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Job Description
Development Officer -
Danforth Museum and Art School Category:
Staff Subscribe:
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Development and Alumni Relations Locations:
Framingham, MA Posted:
May 27, 2026
Closes:
Open Until Filled Type:
Full-time Salary Type:
Annually Salary Range:
$80,000.00 - $80,000.00
Position ID:
200935
Share About Framingham State University:
Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast. Established in 1975 by a group of community members committed to bringing the arts to Framingham, the Danforth Art Museum and Art School has long served as a vibrant center for artistic expression, education, and community engagement. Following its merger with Framingham State University in 2018, the Danforth continues this legacy from its home in the historic Jonathan Maynard Building on Framingham Centre Common. The Museum's Permanent Collection focuses on American art from the 19th century to the present day, while rotating exhibitions showcase both historic works and contemporary regional artists. Through exhibitions, public programs, and a dynamic Art School offering year-round classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels, the Danforth invites the public to see, learn about, create, and be inspired by art. The Danforth is also proud to be part of the Framingham Centre Common Cultural District. FSU is deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community. FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation, and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities. Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement."
LIVE TO THE TRUTH
aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers .
Job Description:
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
Responsible for the identification, cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors with the capacity to make gifts of $1,000 or greater to the Danforth Art Museum and School at Framingham State University.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Assistant Vice President of University Advancement
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
May supervise Student Workers and contract employees
EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct 120+ face-to-face meetings annually with assigned donors and prospects. Leads fundraising efforts and is accountable for achieving the Danforth's annual fundraising goal, in partnership with the Danforth team. Cultivate and solicit qualified prospects for leadership annual gifts and major and planned gifts. Develop and implement individualized moves management strategies for assigned prospects, with clear goals, next steps, and solicitation plans. Prepare and present compelling gift opportunities and proposals aligned with donor interests and institutional priorities, seek and develop corporate collaborations. Partner with Danforth Museum and Danforth Art School leadership, development colleagues, and other campus partners to support donor engagement, stewardship, and fundraising strategy. Participates in Danforth Art Center Advisory Board meetings and works collaboratively with Board members to support fundraising and donor engagement efforts. Complete timely donor follow-up, correspondence, and contact reports, and maintain accurate donor records and activity in the constituent relationship management system. Attend Danforth and MetroWest community events for the purpose of identifying prospective corporate partners, donors and friends. Perform other duties as assigned. Accountable for ensuring that equal opportunity, inclusion, and equity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General office environment and off site locations at donors homes and public spaces.
Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree. 3+ years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations or other closely related fields. Prior experience in arts and/or museums setting preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; creativity, initiative and independence in carrying out responsibilities; leadership, personal approachability, teamwork and organizational skills. The ability to work with high level prospects, alumni, donors and friends Frequent travel and some night/weekend is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in higher education, nonprofit, arts, museum or advancement environments. Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Virtuous, Raiser's Edge, Salesforce). Experience with data tracking, reporting, and basic analytics.
Additional Information:
This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Associate Director. The starting salary is $80,000. This position is eligible for a bonus of up to 10% of gross annual salary based on predetermined individual and team goals. Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions. Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law. Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions:
Candidates must apply online by submitting: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Equity and Inclusion Statement•, Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application). •Regardless of personal demographic characteristics, FSU has a commitment to hiring candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion. The equity and inclusion statement is an opportunity for candidates to discuss past efforts, future plans, research, scholarship, professional skills, experience, and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance the University's efforts to promote an equitable and inclusive learning and working community. Equity and inclusion statements will be considered as part of a transparent and comprehensive review of candidates' application materials. For best consideration, please submit application materials by June 20, 2026. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee. Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket. Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu . Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Powered by
