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Development Manager

Posted: 07/15/2024

The Western Railway Museum is seeking a Development Manager to join our team in our office in Suisun City, CA. 

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
Since 1946, the Western Railway Museum (WRM), in Solano County, California has preserved the regional heritage of electric railway transportation for present and future generations. A museum of interurban transit equipment, it holds the largest collection of Sacramento Northern Railway equipment and offers an array of family fun activities including over 50 historic cars on display, railway exhibits, the Museum Store and Gift Shop, and historic streetcar and interurban electric train rides. The museum is operated by the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association (BAERA), a non-profit organization that was created to foster interest in streetcar, interurban, and mainline electric railroad operations, and to preserve these rapidly vanishing pieces of history.

The museum is supported by 1,000 members, 100 volunteers, admission receipts, museum store sales, and tax-deductible donations from organizations, friends, visitors, and members of the museum.

POSITION SUMMARY:
This is an exciting opportunity working for a museum which proudly features an 11-mile scenic train excursion to the general public. 

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Development Manager will play a key role in developing fundraising activities, implementing a successful grants program, and overseeing all aspects of our annual museum events.

This role will be instrumental in building upon the foundation of our association to increase awareness and boost donations and revenue while fostering a positive culture which aligns with our vision and goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Collaborate with the Executive Director to plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising campaigns, event activities and the implementation of a successful grant program.
  • Creation and implementation of a Development Plan which includes; two annual appeals, major donors, and grants. 
  • Leverage the donor database (DonorPerfect) to categorize donors, build relationships, monitor progress, and evaluate results for improved future stewardship efforts.
  • Oversee event planning, logistics, arranging catering, and working with train operations to ensure smooth event programs. 
  • Collaborate closely with the Marketing & Volunteer Coordinator to successfully market and promote museum events.
  • Oversee and manage events budget.  
  • Spearhead grant research and tracking efforts.
  • Participate in networking events to broaden our professional network and enhance the museum's outreach and capabilities.
  • Work alongside staff, other departments, and volunteers to advocate for the museum and enhance visibility and awareness of the organization’s mission.
  • Time allocation: Events 50%, Fundraising 25%, Grants 25%.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experienced in grant research and grant writing.
  • Proven track record in fundraising, event coordination, and project management.
  • Proficient in donor database software, Microsoft Excel, Word, and Google Suite.
  • Strong organizational and time management abilities, with meticulous attention to detail.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication capabilities.
  • Able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends for events as needed.
  • Positive, upbeat attitude with a sense of humor preferred.
  • Must successfully pass a background check.
  • Possession of a valid CA driver’s license and vehicle insurance.
  • Bachelor’s Degree preferred in nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or related field with minimum 5-years experience. 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • This position involves regular walking, standing, sitting for extended periods of time.
  • May involve stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and moving or lifting up to 20 lbs.
  • May involve close vision, color vision, depth perception, focus adjustment, and viewing computer monitor for extended periods.
  • Exposure to outdoors, heat, cold, rainy, windy conditions as needed during special events.
  • Weekends and evenings as needed.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
This opportunity offers a generous comprehensive benefits package including:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Optical
  • Paid Vacation
  • 403(b) Retirement Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 

$60,000 - $70,000 DOE / Non Exempt