HOME / ABOUT / EMPLOYMENT

 

Assistant/Associate Director of Philanthropy & Engagement

Athenaeum Music & Arts Library—La Jolla, CA

We sit at the intersection of music, art, community, and history—and we are growing! The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library is a beloved San Diego institution entering an exciting new chapter after a strategic planning process. We are in search of a driven and creative fundraiser to help write the next one.

 

ABOUT US

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library is a dynamic cultural hub and membership library where music, art, and learning thrive. Welcoming the San Diego community and beyond since 1899, we create spaces where curiosity, creativity, and community flourish. Our organizational budget is approximately $2.5 million, and we work across two locations: the historic library in downtown La Jolla, and the Athenaeum Art Center in Logan Heights, inside the Bread & Salt building.

 

THE ROLE

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will own our full fundraising operation—individual donors, corporate partners, grants, membership, and our annual benefit gala. You will manage a small team and work shoulder-to-shoulder with the Board to grow the culture of giving that sustains everything we do.

 

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

Raise Money

  • Design and implement fundraising strategies for individual, foundation, corporate, and governmental sources

  • Work from an existing development plan to grow membership and income

  • Drive a major gifts program—prospect, cultivate, and close

  • Lead corporate membership pursuits and steward key relationships

  • Partner with the Executive Director and Board on solicitations

Run the Annual Benefit

  • Lead the benefit committee and event consultant to produce our signature fundraiser

  • Balance fundraising targets with memorable donor experiences

Grow Membership & Communications

  • Manage the Communications Associate and Membership Assistant

  • Develop strategies to reach new and diverse audiences across the region

  • Keep all channels—email, social, web, print—cohesive and compelling

Manage Grants & Finances

  • Oversee grant relationships and work with our consulting grant writer

  • Track revenue, provide projections, and evaluate fundraising effectiveness

 

WHAT YOU BRING ALONG

The successful candidate will have a proven track record as a nonprofit leader with experience in individual donor development, special events, communications and outreach, and foundation and corporate fund development, with a passion for the Athenaeum’s essential role in San Diego’s cultural landscape.

  • 5+ years of progressive nonprofit development experience

  • Proven track record raising funds from foundations, corporations, and individuals

  • A skilled solicitor—strategic, creative, and confident asking for gifts

  • An exceptional relationship builder and communicator in every format

  • A collaborative manager who brings out the best in a small team

  • Genuinely curious about equity, diversity, and building broader community ties

  • US Citizenship required

  • Preferred: experience with Raiser’s Edge and/or arts & culture organizations

 

WHAT WE OFFER

  • $75,000–$90,000 commensurate with experience; full-time exempt

  • Employer-sponsored healthcare and voluntary benefits

  • Generous vacation + 13 paid holidays

  • 403(b) with match after one year

  • Flexible work environment

  • Paid parking in downtown La Jolla

  • Full family membership + free admission to all Athenaeum programs

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!

Start date: As soon as possible. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Christie Mitchell, Executive Director, at careers@ljathenaeum.org.

 

WE TAKE CARE OF OUR PEOPLE

The Athenaeum is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value and celebrate diversity, believing that every employee matters and should be respected and heard. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and affirmative action employer, committed to providing employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, creed, color, gender, religion, marital status, domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, pregnancy, citizenship, military, or Veteran status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact careers@ljathenaeum.org.

The Athenaeum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

 
Volunteer