and presentation of contemporary art. Learn about our mission and vision: text

POSITION PURPOSE
The Membership and Special Events Manager is responsible for developing donor engagement strategies for the Henry Art Gallery through special events, creative stewardship, and annual giving and membership campaigns. The Membership and Special Events Manager will have significant direct contact with the museum’s diverse internal and external audiences including members, patrons, board, staff, volunteers, and University partners.

The position will work closely with the Henry’s Deputy Director of External Relations to create and implement a successful membership program that builds an engaged community of Henry members. The position will work collaboratively to design and evaluate annual membership solicitation and renewals, both in print and online. A successful program will deliver value to Henry members by offering members meaningful and unique opportunities to connect with the museum through its exhibits, programs, collections, and events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Member Acquisition and Stewardship

Lead strategic membership efforts to ensure achievement of annual growth with an equal emphasis on acquisition, retention, generation of revenue, and acknowledgement of the diversity of Henry audiences.
Develop a year-round membership acquisition plan that incorporates promotions, renewals, and discounts for all segments of the membership audience and partner with Communications and Museum Services departments to implement.
Oversee membership data, gift processing, and acknowledgement. Supervise part-time Data Processing and Donor Services Assistant. Monitor, report, and interpret membership sales and attendance on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, and communicate to appropriate staff; Serve as database expert, and pursue process improvement initiatives when necessary.
Execute stewardship activities including, but not limited to: weekly gift acknowledgement letters, tailored thank-you and acknowledgment vehicles for major donors (i.e. letters from leadership and people impacted by their gift), stewardship gatherings, and website acknowledgements as appropriate.
Work in collaboration with the Grants and Sponsorship Manager to develop and implement corporate partnerships and promotions that extend membership presence and visibility in the community.
Work in collaboration with Associate Director of Marketing and Communications to identify partnership and cross-promotional opportunities with area museums and non-profit organizations and define member messaging in Henry e-newsletters and renewal mailings.
Work with Lead Designer to create all marketing materials related to member acquisition, renewal, and stewardship.
Manage membership budget.
Take Henry membership out into the broader community. Represent the Henry at community events and in professional networking events with local peers.Event Management
Provide professional and strategic production management of all events related to museum members and prospects, with an emphasis on higher-level donors. This includes:
-Special opening weekend events for members, including patron previews for exhibitions (approximately 5 per year)
-High-touch dinners with patrons and artists (approximately three to four per year)
Collaborate with curatorial staff to identify opportunities for donors to engage with museum programs and exhibiting artists
Make personal invitations to members when appropriate to deepen their engagement at the museum.
Arrange major gift donor visits/receptions in support of major gift stewardship as needed.
Supervise event volunteers.
Supervise a contract event producer to create the annual Henry Gala. This involves:
-Active participation with Board-led Gala Committee
-Management of invitations and registration system
-Oversight of pledge fulfillments and gift acknowledgments
-Clear communication across multiple internal and external constituents
-Identification and implementation of best practices for continued follow up with gala sponsors and guests that will maintain and increase museum engagementMINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree – preferably in marketing, communications, or related field – with demonstrated experience (at least 2 years) working with membership sales or in marketing/fundraising for an organization with similar membership goals and objectives; or equivalent combination of education and experience.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Proven project management and special event experience, with an accurate and thorough approach to detail. Proven experience in working successfully with and supporting Board members and volunteers.
Excellent interpersonal skills; poised manner; ability to exercise discretionary judgment and professionally handle sensitive situations. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Superior organizational and time management skills; ability to oversee multiple projects and quickly discern priorities among competing interests; flexibility and adaptability to changing needs; proven ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of team.
Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge, or willingness and ability to learn how to use the Raiser’s Edge database system and other proprietary software products.
Experience in training and supervising volunteers.
Affinity for working in a museum or other creative environment.