Join Our Team

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley offers diverse and unique career opportunities ranging from support or professional, seasonal or year-round, and part-time or full-time. While some departments and positions require highly specialized education and experience, others seek individuals with more broad-based or skills-related backgrounds. An equal opportunity employer, the MSV offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits program. Thank you for your interest in employment at the MSV.

The MSV is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and competence. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions, genetic information of the employee or family member of the employee, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

Deputy Director of Advancement

Purpose of Position

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) seeks a dynamic and collaborative leader to serve as Deputy Director of Advancement. Reporting to the Executive Director & CEO, this senior leadership role oversees all fundraising and advancement efforts, including membership, annual and major giving, grants, corporate partnerships, campaigns, and community programs.

This role leads a four-person team and is responsible for cultivating donor relationships, managing fundraising events, and driving revenue and visibility for the MSV. The Deputy Director also works closely with senior leadership to support organizational goals, foster cross-departmental collaboration, and represent Advancement at the executive level.

The ideal candidate will bring strategic vision, fundraising expertise, a passion for the MSV’s mission, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.

Primary Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

  • Lead the Advancement Department to grow revenue and expand community engagement.
  • Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team.
  • Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
  • Collaborate with other departments and support cross-functional initiatives.
  • Oversee departmental budgets, planning, and performance tracking.
  • Support staff recruitment, development, and performance.

Fundraising & Revenue Generation

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive Advancement Plan.
  • Cultivate and solicit major donors and manage a personal donor portfolio.
  • Lead grant writing, corporate giving, and foundation partnerships.
  • Oversee donor events and revenue-generating programs.
  • Guide the MSV’s facility rental and community outreach efforts.

Board Engagement

  • Collaborate with Board members and committees to advance fundraising goals.
  • Serve as staff liaison to the Advancement and Community Engagement Committee.

Administration

  • Ensure effective departmental operations and compliance.
  • Oversee donor database integrity and reporting.
  • Maintain records for audits and regulatory filings.

The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; CFRE certification preferred
  • Proven success in fundraising in arts, culture, heritage, education, or related sectors
  • Strong experience with major gifts, campaigns, and donor stewardship
  • Knowledge of local, regional, and national philanthropic landscapes
  • Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders
  • Experience leading teams and managing departmental operations
  • Skilled in fundraising platforms, donor databases, and data reporting
  • Ability to develop and manage budgets, meet deadlines, and evaluate success
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record in revenue-generating initiatives

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes:

  • Strategic and collaborative leader who fosters trust and team success
  • Results-driven with a bias for action and innovation
  • Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility
  • Comfortable working with senior leaders and engaged board members
  • Hospitable, mission-driven, and dedicated to organizational excellence

About the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV) preserves and enriches the cultural life of the Valley. Its 214-acre campus—the largest green space in Winchester—includes the Glen Burnie House and gardens, a 50,000-square-foot museum building, and The Trails at the MSV, a free-admission art park with three miles of trails.

The MSV is committed to building a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and has equal opportunity to engage with and benefit from our work. Learn more at www.TheMSV.org.

Applicant Information

The MSV is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications and competence. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions, genetic information of the employee or family member of the employee, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.

The MSV offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, parental leave, generous time off package, and 403(b) retirement plan. Additional perks include a supportive and collaborative work environment as well as daily access to the MSV’s trails and gardens and the opportunity to shape a growing and vibrant institution. The starting salary range is $100,000 – $125,000 and is commensurate with experience. Relocation assistance may be available.

To apply forward cover letter, resume and three references to jhendren@themsv.org. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by June 15, 2025. Resumes will be accepted until filled.

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley requires selected candidates to be subjected to an investigative background report.

Volunteer

Be part of the MSV team by volunteering at events and programs, or with garden and administrative tasks. Please visit our Volunteer page for information about current volunteer opportunities!

The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley requires selected candidates to be subjected to an investigative background report.