Chief Development Officer Job San Diego area,California USA,Management

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego: Chief Development Officer

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Employee Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Primary

Work Location:

Onsite, La Jolla

Salary Range: $163,091 - $171,675

Apply By: COB, January 21st, 2026

JOB SUMMARY

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) seeks a visionary and strategic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead the Museum’s integrated fundraising, marketing communications, and external relations efforts. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the CDO oversees the Development department, which unites Development and Marketing Communications under a shared vision for institutional growth.

The Development department generates approximately 50 percent of the total budget in contributed revenue annually. In partnership with the CEO, COO/CFO, and Board of Trustees, the CDO provides leadership for the planning and execution of fundraising and marketing communications initiatives that strengthen MCASD’s philanthropic base, advance its reputation, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership and Vision:
Provide strategic leadership and direction for all areas of MCASD’s Development function, ensuring cohesive planning and execution across fundraising, marketing communications, and external relations.

Partner with the CEO and COO/CFO to align fundraising and marketing communications strategies with institutional goals.

Serve as a thought leader representing MCASD’s mission and priorities across philanthropic, corporate, and community networks.

Fundraising and External Relations

Lead all aspects of fundraising, including individual giving, institutional giving, membership, planned giving, and special events.

Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and strategic partners, deepening relationships that expand MCASD’s base of support.

Collaborate with the Board of Trustees and Development Committee to strengthen philanthropic engagement and board participation.

Actively engage in cultural and civic sectors as an ambassador for the Museum, cultivating relationships with the community, business, and government leaders to enhance visibility and partnerships.

Ensure transparent communication with leadership and trustees about fundraising goals, progress, and outcomes.

Marketing Communications

Oversee Marketing Communications to enhance MCASD’s visibility, reputation, and audience engagement.

Partner with the Director, Marketing Communications, to ensure alignment of brand strategy and messaging with institutional priorities.

Ensure integrated planning across Marketing Communications and Development to advance both earned and contributed revenue.

Leadership and Team Development

Manage and mentor the Director, Development;
Director, Marketing Communications, and Director, Special Events.

Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture focused on excellence and shared goals.

Set departmental goals, budgets, and KPIs aligned with institutional strategy.

Other

Support the mission and vision of the museum throughout performance of duties.

Work additional hours including some weekends and/or after regular business hours as needed.

Follow policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.

Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

Proven executive-level experience leading integrated development or external relations functions within a museum, cultural, or nonprofit organization. Demonstrated success in strategic planning, major gift fundraising, data-driven decision-making, revenue growth, team leadership, and management capability. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage donors, board members, community leaders, and build successful cross-departmental relationships with stakeholders. Strong understanding of how marketing communications intersects with philanthropy.

Bachelor’s degree and 10 years progressively responsible related experience or equivalent education and experience. Advanced degree preferred.

OUR WORK CULTURE

MCASD provides employees with a collaborative work culture where they can…


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