Summary
Description
Gunn Memorial Library and Museum
Position: DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Salary: $35-$40 hourly, commensurate with experience
Schedule: Part-time (Flexible 25 hours per week), in-person, exempt position with benefits. (PTO and Retirement) Potential for hybrid schedule
Closing date: September 15, 2025
Reports to: Executive Director
Gunn Memorial Library, Inc. is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to enriching the lives of Washington residents and surrounding communities by providing free and equitable access to library services, programs, and resources. Through the Gunn Historical Museum, we also preserve and share the unique cultural and historical heritage of our town.
Founded in the late 1800s, the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum has grown into a vibrant hub for learning, creativity, and community connection. We offer a broad range of programs for all ages, maintain a dynamic collection of materials and digital resources, and provide welcoming spaces that support literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.
The Gunn Memorial Library, Inc. is an association library organized as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit but recognized by the State of CT as the Principal Public Library for the Town of Washington and must raise nearly 70% of our annual operating budget through private contributions. This reliance on philanthropy underscores the critical need for a strategic and dedicated approach to fundraising.
We are now seeking our first Development Director to lead this effort. The successful candidate will be a driven, goal-oriented fundraising leader with a donor stewardship mindset, the highest professional ethics. This new role will be essential in building a comprehensive, professional fundraising program and fostering a culture of philanthropy. The Development Director will help secure the financial resources needed to strengthen our programs, maintain our historic buildings, support staff and operations, and ensure that Gunn continues to meet the evolving needs of our community—today and for generations to come.
Director of Development’s Role
The Director of Development will be responsible for planning and implementing an annual fundraising program that includes major gifts, foundation giving, and special events. The successful candidate will also work closely with the Executive Director, Development Committee of the Board of Trustees to plan a Capital Campaign that includes Planned Giving.
Responsibilities:
- Work closely with the Board of Trustees and Executive Director to develop annual fundraising plan, policies, strategies, and goals.
- Direct development efforts to meet annual goals.
- Cultivate and solicit individual patrons, major gift prospects, and family foundations that support Libraries, Arts and Culture, Education, Community Enrichment and other nonprofits in the tri-state area, with a special focus on Litchfield County patrons and family foundations.
- Develop and oversee all publicity efforts related to Development initiatives
- Oversee special events schedule and event staff.
- Act as an ambassador and co-host of Library and Museum programs and events that welcome donors and key prospects.
- Build relationships with community leaders with philanthropic entities.
- Work closely with the Development Committee of the Board and the Executive Director/Curator to plan a Capital Campaign to raise support for capacity building, construction, programs, operations, and endowment/reserves.
- Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies.
- Prepare compelling grant proposals and final grant reports for restricted programs and general operations.
- Expand Planned Giving Program by promoting ways to give.
Qualifications:
- A deep interest in libraries, museums and community enrichment.
- Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree, a plus.
- Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) status a plus.
- Minimum of 7+ years of experience in fundraising. We welcome candidates with equivalent experience and relevant skills, even if they do not meet every listed qualification.
- Successful record of accomplishment in individual giving, major gifts, foundation giving, and special events.
- Capital Campaign fundraising experience, highly desirable.
- Planned Giving experience, a plus.
- Proficient knowledge of fundraising software and donor databases
- Excellent computer skills, specifically with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Workspace
- Experience in effective creative marketing and communication skills, both internally and externally.
- Highest professional integrity and adherence to library, fundraising, and AFP’s Code of Ethical Standards.
Closing date: September 15, 2025
To apply please submit a thoughtful letter as to why you would be a good fit at GMLM and your resume to searchcommittee@gunnlibrary.org
