Director of Annual Giving & Donor Engagement
Access Dubuque, Dubuque, Iowa, United States, 52001
Director of Annual Giving & Donor Engagement
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
1 Positions
ID: 86170
Posted On 01/15/2026
Job Overview
The Dubuque County Historical Society operates the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the Mathias Ham Historic Site and is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.
Position Summary
The Director of Annual Giving & Donor Engagement leads the organization’s annual fundraising and donor engagement efforts, with primary focus on the annual fund, Captain’s Ball Gala, donor stewardship, and corporate membership and sponsorship programs. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution and serves as a frontline fundraiser managing a portfolio of annual donors and corporate partners.
This position initially encompasses both strategy development and day-to-day implementation, with the opportunity to evolve as the development program grows. The Director plays a key role in strengthening donor relationships, growing annual revenue, and delivering a thoughtful, high-quality donor experience aligned with organizational priorities.
As a member of the organization’s leadership team, the Director collaborates with cross-departmental leaders and the Board of Directors to advance the museum’s mission and support its long-term sustainability as a cultural institution.
This is a full-time, permanent position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include vacation time, sick time, paid holidays, medical, dental, flex plan, and 403b retirement plan.
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Primary duties
Organizational Leadership
Serve as a member of the organization’s leadership team responsible for strategic plan creation and execution
Work closely with internal teams and external agencies to advance fundraising and engagement goals
Act as a visible leader by attending organizational events and participating on committees
Annual Fund Strategy and Execution
Develop and execute annual fund strategies to grow donor participation, revenue, and retention, with emphasis on gifts under $10,000
Lead all annual appeals and campaigns across direct mail, digital, and personal solicitation channels
Write and oversee donor communications from appeals and acknowledgements to newsletters and social media
Track donor pipelines and monitor progress toward annual goals
Captain's Ball Gala
Serve as lead staff for our signature annual fundraising gala
Oversee event strategy, sponsorships, auction, vendors, and post-event stewardship
Partner with leadership, board, and volunteers to maximize fundraising engagement
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
Manage a portfolio of approximately 50 annual donors and prospects
Plan and coordinate donor stewardship events (3+ annually)
Oversee giving societies and donor recognition programs
Represent the organization at events and programs to cultivate and steward supporters
Sponsorship and Corporate Giving
Lead the corporate membership program in partnership with the Membership Manager
Develop and solicit corporate sponsorships for events, exhibitions, and programs
Create tailored giving opportunities for exhibits, programs, or other priorities
Ensure timely delivery of sponsorship benefits and recognition
Build and maintain corporate partnership pipelines
Collaboration, Planning, and Management
Recruit, manage, and providing leadership of the Auxiliary Board
Monitor fundraising trends and identify opportunities for growth and innovation
Collaborate with the VP of Development, CEO, and board on fundraising strategy
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.
A minimum of 4 years of leadership experience (non-profit leadership preferred)
4–6 years of progressive fundraising experience, with success in annual giving, donor engagement, sponsorships, or event-based fundraising.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messaging.
Experience with donor databases or CRMs (Altru, Blackbaud, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong relationship-building skills and collaborative working style.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor and fundraising events.
Must be able to read, write and speak the English language
Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team . Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, salary requirements and references to apply@rivermuseum.org or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.
We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.
Primary Contact
13113
Marilyn Snyder
Assistant, Administration
563-557-9545
Phone
Phone
Phone
Fax
msnyder@rivermuseum.com
Email
True
False
True
Job Details
Categories
Arts and Entertainment
Hotel/Hospitality/Tourism
Management/Executive
Tourism
Volunteer and Non-profit
Location
Dubuque, IA
Shift
First Shift
Job Type
Employee
Full/Part
Full Time
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Qualifications
Education
Bachelors
Experience
2-5 Years
Company ID
1175
Job REQ #
# Positions
1
Start Date
20260115
End Date
20260215
Featured Job
0
TH Ad
0
TH Comments
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Share this Job
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
About the Company
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is owned and operated by the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site. The River Museum and Mathias Ham Historic Site together see over 200,000 visitors and manage outreach programs that serve over 50,000 more per year. Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, it is the mission of the institution to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive. The organization employes more than 90 full- and part-time employees, as well as hosts several interns amongst departments.
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
1 Positions
ID: 86170
Posted On 01/15/2026
Job Overview
The Dubuque County Historical Society operates the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the Mathias Ham Historic Site and is home to the National Rivers Hall of Fame. Its mission is to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive.
Position Summary
The Director of Annual Giving & Donor Engagement leads the organization’s annual fundraising and donor engagement efforts, with primary focus on the annual fund, Captain’s Ball Gala, donor stewardship, and corporate membership and sponsorship programs. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on execution and serves as a frontline fundraiser managing a portfolio of annual donors and corporate partners.
This position initially encompasses both strategy development and day-to-day implementation, with the opportunity to evolve as the development program grows. The Director plays a key role in strengthening donor relationships, growing annual revenue, and delivering a thoughtful, high-quality donor experience aligned with organizational priorities.
As a member of the organization’s leadership team, the Director collaborates with cross-departmental leaders and the Board of Directors to advance the museum’s mission and support its long-term sustainability as a cultural institution.
This is a full-time, permanent position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits include vacation time, sick time, paid holidays, medical, dental, flex plan, and 403b retirement plan.
The Dubuque County Historical Society and its properties, the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and Mathias Ham Historic Site, are committed to embracing diversity, practicing equity, and ensuring accessibility and inclusion. We continually strive to achieve a welcoming environment in all our spaces, where our staff and community feel reflected and valued for their unique perspectives and backgrounds. DEAI values guide and impact all the decisions the museum makes, both internal and external.
Primary duties
Organizational Leadership
Serve as a member of the organization’s leadership team responsible for strategic plan creation and execution
Work closely with internal teams and external agencies to advance fundraising and engagement goals
Act as a visible leader by attending organizational events and participating on committees
Annual Fund Strategy and Execution
Develop and execute annual fund strategies to grow donor participation, revenue, and retention, with emphasis on gifts under $10,000
Lead all annual appeals and campaigns across direct mail, digital, and personal solicitation channels
Write and oversee donor communications from appeals and acknowledgements to newsletters and social media
Track donor pipelines and monitor progress toward annual goals
Captain's Ball Gala
Serve as lead staff for our signature annual fundraising gala
Oversee event strategy, sponsorships, auction, vendors, and post-event stewardship
Partner with leadership, board, and volunteers to maximize fundraising engagement
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
Manage a portfolio of approximately 50 annual donors and prospects
Plan and coordinate donor stewardship events (3+ annually)
Oversee giving societies and donor recognition programs
Represent the organization at events and programs to cultivate and steward supporters
Sponsorship and Corporate Giving
Lead the corporate membership program in partnership with the Membership Manager
Develop and solicit corporate sponsorships for events, exhibitions, and programs
Create tailored giving opportunities for exhibits, programs, or other priorities
Ensure timely delivery of sponsorship benefits and recognition
Build and maintain corporate partnership pipelines
Collaboration, Planning, and Management
Recruit, manage, and providing leadership of the Auxiliary Board
Monitor fundraising trends and identify opportunities for growth and innovation
Collaborate with the VP of Development, CEO, and board on fundraising strategy
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.
A minimum of 4 years of leadership experience (non-profit leadership preferred)
4–6 years of progressive fundraising experience, with success in annual giving, donor engagement, sponsorships, or event-based fundraising.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor messaging.
Experience with donor databases or CRMs (Altru, Blackbaud, or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong relationship-building skills and collaborative working style.
Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends for donor and fundraising events.
Must be able to read, write and speak the English language
Must be able to perform any physical demands of job duties, either with or without reasonable accommodation
Final candidates will be subject to a reference and background check
How to apply
To learn more, visit www.rivermuseum.org/join-our-team . Apply by emailing your resume, cover letter, salary requirements and references to apply@rivermuseum.org or by delivering them in person to 350 E. 3rd St., Dubuque, IA 52001.
We recognize that it is highly unlikely that any applicant is able to meet all of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if you are drawn to this position and feel your strengths would be an asset to the organization, we highly encourage you to apply.
Primary Contact
13113
Marilyn Snyder
Assistant, Administration
563-557-9545
Phone
Phone
Phone
Fax
msnyder@rivermuseum.com
True
False
True
Job Details
Categories
Arts and Entertainment
Hotel/Hospitality/Tourism
Management/Executive
Tourism
Volunteer and Non-profit
Location
Dubuque, IA
Shift
First Shift
Job Type
Employee
Full/Part
Full Time
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Qualifications
Education
Bachelors
Experience
2-5 Years
Company ID
1175
Job REQ #
# Positions
1
Start Date
20260115
End Date
20260215
Featured Job
0
TH Ad
0
TH Comments
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Food & Beverage Supervisor
Diamond Jo Casino
Director of the Department of Engineering
University of Dubuque
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Sedona Staffing Services
Chief Human Resources Officer
Cottingham & Butler/ SISCO
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University of Dubuque
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Share this Job
National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
About the Company
The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium is owned and operated by the Dubuque County Historical Society, which also operates the Mathias Ham Historic Site. The River Museum and Mathias Ham Historic Site together see over 200,000 visitors and manage outreach programs that serve over 50,000 more per year. Part aquarium, part museum, part science center, it is the mission of the institution to inspire stewardship by creating educational experiences where history and rivers come alive. The organization employes more than 90 full- and part-time employees, as well as hosts several interns amongst departments.