Development Officer

Posted: 08/25/2025
Development & Fundraising

Development Officer
Full-time | Exempt
Salary Range: $71,173 – $80,092 annually
Location: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art seeks a motivated and relationship-oriented Development Officer to join our Development team. This position plays a key role in advancing the museum’s mission by managing a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, primarily focused on gifts ranging from $10,000 to $24,999.

As a Development Officer, you will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, building meaningful relationships to support a variety of museum initiatives, including operations, endowments, and capital campaigns. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across departments to craft compelling proposals, ensure proper stewardship, and help plan donor engagement events.

We’re looking for a development professional with high emotional intelligence, strong communication skills, and a passion for building lasting connections. You should have at least 3 years of fundraising or related experience and an interest in advancing inclusive and equitable philanthropic practices.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 individual donors and prospects

  • Conduct donor visits and make solicitations to achieve fundraising goals

  • Write proposals and collaborate on stewardship plans

  • Coordinate with development and museum staff on donor engagement

  • Support donor-focused events and related initiatives

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in development or a related field

  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

  • Proficiency with donor database systems (Tessitura or similar preferred)

Why Work With Us

At the Nelson-Atkins, your work helps connect people with art in meaningful and lasting ways. You’ll join a supportive, inclusive culture that values your voice and contributions. In addition to meaningful work, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance.

Our benefits include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance options

  • 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer match and contributions

  • Generous paid time off including 10 calendar holidays

  • Onsite Wellness Center with yoga, massage chairs, flu shots, educational resources

  • Free parking, staff discounts, and museum perks

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and legal support

  • Life and disability insurance 

Ready to help shape a secure and welcoming future for one of the country’s leading art museums? Apply today

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact the People and Culture Department.
 
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.
 
Salary information is a general guideline only.  The Museum considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.

Job Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $50,000 - 74,999,$75,000 - 99,999

Development Officer
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

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