Job Posting

Campaign Director

The Opportunity

The New Brunswick Museum (NBM) is a unique cultural institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting material to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of New Brunswick provincially and globally. The Museum is at a very exciting time in its development. With the support of the New Brunswick Museum Foundation and the Province of New Brunswick, it is poised to implement an ambitious agenda reflecting an exciting vision for the Museum’s renewal and growth. 

We are seeking an outstanding fundraiser and project manager to join our Foundation in the role of Campaign Director. Reporting to the Chair of the Foundation Board and working closely with the New Brunswick Museum CEO, the Campaign Director will lead the strategic and tactical implementation of the Foundation’s upcoming capital campaign in support of the Museum, ensuring that the campaign is well-executed and successful. The Campaign Director will serve as the lead staff person guiding and supporting the Campaign Cabinet and other campaign volunteers in working together to foster and enhance relationships with current and potential Museum supporters including individuals, corporations, organizations, and foundations. This position may also be involved in drafting program applications to various levels of government and following through. This role represents a tremendous opportunity to be part of the expansion and transformation of the New Brunswick Museum.

The museum is located in Saint John, New Brunswick. Candidates must be willing to travel periodically within the province and nationally on occasion. This position is a four year, full-time contract appointment with possibility of renewal.

 

About The New Brunswick Museum

Tracing our origins back to Gesner’s Museum of Natural History that opened in 1842, the New Brunswick Museum (NBM) is Canada’s oldest continuing museum, turning 175 years old in 2017. Highly-rated by visitors, The New Brunswick Museum is a collection-based public institution which engages people in Canada’s two official languages, contributing to the knowledge and understanding of New Brunswick’s natural and cultural heritage. The Museum has diverse and extensive collections of artefacts from New Brunswick and beyond. The NBM also is a leader in providing expertise to the network of community museums throughout the Province.

When it comes to natural history and the areas of geology, botany, zoology, and paleontology, the New Brunswick Museum researches and tells many fantastic stories of international significance. A few examples include:

  • Since we unearthed the oldest known shark fossil in Campbellton, researchers come from all over the world to study this critical piece in the shark evolution puzzle.
  • New Brunswick Museum staff helped designate the Bay of Fundy’s Stonehammer as a UNESCO-supported Global GeoPark, an internationally significant site.

We also tell the story of our living history, attesting to the strength and ingenuity of the world’s people. For instance, the discovery and our preservation of an ingeniously-designed pine sea canoe from the 1500s documents the craftsmanship and sea-faring skills of the Mi’kmaq people and stands as a symbol of pride. As well, our Regiment of the 104th flag tells the story of one of the greatest marches in human history: One thousand New Brunswickers had the grit to survive the harsh mid-winter trek to Kingston to fight for an independent Canada in the War of 1812.

Currently, the New Brunswick Museum is operating in two main facilities:

NBM Collections and Research Centre

Within the New Brunswick Museum Collections and Research Centre, collections of provincial, national, and international significance are researched and interpreted by NBM staff, university students, and visiting researchers for the preservation and dissemination of New Brunswick history, culture, and natural history. The Centre hosts researchers from around the world, responds to international queries about its holdings, mentors students, creates exhibitions for display at the NBM Exhibition Centre and at various venues around the province, and supports the production of academic and educational information.

NBM Exhibition Centre

The New Brunswick Museum Exhibition Centre in Market Square, Saint John shares the collections and stories of New Brunswick with residents of New Brunswick and visitors to the province. It is one of New Brunswick’s key cultural tourism attractions, as well as a significant venue for curriculum-based and life-long learning experiences. The Museum now offers three floors and 60,000 square feet of exhibition spaces and a wide range of public programs. Approximately 65,000 people visit the NBM each year. The NBM partners with the private sector to offer innovative programming to group tours, meetings and convention groups, festivals and special events, as well as to other targeted audiences.

Expansion Plans: Proud Past, Bold Future

As history marches on, there are many new discoveries and collections that need documenting, preserving, curating, and interpreting for the public. But the age and physical limitations of our spaces hamper our ability to carry out the world class work we must do as keepers and tellers of history. That is why we are embarking on an expansion and renewal of our Collections and Exhibition spaces. 

Ample, modern facilities will let us:

  • Attract and bring more value to visitors to learn from history as it unfolds.
  • Pursue innovative research and preservation, the business of a modern museum.
  • Ensure the safety of our objects for future generations.

Over the past years, the Board of Directors and staff of the New Brunswick Museum (NBM), with the Province and others, have invested significant resources into the development of scenarios to address issues at both the NBM Collections and Research Centre on Douglas Avenue and the NBM Exhibition Centre in Market Square.

Through various review and engagement processes, it has been determined that a new, purpose-built building will be constructed to house and consolidate the NBM’s Exhibition Centre and the Research and Collections into one facility in Uptown Saint John. Provincial funding has been committed, and a site close to the waterfront in Uptown Saint John has been identified. 

The stand-alone, purpose-built nature of the proposed new building on the waterfront will encourage and facilitate private sector and philanthropic fund raising to enhance the development. It is expected that the relocation of the NBM will increase its visibility and profile as well as complement other attractions in the area to secure Saint John’s future as vibrant and cultural port city. Further, as well as being a key provincial cultural and scientific institution, the new museum will be a social hub and major tourism attraction.

The ultimate objective is to create a facility that:

  • Properly houses, exhibits, and interprets the amazing collection and tells the related stories.
  • Allows for the great research, scientific and conservation activity that the NBM undertakes.
  • Be representative of all of what is now called New Brunswick and the people who live here.
  • As well as providing a functional space to house and conserve the collection well into the future, the new facility will be a quality, appropriate, and standout piece of iconic architecture.

In short, a renewed New Brunswick Museum will be top of mind for visitors and key to the future evolution of the province. While the Museum is funded in part by the Province of New Brunswick, additional support is needed from donors, funders, members, and sponsors to allow us to continue to build on our record of excellence with world-class collections, research, galleries, programs and exhibitions at the New Brunswick Museum.

 

Ideal Candidate

An energetic and driven professional with a high degree of integrity and authenticity, the Campaign Director will have a proven track record of success in the personal solicitation of major donors, and in engaging and leveraging senior volunteers in major gift fundraising. As a skilled fundraising partner to the New Brunswick Museum CEO, the ideal candidate will be committed to exceptional cultivation and stewardship of existing and potential individual donors, members, volunteers as well as corporate and foundation partners. Ideally, the candidate will also have experience with government funding programs and related application and assessment processes.

A storyteller who employs a creative and strategic approach to communications, the Campaign Director will work collaboratively to develop appropriate messaging for prospects and donors with the goal of connecting caring individuals with the Museum. The ideal candidate will possess written and spoken competence in English and spoken competence in French. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to write clearly and persuasively, and will understand how to present a business case for supporting the Museum.

Socially and intellectually agile, the Campaign Director will connect easily with a highly-diverse set of stakeholders to build relationships of mutual respect and trust. The Campaign Director will be an active listener who respects the contribution of internal and external stakeholders. Keen to share their expertise with others, the ideal candidate will mentor and encourage volunteers and colleagues, and thus empower them to fully contribute to the New Brunswick Museum Foundation’s fundraising success.

Self-directed, entrepreneurial and disciplined, the Campaign Director will thrive working independently while being a contributing team member. Highly-organized and pragmatic, the new incumbent will have demonstrated competency in respectfully managing expectations, focusing on priorities, and tactically utilizing organizational resources. The ideal candidate must be a flexible multi-tasker who will put systems and processes in place to ensure that our campaign operations run effectively and efficiently. Computer literacy, particularly with MS Office, and comfort with development information systems will be essential in implementing campaign plans.

The Campaign Director will possess intellectual curiosity and an eagerness to learn about the Museum’s collection, programs and research, benefitting from the experience and knowledge of colleagues. Eager to become involved, both at the Museum and in the community, the successful candidate will value the lifestyle benefits of living and working in Saint John, and will appreciate the New Brunswick culture and values. 

Motivated by the Museum’s multi-faceted and intellectually stimulating environment, and inspired by the exceptionally knowledgeable and professional staff, the Campaign Director will work hard to assure the campaign’s success, as well that it will ultimately contribute to a successful and sustainable future for the New Brunswick Museum.

A university degree is expected for this role. This position will require occasional work in the evenings and weekends. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license. The Director will also be expected to travel periodically throughout the province of New Brunswick, and nationally on occasion, for meetings with volunteers, donors and prospects.

 

Key Areas of Responsibility

Reporting to the Chair of our Foundation Board, and working in close collaboration with the New Brunswick Museum CEO, the Campaign Director will:

Campaign Management

  • Lead the strategic and tactical implementation of the campaign strategy plan to ensure that the campaign is well-planned, well-executed, and on target.
  • Serve as the constant and persistent voice of the campaign, to focus the thoughts and actions of others on the campaign objectives and success.
  • Propel the activities and daily operations of the campaign through thoughtful planning, sound judgement, and impeccable follow-through. 
  • Report on campaign progress to the Foundation Board and Campaign Cabinet on a regular basis; present reports that effectively monitor and evaluate campaign goals, plans and achievements. 
  • Oversee the campaign budget and financial tracking and reporting.
  • Work to advance information strategies and database capabilities, and to ensure rigorous records management, donor receipting and acknowledgement.
  • Establish policies and procedures that reflect ethical fundraising practices.
  • Represent the New Brunswick Museum Foundation externally as needed, with integrity in a professional, ethical, and accountable manner, and convey the case for the Museum at public events. 

Revenue Generation

  • Plan, develop, and implement strategies for obtaining donations from individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations, working closely with Foundation and Museum Board members, the CEO and members of the Museum’s senior management team, as well as other program staff and key volunteers.
  • Nurture existing relationships, build awareness of the Museum among prospective donors, including business and community leaders, and work to engage them in the Museum’s vision and new development plans.
  • Manage a portfolio of prospects and personally conduct cultivation visits, solicitation calls and stewardship activities alone and with senior Museum staff and key campaign volunteers.
  • Draft program applications to various levels of government and assure follow through.
  • Plan and execute campaign donor recognition, naming and sponsorship opportunities and stewardship plans in order to maximize campaign support at all gift levels.
  • Create materials and tools to support campaign fundraising activities, including research, proposals, presentations, briefing notes. and correspondence.
  • Energize, motivate. and inspire all those involved in helping to meet the campaign goal.
  • Oversee the planning and execution of special campaign events as needed.

Prospect Management

  • Facilitate the prospect management process, including the identification and evaluation of prospects, their assignments and careful planning and monitoring progress in relationship development.  
  • Undertake prospect review and evaluation with campaign volunteers, Board members, NBM leadership and staff, and others as required.
  • Assure and support the strategic, intentional, and active cultivation of prospective donors.
  • Keep on top of assigned prospects, tasks, and actions, serving as the strategic guide to manage the approaches and plan next steps forward.

Campaign Volunteer Support

  • Play a key role in the identification, cultivation, recruitment, training, and ongoing support of Campaign volunteers.
  • Serve as the lead staff person supporting the Campaign Cabinet and other assigned campaign volunteers.
  • Work directly with the Campaign Cabinet to ensure that activities are on track, volunteers feel well-supported, and goals are being met.
  • Serve as the lead point of contact for day to day campaign questions from volunteers and colleagues.
  • Liaise with Museum leadership to facilitate the involvement of key individuals to assist with prospect identification, evaluation, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Collaboration & Coordination with NBM Colleagues

  • Foster and support strong relationships between the Foundation and the NBM administrators and staff
  • Work closely with Museum colleagues to create appropriate communications materials collateral for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of campaign donors.
  • Transfer knowledge of fund raising techniques and effective practices to colleagues.
  • Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to one or two direct reports.

 

Living in Saint John, New Brunswick

Saint John is centrally located on the southern New Brunswick coast on the Bay of Fundy, at the mouth of the Saint John River. Because it is the only city on the Bay of Fundy – home of the world’s highest tides – Saint John is known as the anchor of the Bay of Fundy experience. The City of Saint John has a population of approximately 70,000, and 128,000 in Greater Saint John, which includes the neighbouring communities of Rothesay, Quispamsis, Grand Bay-Westfield and Saint Martins. From urban areas to suburban and rural, Saint John provides residents a variety of lifestyles all within a 20 minute drive to the city centre. 

The Saint John region offers high-quality education at all levels. All newcomers to Saint John have the option of schooling their children in either English or French. High school students have access to both an International Baccalaureate and an Advanced Placement Program. The New Brunswick Community College in Saint John offers a hands-on approach to learning including real-life work experience. At the university level, University of New Brunswick - Saint John campus offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, including a medical school. There are a variety of additional private post-secondary institutions available for students looking for training including the Atlantica Centre for the Arts, Eastern Trades College, and the Academy of Learning.

New Brunswick has a universal health care system where all New Brunswick residents are provided with a full-range of doctor and hospital services. Saint John is home to the largest hospital in New Brunswick, which is the Saint John Regional Hospital.

In 2010, Saint John was named a Cultural Capital of Canada by the Government of Canada in recognition of its vibrant arts and cultural community. The City welcomes performances from around the world and is also home to numerous theatre, music, and dance organizations. The Imperial Theatre plays host to the highly acclaimed Saint John Theatre Company, Symphony New Brunswick, and hosts a large collection of plays, concerts and other stage production year round. Saint John also has many private art galleries. Throughout the year, there are festivals and events that bring the community together and celebrate the City’s rich cultural heritage.

Saint John is surrounded by three bodies of water and a natural environment that offer residents many outdoor activities. Rockwood Park is Canada’s largest municipal park and offers many activities throughout the year. Swimming, rock climbing, biking, geo-caching, camping, boating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking are among the many things you can enjoy.  

Saint John is a one hour drive to the United States border at Calais, Maine; a 4 hour drive to Halifax, Nova Scotia; and a 10 hour drive to Montreal, Quebec. The Saint John Airport is located 16km from the city centre. A short 2 hour flight to Toronto, 90 minute flight to Montreal, and 45 minutes to Halifax can connect you to international destinations.

 

Qualifications and Skills

The following experience and abilities are required:

  • A demonstrated track record of success in building relationships and fundraising for major gifts from individuals, corporations, organizations and foundations.
  • Experience with government funding programs and related application and assessment processes.
  • Experience within a structured capital campaign framework is desirable.
  • Excellent track record in supporting staff colleagues and volunteer involvement in major gifts fundraising efforts.
  • Exceptional interpersonal abilities.
  • Strong organization and project management skills.
  • Written and spoken competence in English and spoken competence in French.  
  • Previous experience in and knowledge of the museum environment would be desirable.
  • Valid driver’s license.

Please note that this position is a four year, full-time contract appointment with possibility of renewal.

 

For More Information

KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.) has been retained to conduct this search on behalf the New Brunswick Museum Foundation. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Sylvie Battisti, Vice President, Search and Talent Management by email at NBM@kciphilanthropy.com.

To view the Position Brief, please visit: http://kciphilanthropy.com/lang/en/#panel-2-b1

Please send resume and letter of interest to the email listed above by October 1, 2018

All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence. 

Application Deadline: 
Monday, October 1, 2018
Type of Work: 
Full Time
Contract
City: 
Saint John
Province: 
New Brunswick
Education Level: 
University (Graduate)
Languages: 
English
Travel: 
No
Prefered Method(s) of Application: 
By E-Mail

Employer Details

Aga Khan Museum

Ellie Rusonik
77 Wynford Drive
Toronto, ON M3C 1K1
Canada

Opened in September 2014, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, offers visitors a window into worlds unknown or unfamiliar: the artistic, intellectual, and scientific heritage of Muslim civilizations across the centuries from the Iberian Peninsula to China. Our mission is to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contribution that Muslim civilizations have made to world heritage, and to connect cultures through art.