The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts is a leading nonprofit art museum and school. Since 1924, the institute has offered art classes, exhibitions, lectures, events, activities and a permanent collection. The KIA’s mission is to cultivate the creation and appreciation of the visual arts in West Michigan. We believe the visual arts are for everyone. They inspire, fulfill, and transform.
Summary of Position
This position serves and acts as a “liaison” for the entire Advancement Department under the supervision and direction of the Director of Advancement with the responsibility for deepening KIA’s connections with the community through planning and presenting successful events for/with the community and KIA’s donors. The KIA is seeking an experienced Advancement Liaison to work under the direction of the Director of Advancement and support the Advancement Department with its fundraising events, including the annual Arts Fair, exhibition openings, member events, facility rentals by external organizations and companies, and attend KIA events. This role will require cross-functional collaboration within Development and across all departments within KIA. Success will contribute to the overall department’s annual goals around engagement and fundraising on behalf of KIA. This position will also be responsible for overseeing volunteers.
Working under the direction of the Director of Advancement, and working closely with the Advancement Team, the Advancement Liaison will be responsible for organizing KIA Development Department events, including choosing vendors, planning, executing to evaluating success afterwards. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and a strong attention to detail as well as prior experience creating exceptional experiences.
Fundraising & KIA Events – Responsibilities
- As the primary event point person, work under the direction of the Director of Advancement and with the Advancement Team on the planning, development, successful execution, and final outcome report of the KIA’s annual Arts Fair, exhibitions openings, the Director’s Circle reception, and the schedule of fundraising events throughout the year.
- Assist with the planning and execution of these events and assisting with the department for set-up, hospitality, client relations, keeper of presentation materials.
- Under the direction of the Director of Advancement support the Advancement team in the planning, development, and execution of events for Corporate Sponsors and Business Members.
- Support the Advancement Team and other KIA staff on the planning, development, and execution of institutional events that support exhibitions, educational programs, and the Kirk Newman Art School.
- Create and establish a productive events calendar and flow of activities with approval and oversight from the Director of Advancement.
Facility Rentals – Responsibilities
- Facilitate rentals of KIA spaces, including preparation for rental events.
- Ability to work with various levels of external staff interested in being rental partners.
- Exhibit KIA spaces to potential renters and identify venue alternatives, pricing, KIA rental policies, and other information.
- Schedule rental events; produce and expedite contracts and invoices; collect payment in advance.
- With lessees, determine event floor plan and setup instructions, share staffing and setup requirements with pertinent KIA personnel.
- Perform other duties broadly related to facility usage.
Volunteer Coordination – Responsibilities
- Maintain a database of volunteers in the KIA’s database, Altru.
- Establish a recruitment plan and update annually.
- Interview and refer all volunteers to appropriate staff.
- Recruit volunteers for events and activities.
- Provide volunteer training and evaluation as appropriate.
- Produce annual volunteer recognition event(s) and otherwise recognize volunteers’ contributions.
- Maintain contacts and network within the community for volunteer information and recognition.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 3-4 years of experience coordinating events and volunteers
- Ability to multi-task and to coordinate team efforts
- Familiarity with computer software, including Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Google Suite, plus database management (preferably Altru)
- Events planning and management experience in non-profit or educational institution
- Development department work and experience would be a plus
- Excellent organizational and verbal and written communication skills
- Experience working in a non-profit setting preferred.
- Detail-oriented personality
- Skill in working under time constraints and confirmed deadlines
- Demonstrated commitment to the values of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply.
Physical Job Requirements
While performing this job, the employee will be required to sit, stand and work, to lift up to 30 lbs occasionally, do close work with a computer monitor and perform repetitive movements. Employee must be able to communicate verbally.
The KIA is an equal opportunity, equal access employer that is fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
3 Ways To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit their resume and cover letter detailing how their experience relates to this position in 1 of 3 ways:
- Use the form below.
- Email with Membership Administrator in the subject line.
- Mail to Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, 314 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.
No phone calls please. Applications accepted until the position is filled.