Required Experience:
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or relevant advanced degree preferred;
· 7-10 years of senior-level experience in fundraising, external affairs, or nonprofit leadership, ideally within a cultural, educational, or arts organization;
· Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and leading comprehensive fundraising efforts, including capital campaigns;
· Proficiency in Salesforce or equivalent donor management and CRM platforms is required; able to leverage data to inform fundraising strategies and donor engagement;
· Strong background in communications strategy, including PR, media, and institutional messaging.
· Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, including the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders;
Strong leadership and people management experience, including direct supervision;
· Experience working with a Board of Trustees;
· Experience managing or partnering with external fundraising consultants, a plus;
· Knowledge of public funding mechanisms, government relations, and civic affairs, a plus.
About the Position:
This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position with full benefits package, including medical, dental, 403(b) retirement plan, and a health savings account. Full-time employees of MCHC are part of a paid leave policy that offers up to 20 days of vacation and 12 days of sick leave annually in addition to the recognition of 11 federal holidays, as well as free onsite parking.
The salary range is $105,000-125,000, commensurate with experience. Evening and weekend availability required for donor events, community meetings, and public engagements. Some travel required for donor visits, conferences, and advocacy work. Eligible for 1-2 days of telework after an introductory period.
About MCHC
The Maryland Center for History and Culture is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to educate people of all ages about the American experience through the rich history of Maryland using their collections and to preserve important objects and archival materials from prehistoric Maryland to the present day. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by law and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.
The Maryland Center for History and Culture collects, preserves, and interprets the history, art, and culture of Maryland. By exploring multiple perspectives and sharing national stories through the lens of Maryland, MCHC inspires critical thinking, creativity, and community. Learn more at mdhistory.org.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $105,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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Duties / Expectations:
Vice President of External Affairs
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201
$105,000 - $125,000 a year - Full-time
Skills
Writing skills
(Required)
Strategic partnerships
(Required)
Research
(Required)
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Do you have experience in Writing skills?
Education
Bachelor's degree
Do you have a Bachelor's degree?
Benefits
403(b)
Health insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Health savings account
Dental insurance
Full job description
Vice President of External Affairs
Position Summary:
The Maryland Center for History and Culture (MCHC) is seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual with the vision and creativity to engage audiences through our unwavering commitment to learning and understanding history, connecting them with our vast collections, programs and initiatives. This is an exciting time to be part of the future of Maryland’s oldest continually operating cultural organization. A successful candidate is knowledgeable, intuitive, communicative, and enjoys collaborating to develop and employ fundraising strategies. Our workplace thrives on the passion of individuals who apply their expertise in interesting and creative ways.
The Vice President of External Affairs (VP) is a key member of the executive leadership team and reports directly to the President & CEO at MCHC. This role is responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive strategy for fundraising, government relations, public affairs, and communications. As the chief fundraiser and external affairs strategist, the VP plays a central role in advancing the institution’s mission, visibility, and long-term sustainability.
A major focus of this role will be leading the launch and execution of a multi-year capital campaign, in partnership with an experienced external fundraising consultant. The VP will manage this campaign from planning through implementation, working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, staff, and consultant to achieve ambitious financial and engagement goals.
The VP also oversees the overall communications strategy, ensuring alignment across fundraising, marketing, public messaging, and community initiatives to elevate the MCHC’s public profile and mission.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising & Development
Lead and execute a multi-year development strategy aligned with institutional goals in consultation with the President & CEO;
Spearhead the launch and management of a comprehensive capital campaign, collaborating closely with an external consultant, trustees, and senior leadership to meet fundraising targets and deepen donor engagement;
Serve as chief fundraiser, personally managing a portfolio of top donors and prospects.
Oversee all areas of advancement, including major gifts, institutional giving, annual fund, membership, planned giving, and fundraising events;
Partner closely with the President & CEO, Board of Trustees, and External Affairs Committee on donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship;
Ensure robust donor recognition, engagement, and data management systems.
External Relations & Public Affairs
Represent MCHC to government officials, civic leaders, and policy makers at all levels;
Develop and execute advocacy strategies to support public funding and broader cultural policy goals;
Oversee MCHC’s communications strategy, including public messaging, media relations, crisis communication, institutional branding, and content strategy;
Work in close collaboration with the Director of Strategic Communications & Initiatives to ensure integrated messaging across departments and platforms;
Monitor policy developments and advise the President & CEO on government and community relations opportunities and risks.
Community Engagement
Build and sustain strong partnerships with peer institutions statewide;
Advance initiatives that expand MCHC’s reach, relevance, and accessibility;
Attend and represent the museum at key civic events, public forums, and community meetings.
Leadership & Team Management
Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and strategic guidance to a team of 5 employees within the External Affairs department: Director of Annual Giving & Membership; External Affairs Officer; Director of Strategic Communications & Initiatives; Annual Giving & Membership Manager; Content & Communications Manager;
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture that supports innovation, accountability, and professional growth;
Ensure alignment and integration of fundraising, communications, membership, and external affairs strategies across the department;
Oversee recruitment, performance management, and professional development of team members;
Collaborate to set department goals, manage budgets, and evaluate program effectiveness;
Develop, evaluate, and advise on policies.
Institutional Strategy & Leadership
Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO on matters related to fundraising, external positioning, and public engagement;
Collaborate with peers in marketing, programming, curatorial, and operations to integrate fundraising and engagement strategies across the organization;
Develop and manage departmental budgets, plans, and performance benchmarks.
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