Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Seeks Development Director

sturgis-hall-of-fame1The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is seeking a Director of Development to join the team of professionals at the museum.  This individual will be an integral part of making sure the museum is not only sustained, but expanded.  “As we seek to grow the museum, we’ve recognized the need for a person who is focused on the future,” said Dave Davis, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Board President.  “The board is excited about the results of a recent feasibility study in which our supporters overwhelmingly encouraged us to move forward with a large-scale building project and other initiatives.  We recognize that the current staff is just not able to handle all of the additional duties this will entail.”

The Director of Development is the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s chief development officer.  The position reports to the Executive Director and is charged with both fund and friend raising.  The position supports the Museum’s strategic initiatives through development activities designed to increase the Museum’s assets.

sturgis-hall-of-fame2Specific responsibilities will include:  supporting the Museum’s Major Gifts Campaign, identifying private, public, and corporate/foundation sources of funding, prospect cultivation, proposal development, donor stewardship, facilitating Museum partnerships with corporate donors, and negotiating agreements and contracts related to development activities.

Additional responsibilities will include:  assisting with the marketing of the Museum, maintaining relationships with other development professionals, assisting the Executive Director in the development and management of Museum finances and budgets, organizing and managing “friends” groups, developing and supporting the Executive Director and Board in increasing their abilities, compliance with government agency requirements, and establishing and maintaining a donor information system.

SMHFThe ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate substantial planning and fundraising skills, and a thorough knowledge of software systems related to fundraising.  Additionally, the candidate must have excellent supervision, leadership, team-building, negotiating and contracting skills.  Previous experience with fundraising campaigns is extremely desirable.  Additionally, the candidate should have the ability create marketing publications, have social networking skills, and be able to work independently without constant supervision.  Appreciation for the culture and sport of the motorcycle is also desirable.

The candidate will, at a minimum, hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field, and have a successful track record in raising significant funds. The salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience.  The position closing date is August 23, 2013.  Candidates should apply via a professional resume either through regular mail or email. Resumes can be mailed to Executive Director, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, 999 Main Street, Sturgis, SD, 57785 or emailed to christine@sturgismuseum.com. All emailed resumes will be acknowledged via return email. If you do not receive a return email, please contact us to verify receipt of your resume.

13 Responses to “Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Seeks Development Director”


  1. 1 Patrick Jul 27th, 2013 at 8:35 am

    Great. It was time, the former one was “all smoke & mirrors”

  2. 2 TriGlide Jul 27th, 2013 at 9:52 am

    The Indian launch party should bring the museum a big load of money. Events like that are the way to raise easy money. Rent the museum grounds for motorcycle parties and no need for a marketing director.

  3. 3 Rodent Jul 27th, 2013 at 10:36 am

    Museaum is probably paying Indian for appearance otherwise they’d be at Buffalo Chip.

  4. 4 Insider Jul 27th, 2013 at 10:50 am

    Rodent got it wrong again. Indian is at the Sturgis museum for evident reasons. Papy Hoel, considered the father of the rally, was an Indian Motocycle (no R) Dealer. There is history shared by the Indian brand & the museum. The museum doesn’t pay Indian. They have no money. Indian leaves the profits of the party beverage sales to the museum. Indian associated with the Buffalo Chip circus?. Are you kidding? Wjhat image it would give Indian? Woddruff begging to have Indian events at his place. The bad part is that now the museum is going to feel obliged to say thank you to Indian by inducting some Polaris people? Starting next year. You bet?

  5. 5 Josh Parker Jul 27th, 2013 at 11:03 am

    Insider must be right.

  6. 6 Brandon Jul 27th, 2013 at 11:05 am

    SMRI should give all its profits to the museum and disappear.

  7. 7 Rodent Jul 27th, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    Jack Hoel sold all rights to Papy to the FullThrottle

  8. 8 nicker Jul 28th, 2013 at 12:29 am

    Whatever…… But the museum does has a nice collection of stuff that’s worth seeing.
    For those really interested in scooter jockey history make it a point to stop in.

    -nicker-

  9. 9 Insider Jul 28th, 2013 at 6:37 am

    Rodent. You’re wrong again. Michael Ballard, not the Full Throttle Saloon, bought the rights to the Pappy Hoel name.

  10. 10 Rodent Jul 28th, 2013 at 8:08 am

    Ballard is the Full Throttle at least on the stupid tv show

  11. 11 Richie Jul 28th, 2013 at 8:58 am

    Full Throttle Saloon. Always close to financial collapse. Better own rights in your own name or in another corp.

  12. 12 Mike Kopp Aug 29th, 2013 at 8:43 am

    The growth and expansion plans of the museum will take it beyond local politics and culture. The building’s expansion and the outreach of the museum itself will propel it in to a bigger and brighter future. Naysayers will be left in the dust. You are about to see the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame much more often in more places than ever before.

  13. 13 Terence Tory Aug 29th, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    A professional resume and bachelor’s degree to run a barn full of old bikes? It seems Sturgis is becoming a picnic of carnivorous lawyers and greed.I very much doubt that rusty or over restored bikes all in a line will have much sustained pulling power.”established 2001″ (?) .

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Cyril Huze