Position Title: Development Director 
Location: Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Lake Charles, Louisiana 
Employment Type: Full-Time 

Position Overview 

The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is seeking a driven, entrepreneurial Development Director who can grow revenue, expand community partnerships, and champion the museum’s mission across Southwest Louisiana.

The Development Director will lead all fundraising efforts for the museum, including sponsorships, memberships, donations, partnerships, and grant funding. This person will be responsible for cultivating donors, securing sponsorships, expanding membership, and identifying new funding opportunities.

This position reports directly to the Board of Directors and works closely with the museum’s Creative Director to support exhibitions, programming, and initiatives through strategic partnerships and funding.

We are looking for someone who believes in their ability to sell the vision of the museum, build meaningful relationships, and drive financial growth. The right candidate will be confident, community-minded, and motivated by results. 

What You’ll Do 

Lead Fundraising & Revenue Growth 

• Identify and secure corporate sponsorships, philanthropic donations, and strategic partnerships. 
• Cultivate relationships with community leaders, business owners, and philanthropists. 
• Build and grow the museum’s donor and membership base. 
• Develop sponsorship opportunities tied to exhibitions, programs, and events. 
• Create new revenue opportunities that support the museum’s long-term sustainability. 

Manage Grant Funding 

• Research, write, and submit grant applications. 
• Manage grant reporting and compliance requirements. 
• Track grant opportunities aligned with the museum’s programming and mission. 

Drive Community Engagement 

• Serve as a public ambassador for the museum. 
• Build strong relationships with businesses, organizations, and community stakeholders. 
• Represent the museum at events, networking opportunities, and community initiatives. 
• Advocate for the museum’s impact and role in Southwest Louisiana’s cultural landscape. 

Strategic Growth

• Develop and execute a development strategy focused on growth and sustainability. 
• Work with the Board of Directors to expand philanthropic support and identify fundraising opportunities. 
• Collaborate with the Creative Director to secure funding and sponsorships for exhibitions, programs, and special projects. 
• Track fundraising goals and measure development performance. 

Compensation 

This role is structured to reward strong performance and fundraising success. 

Base Salary: 
$30,000 Annually / $2,500 per month 

The Development Director is eligible for additional incentive compensation based on overall organizational performance metrics, as established and approved annually by the Board of Directors. Incentive metrics may include growth in membership, overall budget attainment, donor retention rates, and new partnership development.  

Total compensation –  including base salary and any performance incentive – will not exceed $65,000 per year. This cap has been established and approved by the Board of Directors.

Who You Are 

The ideal candidate: 

• Is confident asking for support and closing sponsorships 
• Is comfortable building relationships and networking across the community 
• Has an entrepreneurial mindset and thrives in a performance-driven environment 
• Believes in the power of arts and culture to strengthen communities 
• Is proactive, self-motivated, and results-oriented 
• Is comfortable representing the museum publicly and advocating for its mission 

Experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, sales, sponsorships, or donor development is strongly preferred. 

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their experience and interest in the role. 

Please send all materials to careers@lcicm.org. 

A member of the Imperial Calcasieu Museum Executive Board will review applications and reach out to qualified candidates.