Manager, Friends of Art

Posted: 07/24/2025
Development & Fundraising

Manager, Friends of Art
Grow community, drive giving, and bring creativity to the member experience at the Nelson-Atkins.

Location: Kansas City, MO
Reports to: Director, Friends of Art & Annual Fund
Starting Salary Range: $53,766 to $60,533 per year

What You’ll Do

As Manager, Friends of Art, you’ll lead strategies to retain, upgrade, and engage nearly 15,000 museum members who support the Nelson-Atkins with annual contributions of $85–$575. This dynamic role blends fundraising, marketing, event planning, and relationship building.

You’ll manage targeted campaigns, benefit fulfillment, signature member events, and communications—bringing both data insight and creative energy to a fast-paced, people-focused environment.

This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports, but you’ll serve as the key driver of the Friends of Art program, leading its strategy and execution from end to end.

Who You Are

You’re a detail-driven relationship builder with a passion for art, community engagement, and results. You thrive in a collaborative environment, are comfortable managing multiple timelines and communications at once, and bring experience in individual giving or annual fund programs. You’re energized by data, events, and people—and you enjoy creating meaningful experiences that build loyalty and drive support.

You’ll succeed in this role if you have:

  • A bachelor’s degree and 2–5 years of experience in fundraising, membership, or donor engagement

  • Expertise using Tessitura or a similar CRM

  • A creative, strategic mindset with strong communication and time management skills

  • Experience working with volunteers or committees

  • The ability to think big, execute well, and always follow through

?At the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, we’re more than a world-class museum—we’re a community hub, a cultural home, and a space for belonging. As part of our Development team, you’ll help shape how thousands of people connect with art and with each other. This is a place where your work will be seen, valued, and celebrated.

We offer a collaborative environment, comprehensive benefits, and a mission that makes a real impact.

Benefits Include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance options

  • 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer match and contributions

  • Generous Paid Time Off (25 days in first year) and 9 paid holidays

  • Onsite Wellness Center with yoga, massage chairs, and flu shots

  • Free parking, staff discounts, and museum perks

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and legal resources

  • Life and disability insurance 

?Equal Opportunity Employer

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact the People and Culture Department.
 
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.
 
Salary information is a general guideline only.  The Museum considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
 
Ready to build community and elevate generosity through the arts? Apply today.

Job Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $50,000 - 74,999

Manager, Friends of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

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