Director of Foundation Relations and Government Grants

BACKGROUND: Home to one of the world’s finest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modern paintings—including the largest groups of paintings by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne in existence—the Barnes brings together renowned masterworks by such artists as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, and Vincent van Gogh, alongside ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and non-Western art as well as metalwork, furniture, and decorative art. The collection also contains American paintings and works on paper; African sculpture; Native American ceramics, jewelry, and textiles; Asian paintings, prints, and sculptures; and medieval manuscripts and sculptures.

Built on Dr. Albert Barnes’s innovative ideas, the Barnes has become a vanguard in the field of arts education, and a hub for genuine human connection through the study and appreciation of the arts. The collection has the power to move and inspire audiences, regardless of background or age, in profound ways that few other experiences can.

Since moving to the heart of Philadelphia in 2012 from Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, the Barnes has become an integral part of the cultural fabric not only of the city but of the state, country, and international community. The institution has had over 2 million guests from all 50 states and 70 foreign countries on five continents visit the collection and exhibitions, and more than 100,000 children from the Philadelphia region and beyond. Please click here for more information about the Barnes history and impact.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The Director of Foundation Relations and Government Grants is an important frontline fundraiser who manages a portfolio of 30-40 foundation and public agency donors and prospects toward a goal of raising $2-3 million annually to support the Barnes’ core curatorial, education, community engagement and conservation programs; DEAI; special exhibitions; publications and special events (including the Barnes Art Ball).

The Director is responsible for the development and execution of a strategic plan for foundation and public agency support that is focused on maximizing and growing revenue from these institutional funders. Additionally, the Director is responsible for growing the prospect pool of new foundations and government sources that can support the Barnes.

The ideal candidate is strategic, optimistic, creative, collaborative, detail-oriented, and possesses outstanding writing and presentation skills with a strong marketing sense. He/she/they will be a public representative for the Barnes at on site and community events and activities.

The Director of Foundation Relations and Government Grants is a senior leader on the Barnes’ Advancement Team and reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Deputy Director for Advancement. Reporting to the Director is a full-time Grants Manager. He/she/they regularly collaborate with Barnes staff, board, volunteer leadership, Advancement leadership team, and foundation, government officials and staff.

FUNDING: The Barnes’ annual operating budget for the current FY21 is approximately $20M, with $10.2M expected from all philanthropic sources. In FY 20, the Barnes received contributed gifts and pledges that totaled approximately $10M. In 2018 the Barnes launched a $100M campaign to raise both endowment and multi-year project support for critical, mission-specific initiatives. To date, approximately $51M has been raised. The endowment has a current market value of approximately $120M.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated successful experience in securing and increasing significant foundation and public agency fundraising—preferably in higher education or other cultural organizations—with a record of securing commitments of $100,000+.
• A comfortable frontline fundraiser.
• Management experience and success in a sophisticated and complex fundraising environment.
• A passion for and interest in the arts is preferred.
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to provide leadership for trustees and other senior professional.
• Ability to identify new donors and interact with foundation executives.
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, research, and presentation skills with a strong marketing instinct.
• Proficient with MS Office and donor database software; Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Strong organizational skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, diplomatic ability, and authenticity in manner and communication.
• A deep curiosity to explore new funding and relationship opportunities.
• Ability to work successfully in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple assignments and priorities.
• Ability to travel locally and nationally, as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Please click here to apply online via the Howe-Lewis Talent Portal or email your resume and letter of interest to Kirk@howe-lewis.com

All expressions of interest will be held in confidence.