Assistant Director, Annual Programs

Reporting to the Director of Annual Programs and Philanthropy Insights, the Assistant Director serves as the operational lead for Annual Programs, ensuring coordinated efforts to meet Annual Programs’ total revenue goal in excess of $9M annually and an excellent experience for MFA supporters.

The Assistant Director translates strategy into execution, maintains effective processes for renewing revenue, ensures exceptional donor service, and manages key program logistics. The role exercises thoughtful judgment in matters where accuracy, responsiveness, and attention-to-detail directly affect donor retention and revenue. The Assistant Director ensures that Annual Programs fulfills a commitment to express deep appreciation and provide concierge service to more than 1,200 Patron Program households, as well as Museum Council and MFA Fund donors. The Assistant Director also manages the Development Associate, Annual Programs to effectively support the day-to-day operation of the Museum Council and the entire team.

Essential Functions

Day-to-Day Patron Program Management (approximately 75% of the role)

Core revenue operations:

• Lead timely, accurate, and strategic execution of monthly Patron Program renewals.

• Ensure timely and accurate weekly Patron Program acknowledgments.

• Monitor gift activity and ensure that membership, giving, and contact data are accurately entered and maintained in Tessitura database. Maintain confidential donor records and files.

• Work closely with Development Operations to resolve gift processing issues and fulfill automatic giving and pledge payment reminders.

• In collaboration with Communications and Membership colleagues, coordinate annual production of season announcement collateral and template communications.

• Analyze and compile data using Tessitura CRM to support reporting, identify trends, and improve operational effectiveness.

Member benefit fulfillment and events:

• In collaboration with the Director, Annual Programs and Philanthropy Insights, and Special Events colleagues, execute a portfolio of Patron Program events designed to bring members closer to the Museum.

• Manage logistics, coordinate staffing, and ensure a donor experience consistent with Patron Program standards.

• Track and respond to event RSVPs.

• Ensure timely and accurate event communications, including invitations, event briefings, and event reminders.

• Collaborate with curators, speakers, and Museum leadership on event content.

• Attend events as appropriate and serve as a welcoming presence.

• Suggest opportunities to improve the member experience and maximize budget.

• Serve as a resource to Patron Program members and ensure that Annual Programs provides a high-touch, concierge donor experience that supports long-term engagement and retention. Exercise independent judgment to address complex requests and resolve concerns.

• Ensure timely receipt of member cards, ticket requests, and fulfillment of other member needs.

Program Growth

• Work closely with the Director, Annual Programs and Philanthropy Insights, and assigned frontline fundraisers to support strategic renewals, acknowledgments, and communications for highest-level supporters. Identify and recommend upgrade opportunities in partnership with colleagues.

• In collaboration with the Director, identify and execute strategies to welcome new members and engage highest-level supporters through additional engagement opportunities, catalogues, and other points of connection.

• Steward a small portfolio of high-level Patrons and highly engaged volunteers, and meet with members as appropriate

• Track prospective members, including referrals from Patron Program Committee, and facilitate successful conversions.

• Working with the Director, Annual Programs and Philanthropy Insights, coordinate Patron Program Committee meetings including scheduling, logistics, agenda, and meeting follow-up.

• Support Committee member engagement in welcoming new members and growing the Patron Program. Translate Committee feedback into program improvements.

Annual Programs Leadership: (approximately 25% of the role)

• Train, mentor, and coach the Development Associate, Annual Programs, to effectively handle day-to-day operations of the Museum Council and overall team administrative support.

• Attend Museum Council Committee meetings and events and collaborate with Museum Council volunteer leadership.

• Provide direction as appropriate to the Program Assistant, Membership and Annual Programs.

• Support alignment and process efficiency across the Museum Council, Patron Program, MFA Fund, and General Membership.

• Support accurate tracking of Annual Programs expenses to adhere to budget.

• Perform related duties as assigned to ensure annual revenue goals are met across Annual Programs.

Qualification Requirements and Characteristics

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• 5-7 years professional experience required, preferably in development/annual giving or managing a revenue-generating membership program.

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage complex, revenue-generating programs and exercise sound judgment in support of fiscal and program goals

• A nimble, creative, and strategic thinker who is open to new ideas

• An excellent relationship manager with a track record of exercising sound judgment and navigating complex donor and volunteer conversations

• Experience recruiting and motivating volunteers and managing volunteer committees.

• Strong track record of meeting deadlines

• Experience writing in a fundraising context and excellent proof-reading skills

• Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to multi-task while maintaining high standards.

• A collaborative style conducive to supporting ongoing work with internal partners

• A strong quantitative and analytical acumen

• Able to handle confidential information with care and sensitivity.

• Maturity, flexibility, initiative and ability to work as a team player essential.

• Ability to work evenings and some weekends with advance notice

• Experience with event planning and management desirable.

• An interest in, or aptitude for, the arts and the museum field desirable

• A commitment to support the Museum’s values of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA)

SALARY RANGE:

Full-time Salary, 35 hours per week

Starting Salary: $85,000 - $90,000

This position is affiliated with the United Auto Workers Union.

The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.