Development Manager

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities/expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives; and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

About MHS:

One of the leading historical societies in the country, the Missouri Historical Society is in the midst of a transformative decade. We believe public history has the power to build stronger communities, and creating incredible experiences for our visitors is central to that work. With the help of every member of the MHS team, we're committed to expanding our efforts to share more history with more people than we ever have before.

Founded in 1866, the Missouri Historical Society operates three locations - the Missouri History Museum, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, and the Library and Research Center. Together our locations serve as the confluence of historical perspectives and contemporary issues to inspire and engage audiences in the St. Louis region and beyond. We do that by telling local stories that focus on the history of this region and its people. This approach has led to some of the most consistently successful years in MHS's history.

Position Summary:

The Missouri Historical Society seeks a Development Manager for the Development Department. The Development Manager provides a broad range of information services in support of development efforts. This position is responsible for administering the Altru database, a fundraising software solution for arts, etc. organizations, ensuring the highest integrity of constituent and gift records. Duties include grant writing and reporting, gift processing, preparing acknowledgement letters, generating lists and reports and recording pledges. This position works closely with the Database Administrator to complete special projects, clean-up tasks, and other processes necessary for maintaining a robust, reliable constituent database. This position works closely with the Managing Director of Philanthropy, Database Administrator, and Membership Coordinator to complete special projects, create and track fundraising goals and initiatives, plan membership and annual giving appeals, and manage grant funding applications.

Essential Functions:

• With Database Administrator perform accurate gift processing of checks, credit cards, and electronic funds transfers for unrestricted and restricted gifts including payroll deduction, membership transactions, donations, sponsorships, pledges, etc.
• Work with Accounting and Finance to reconcile gifts and designations to ensure accurate gift processing.
• Assist Director of Stewardship with donor stewarding strategies and events as needed.
• Correspond with internal & external customers regarding gift and pledge questions to ensure gifts and pledges are posted to correct designation.
• Analyze fundraising data to inform strategies and reporting.
• With Database Administrator update biographical data in Altru as provided by NCOA reports, or through constituent information on checks and/or correspondence.
• Assist in handling telephone calls and emails related to donations, as well as assisting the Charitable Giving Advisors in stewarding lower-level annual fund donors.
• Work with Managing Director of Philanthropy and Charitable Giving Advisors, as well as other departments in the museum to write and complete grant funding applications in a timely manner. Maintain grant application deadlines and ensure their successful submissions.
• Assist Managing Director with Board of Trustees initiatives and events.
• Work with Database Administrator and Accounting staff to resolve problems or adjustments that must be made to ensure accurate processing and reconciliation.
• With Database Administrator perform adjustment transactions, corrections and write-offs.
• Assist Database Administrator to ensure consistency of data standards and ensure best practices for data entry, campaigns, funds and appeals, including reviewing processes, table cleansing, and evaluating database use and functionality on a regular basis.
• Generate mailing lists and recognition lists for membership as requested.
• Examine/investigate and resolve incomplete documents or discrepancies prior to data entry as necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all gifts and constituent information.
• With Database Administrator process donor acknowledgement letters, tributes and membership packets in a timely manner.
• Generate and mail year end acknowledgement letters.
• Maintain filing and organization of all current records, both paper and electronic.
• Process bulk mail returns and prepare for resending.
• Promote and nurture productive working relationships with staff throughout the Missouri Historical Society.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field
• Minimum of 3-4 years related experience
• Experience with non-profit gift entry and acknowledgement processes
• Experience with writing and managing grant applications
• Knowledge of computer office applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, high-level of proficiency in Altru (or other fundraising database)
• Knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting and the ability to understand IRS Regulations, and other governing policies and procedures relating to the processing of charitable gifts

Skills:

• High level of analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills in interacting with diverse staff, volunteers, guests, and donors
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information
• Capacity & inclination to learn new technologies as they become available and necessary to perform job functions
• Familiarity with fundraising practices, donor giving records and donor reporting
• The successful candidate will be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, manage deadlines, and pay very close attention to detail

Deadline to Apply: December 22, 2025

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

*External job boards: Please click this to apply.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

Current Openings for Development Manager Jobs at Missouri History Museum