Vice President of External Affairs and Development

The National Building Museum inspires curiosity about the world we design and build.

We are a private, nonprofit institution, created by Congress in 1980 to commemorate American achievements in architecture, design, and engineering and to encourage excellence in the building arts. Today, the National Building Museum transforms understanding of the history and impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and design. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events, we welcome all ages to experience stories about the built world and its power to shape our lives, communities, and futures.

Position Description

The Vice President of External Affairs & Development (VP) oversees organizational advancement by providing leadership to the Museum’s Development and Marketing & Communications teams to build an aligned strategy that strengthens the organization's brand and reputation and drives revenue. Reporting to the President & Executive Director, the VP is a pivotal member of the Executive Leadership Team and works closely with the Board of Directors. This role requires an influential leader with a talent for cross-functional collaboration, and relationship-building. The VP will also work closely with the ED, peers and staff to develop and execute a comprehensive external affairs strategy that aligns all external communication, strengthens partnerships and grows sustainable philanthropic support.

The VP will lead a strong team of leaders in two departments. The Development Dept includes individual and major gift fundraising; corporate, foundation and government relations; campaigns and annual giving; membership programming; planned giving; trustee engagement and cultivation; major events; fundraising for all aspects of the Museum including exhibitions, educational programming and capital improvements; and prospect research. The Marketing & Communications Department comprises the Museum’s external communications including developing marketing and communication strategies for print, digital, social media, graphic design, web and online presence. The VP will provide leadership and strategic oversight over these functional areas, ensuring a consistent brand presence while driving visitors to the Museum and contributed revenue through fundraising, grants, and partnerships.

The VP leads initiatives that build and diversify contributed income, strengthen marketing and communications, foster strategic partnerships, and expand relationships with policy makers, industry leaders, and other influencers and stakeholders, including corporate and individual members. The VP will serve as a trusted advisor and key partner to the President & ED in growing the reach and impact of the Museum.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the Development and Marketing & Communications teams to define and achieve ambitious annual fundraising goals and strategically align the Museum’s external messaging across all channels.
• Support, coach and manage a team of development and marketing professionals, volunteers and interns.
• Oversee all major fundraising programs including annual giving, membership, major gifts, planned giving, partnerships, restricted fundraising for exhibitions, education, online and other initiatives, event fundraising including the annual Honor Award & Gala, Annual Report and other initiatives that may be assigned at the discretion of the Executive Director.
• Lead and execute, along with the ED and development team, a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Museum’s Future Cities Initiative
• Define and monitor KPIs to evaluate the effectiveness of marketing, communications and fundraising strategies.
• Cultivate and manage the Museum’s relationships with key supporters including individuals, corporations, associations/nonprofits, foundations and government agencies, elected officials, and policy makers.
• Engage Museum Trustees on their Trustee dues, fundraising initiatives, serving as the primary staff contact for the Development Committee.
• Work collaboratively with the executive leadership team to support the Museum’s efforts to achieve its financial and strategic goals, developing coherent strategies for resource development and allocation. Provide cross-functional and collaborative leadership across the organization.
• Assess and optimize efficient processes throughout the External Affairs team, including overseeing the use of data to drive informed fundraising decisions.
• Support the Director of Marketing & Communications in the creation of and effective implementation of communications plans.
• Strengthen government affairs strategies across the organization. Stay current on existing or proposed legislation, partnerships, and funding opportunities with possible impact on the organization. Support the President & ED with a stakeholder engagement plan including engaging elected and appointed officials on work and impact of the Museum.
• Actively partner with and support the DEAI Committee and the DEAI goals of the Museum and consistently model inclusive culture. Develop and champion the Museums diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and equity strategic efforts in marketing and development.
• Work closely with ELT members to ensure ongoing alignment with the Museum’s strategic plan and other priorities.
• Ensure compliant and effective reporting on all grants and contributions. As needed, support the Finance dept in financial reporting and audit preparation.

Qualifications and Background

• 10+ years of nonprofit development experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree required, certificate or advanced degree preferable.
• Commitment to and passion for the mission and work of the National Building Museum.
• Strong track record of successful fundraising campaigns.
• Experience managing a comprehensive development program.
• Track record of effective staff supervision and team building as well as a strong overall leadership profile.
• Exceptional writing, analytical, communication and relationship building skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in developing communications strategies.
• Ability to conceptualize issues, design solutions, make decisions, and effectively implement strategies.
• A systems and process-based thinker with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Demonstrated capacity to work successfully with colleagues at all levels of the organization to achieve common goals.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with computer software applications; experience with Altru preferred.
• Sense of humor is a plus.

Our Commitment

At the Museum, we pursue diversity and endeavor to create an inclusive and accessible environment for our staff, visitors, stakeholders, and Board members. We value diverse perspectives and believe the power of diversity enriches us all. Creating an inclusive environment is critical to every individual’s work. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.