Job Details

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

Department: Development
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Employee Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Primary Work Location: La Jolla
Salary Range: $163,091 - $171,675
Apply By: COB, November 24th, 2025

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.

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 combine both their love and support of the arts and work in an enriching and diverse environment while further developing their specific professional knowledge, skills, and abilities.

About MCASD

It is an exciting time to join MCASD! Our La Jolla campus re-opened in April 2022 after a five-year expansion effort that doubled the building's overall size. We are positioned to be a cultural beacon as the region's foremost forum devoted to the exploration and presentation of the art of our time. From the coastal community of its La Jolla flagship building, MCASD provides an unprecedented variety of exhibition spaces and experiences for the community, showcasing an internationally recognized collection and a dynamic schedule of exhibitions and public programs.

Background Checks and Licensing

Professional references, criminal background checks, education check, credit check, and DMV check.

EOE Statement

MCASD prohibits discrimination and harassment against individuals based on race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, reproductive health decisions, medical condition, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.