Job Description

The Director of Museum Development will play a pivotal role in MOBWI’s foundational growth. This individual will lead fundraising efforts, project coordination, program development, and artifact curation in support of the museum’s successful launch and long-term sustainability. As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Museum Development will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer and work collaboratively across stakeholders to advance capital campaign goals and establish signature donor, programmatic, and exhibition initiatives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Development

• Design and execute a multi-year development strategy to support the capital campaign and museum launch
• Cultivate and manage relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and public agencies
• Write compelling proposals, donor communications, and campaign materials
• Identify opportunities for in-kind donations, artifact sponsorships, and naming rights

Project Management & Campaign Coordination

• Manage development-related timelines, deliverables, and reporting for the capital campaign
• Support stakeholder engagement efforts including Board involvement and campaign ambassadors
• Track progress using donor database/CRM and ensure donor recognition and compliance
• Coordinate logistics for fundraising events and community awareness campaigns

Program & Exhibition Development

• Assist in developing early educational and public programming aligned with MOBWI’s mission
• Support research and planning for opening exhibitions and launch events
• Collaborate with curatorial consultants on early-stage exhibit design and interpretation strategies

Artifact Curation & Research

• Conduct research on historic and contemporary Black women innovators for museum collection development
• Support artifact acquisition strategies, including outreach to families, historians, and collectors
• Organize and maintain preliminary digital and physical archive records
• Assist in coordinating loans, donations, and provenance documentation

Qualifications

• 5-8 years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, or museum advancement
• Demonstrated experience managing campaigns or complex projects from concept to completion
• Knowledge of program development, preferably in cultural, educational, or social impact spaces
• Strong research, writing, and presentation skills
• Experience or interest in artifact research, museum collections, or curatorial practices
• Passion for social justice, Black history, and amplifying underrepresented voices
• Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., DonorPerfect, Bloomerang, Salesforce) and project management tools
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, startup-like environment

Why Join MOBWI Now?

• Be part of building an historic institution from the ground up
• Shape national conversations on innovation, equity, and legacy
• Join a visionary team committed to excellence, empowerment, and cultural preservation

About The Museum of Black Women Innovators (MOBWI)

Currently in its development phase, The Museum of Black Women Innovators (MOBWI) is a groundbreaking cultural institution set to open in Norfolk, Virginia. MOBWI will be the first museum in the United States solely dedicated to uncovering, preserving, and celebrating the extraordinary achievements of Black women across industries—from invention and innovation to arts, advocacy, and entrepreneurship.

MOBWI exists to rewrite history, reclaim narratives, and reimagine the future by creating a space that honors Black women’s legacy and leadership. As we move toward our public launch, we are building a founding team passionate about shaping a bold and lasting institution.

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