Job Description

Overview: ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW PenArt has been a cornerstone of creativity and community in Door County, Wisconsin, since 1965. A nationally respected hub for arts education and cultural engagement, PenArt invites people of all ages and abilities to explore the transformative power of visual art. Each year, more than 1,000 learners take part in over 2,500 hours of instruction, cultivating imagination, skill, and connection in an environment where artistic growth thrives. Known for the celebrated Door County Plein Air Festival, PenArt welcomes thousands of visitors each summer to experience world-class artists painting the Peninsula's most iconic landscapes. Beyond this beloved event, year-round workshops, exhibitions, artist residencies, and community programs transform the campus into a vibrant gathering place, one that celebrates creative expression as a pathway to belonging and joy. With new leadership starting in 2023, PenArt is experiencing a bold era of growth and innovation. Guided by an ambitious five-year strategic plan, the organization has doubled its annual fund for two consecutive years, retired a $1.2 million construction loan, and earned a prestigious $500,000 grant from the Ford Foundation. In 2025, its endowment increased by over 40% to over $1 million. Set amid Door County's breathtaking natural beauty, PenArt offers an extraordinary opportunity to be part of an institution where art, community, and purpose come vividly to life. POSITION OVERVIEW PenArt, a nationally respected hub for arts education and creative connection in Door County, Wisconsin, seeks an accomplished and visionary Director of Development to help advance its ambitious five-year strategic plan. Building on a strong foundation of community engagement and donor loyalty, this role will drive the next chapter of PenArt's growth through inspired leadership in philanthropy. The Director of Development will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports PenArt's programs, scholarships, and capital initiatives. This includes cultivating meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies, and leveraging data-driven insights through PenArt's CRM system, Neon One, to deepen donor engagement and sustain long-term giving. This is a dynamic opportunity for a creative, strategic, and relationship-centered fundraising professional to join a collaborative team and help realize PenArt's vision: to make art accessible, inclusive, and transformative for all who walk through its doors. Responsibilities: CORE RESPONSIBILITIES Fundraising & Donor Relations oLead PenArt's comprehensive development program, cultivating and stewarding relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies. oPartner with the Executive Director to identify, solicit, and secure major gifts and grants that sustain and grow PenArt's mission-driven programs. oPlan and implement strategic donor cultivation and engagement activities, including events and campaigns, that deepen connection and inspire philanthropy. oUtilize PenArt's CRM system (Neon One) to manage donor data, analyze giving trends, and strengthen fundraising outcomes through informed strategy. Campaign & Institutional Support oDrive annual and special fundraising initiatives that advance PenArt's strategic priorities, from scholarships and community access to capital projects. oCollaborate with program and finance teams to develop compelling cases for support and ensure alignment between fundraising goals and organizational needs. oSteward grant funding and reporting processes to ensure compliance and impact storytelling that reflects PenArt's educational and cultural contributions. Donor Engagement & Recognition oDevelop and implement creative donor recognition and stewardship practices that reflect PenArt's spirit of gratitude, community, and artistry. oEngage with the Board and Development Committee to strengthen their role as ambassadors and advocates in donor cultivation and solicitation. oBuild and sustain a culture of philanthropy across staff and volunteers that celebrates giving as an extension of artistic and community engagement. Strategic Leadership & Advancement oPartner with the Executive Director and senior leadership to develop and execute a long-term fundraising strategy that ensures financial sustainability and growth. oMonitor trends in arts philanthropy to identify new opportunities for funding, collaboration, and innovation. oRepresent PenArt with professionalism and passion in donor and community settings, sharing the impact of art education and creative exploration. Qualifications: PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES The Director of Development will combine strategic sophistication with genuine warmth and collaborative relationship-driven spirit. They will bring proven experience in high-level fundraising and campaign management, coupled with the confidence to take initiative and the curiosity to explore new possibilities. This is someone who can think analytically and act creatively--an organized, disciplined project manager who also thrives in human connection. Open, friendly, and self-assured, they inspire trust with donors, colleagues, and community partners alike, approaching every opportunity with optimism, professionalism, and authenticity. Equally important is a personal style that embodies the grounded and inclusive character of both Door County and PenArt. The successful candidate will be hands-on and unpretentious, someone equally comfortable leading a major gift solicitation as they are pitching in at an event. They will appreciate the intimate arts ecosystem of Door County, bringing empathy, resilience, and perseverance to their work. Confident yet collaborative, this leader will embrace PenArt's strong foundation, join its momentum, and help shape its next chapter with integrity, heart, vision, and a deep belief in the power of art to connect community. KEY COMPETENCIES Strategic Fundraising & Donor Development Demonstrated ability to design, lead, and execute comprehensive fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, campaigns, business sponsorships, and grants, that strengthen financial sustainability and advance organizational growth. oDeep experience with development operations and donor lifecycle management. oData-driven approach to identifying donor gaps and opportunities. oProven success leading campaigns and closing significant gifts. oBalances short-term fundraising needs with long-term relationship building. Analytical & Project Management Acumen Brings disciplined organization, analytical thinking, and project management skills to plan, track, and optimize development operations. oStructured and methodical in managing projects, campaigns, and donor pipelines. oStrong grasp of fundraising metrics, data analysis, and CRM usage. oBalances creativity with accountability and measurable results. oEnsures follow-through and attention to detail across multiple priorities. Resilience, Adaptability & Self-Direction Confident, self-starting professional who navigates ambiguity and change with optimism, perseverance, and problem-solving ability. oComfortable operating independently with limited day-to-day guidance. oThrives in a "building phase" -- creating structure where it may not yet exist. oRolls up sleeves when needed -- equally at ease managing a campaign or setting up for an event. oFlexible and calm under pressure; maintains perspective in evolving environments. Relationship Building & Community Engagement Skilled at cultivating authentic, long-term relationships with donors, community leaders, and stakeholders rooted in trust, warmth, and shared purpose. oRelational, not transactional, approach to fundraising. oActively present in the community -- visible, approachable, and engaged. oSensitive to local culture and capable of integrating into Door County's close-knit, evolving community. oExceptional verbal and written communicator; able to connect across diverse audiences. Collaborative Leadership & Team Orientation Operates as a collegial, open, and supportive leader who fosters trust and teamwork across staff, board, and volunteers while keeping organizational goals front and center. oPositive, diplomatic, and non-controlling leadership style. oComfortable managing multiple personalities (especially with a large board). oThrives in a small, growing team -- willing to pitch in on events and operational needs. oBuilds bridges between marketing, development, and program teams to align messaging and donor engagement. Strategic Communication & Storytelling Uses compelling, mission-driven communication to engage donors, partners, and the public, amplifying PenArt's impact and deepening community investment. oStrong writer and public communicator -- clear, thoughtful, and authentic voice. oUnderstands how to integrate marketing and development for cohesive messaging. oEffectively articulates vision, impact, and opportunities to diverse audiences. oRepresents PenArt with warmth, confidence, and professionalism. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE oBachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Arts Administration, or related field. A master's degree in arts management, or similar is preferred. oCertified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred. oMinimum of 7 years of progressive experience in development or fundraising, with 3 years in a leadership capacity, ideally within the arts, education, or cultural nonprofit sector. oDemonstrated success in all areas of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, campaigns, corporate sponsorships, foundation support, and government grants. oProven ability to build and sustain meaningful donor relationships and to cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts at all levels. oProficiency with donor CRM systems (Neon One strongly preferred) and data-driven approaches to tracking and optimizing donor engagement. oExceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire, educate, and connect diverse audiences to PenArt's mission. oExperience collaborating with internal and external partners, including marketing professionals and creative contractors, to develop compelling messaging and donor materials. oStrong strategic, analytical, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities. oHands-on, collegial leader with the ability to motivate staff, engage the board, and foster collaboration across teams. oPassion for the visual arts and arts education, with a deep appreciation for their role in community vitality and cultural enrichment. COMPENSATION & UNIQUE BENEFITS Compensation range of $85,000 - $100,000. Five-day work schedule May through October, four-day work schedule November through April, Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays with a paid winter break, Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Employee Funded Health Savings Account (HSA), Individual Retirement Plan (IRA), Professional Development, Relocation Support, Getting to live and work in beautiful Door County. NOMINATION & APPLICATION PROCESS To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume to: Shelly Beaver Spano Pratt Executive Search Executive Search Consultant sbeaver@spanopratt.com (262) 685-8017

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