Careers

Considering a Museum Career?

Unlock your passion and join us at the #1 Western Museum in the United States, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Explore exciting career opportunities that blend art, history, and culture to preserve and showcase the vibrant heritage of the Southwest.

Thank you for your interest in Western Spirit. Feel free to send your resume and cover letter expressing your career goals or desired role to hr@westernspirit.org. Additionally we are actively seeking candidates for the following role.

Type: Full time

POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Development is a relationship builder of the highest integrity and an articulate and persuasive communicator. Energized by working in the community, the Director of Development will be a passionate, visible, and informed advocate for the Western Spirit Museum effectively engaging existing and potential supporters in its mission and programs. Comfortably balancing both relationship-oriented and task-focused responsibilities, the Director of Development will structure compelling opportunities for support to positively impact the organization’s long-term success.

This is a unique opportunity to serve on the museum’s leadership team, working with a cadre of talented colleagues and committed Board of Trustees at a nimble, creative museum, overseeing current fundraising efforts, including individual and corporate giving, annual fund, major gifts, and museum sponsorships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• In close collaboration with the CEO, Director of Operations, members of the Development Committee, Board of Trustees and senior staff develop and implement a strategy for the financial support of the Museum including objectives and metrics for annual and multi-year development goals.
• Execute on specific fundraising goals, identify new opportunities, employ new approaches, and aggressively execute them. Solicits gifts, donations, and other forms of support.
• Cultivate, steward, and solicit a portfolio of individual and corporate donors helping build a healthy funnel of major donor leads.
• Build a robust and a comprehensive plan to maintain and increase upper-level donations, promoting a culture of philanthropy.
• Deliver creative and compelling fundraising and cultivation events.
• Effectively manage research, information, and organization for major donor efforts. Maintain a robust donor database.
• Create and implement a strategic plan for annual fundraising including working with the marketing team on strategies, solicitation schedules and the publication process.
• Research, identify and cultivate new and established philanthropic sources, including individuals, businesses, foundations. and government agencies.
• Track contributed revenue within the company database (Blackbaud Altru) including database gift entry, pledged gifts, and progress toward specific projects, campaigns & appeals.
• Acknowledge Individuals, Corporations, and Foundations for donations, in-kind contributions, and grants, using mailed or digital communications.
• Work closely with Operations department to track program and exhibition KPI’s for reporting on the impact of grant and other contribution support.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Development Committee of the Board of Trustees.
• Regularly attend Museum events and programs to develop and cultivate positive professional relationships with donors, trustees, members and the public.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Minimum of five years’ comprehensive experience in a non-profit, preferably in a museum, cultural arts institution or corporation in Arizona.
• Demonstrated success in soliciting individual donors, major or planned gifts with a track record of building donor relationships and success in closing gifts in a six-figure range.
• Demonstrated success in building a solicitation calendar and communication plan that supports annual giving patterns.
• Value diversity and inclusion, and the ability to work across teams and engage a variety of stakeholders.
• Exceptional strategic, analytical, organizational and decision-making skills with high attention to detail.
• Enthusiastic self-starter, highly competitive with an ability to engage in self-evaluation regarding leadership, performance, and professional growth and work independently with moderate supervision.
• The ability to be flexible and make thoughtful independent decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Persuasive and articulate communicator and active listener with strong written and presentation skills.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, both externally and internally, and the ability to effectively represent the Museum in all venues.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel. Power Point, Outlook), and CRM databases is required.

WORK SCHEDULE
The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. Additional work hours may be necessary, including evening and weekend hours due to special events and programs scheduled at the museum or in the community. The responsibilities and required interactions of this position are not conducive to virtual work arrangements. This person must reside relatively near the Museum.

PHYSICAL MENTAL SENSORY DEMANDS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that a Director of Development encounters while performing the essential functions of the role:

Climate controlled art museums with display galleries. standard offices, museum shops, and other non-public spaces. Work is performed primarily indoors and occasionally outdoors at the Museum, however there will be occasions where work is performed outside the Museum in public spaces such as companies, restaurants, event venues,
private homes, offices and meeting rooms.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to receive oral and written instructions in English and to clearly communicate in English in person, over the telephone, through email and through other electronic means. The employee is required to move about their work area, between galleries and storage areas, ascend and descend stairs; and stand and/or sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to lift, drag and/or move up to 15 pounds unassisted. The employee is required to identify, observe, and assess visually and comply with Museum health and safety-related protocols.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with different abilities to perform the essential functions to the extent the Western Spirit may do so without undue hardship. The term “qualified individual with a disability” means an individual who with or without reasonable accommodation can perform the essential
functions of the position.

SALARY
The salary range for this position is $85,000 – $95,000 based on experience.

BENEFITS
The Museum provides a comprehensive program of benefits that includes:
• Paid time-off and holidays
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Short Term/Long Term Disability insurances
• Retirement Plan

INTERESTED APPLICANTS
We are committed to an inclusive workplace and actively seek to employ a diverse
group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Please send a resume and cover letter addressed to Shannon Barrett, Director of Human Resources at sbarrett@westernspirit.org. Submissions will be reviewed and considered as received.

Type: Part time

POSITION SUMMARY
We are looking for highly organized candidates with excellent communication skills for the position of Guest Services Associate. Guest Services Associates are responsible for providing front desk and retail services to guests, undertaking various administrative duties.

The ideal Guest Services Associate will have tremendous enthusiasm while greeting guests upon arrival and making them feel welcomed. They will facilitate retail sales, admission to the Museum, event and membership sales and answer inquiries for information regarding the Museum’s mission, history exhibits, events and programs. Availability needed daytime, Thursday through Sunday, although additional hours may be available.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Provide extraordinary customer service to guests in person, online and over the phone.
• Process retail sales, general admissions, membership sales, and donations to the Museum in person and over the phone.
• Perform Museum store and front desk opening and closing functions.
• Handle cash and credit card transactions.
• Assist with restocking, cleaning, and merchandising in the Museum store and inventory storage areas.
• Coordinate with staff management.
• Provide information to guests on various matters such as exhibitions, membership, and local area information.
• Diffuse conflict or tense situations with guests.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• High school diploma or GED
• Customer service and cash handling experience preferred
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Good time management and organizational skills in a seasonally high volume, fast-paced work environment
• Patience and good listening skills
• Ticketing System (Tessitura/Altru) experience preferred (training available
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and some holidays and evenings, as needed
• Passion for customer service, museums, art, history (preferred)

WORK SCHEDULE
The Museum is open 6-7 days per week, depending on the season. Part-time schedule will include weekends but for remaining hours negotiable based on mutual need. Flexibility to work weekend and occasional evening hours due to events or evening hours the Museum is offering is required.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/SENSORY DEMANDS
The work environment is a climate-controlled art museum with display galleries, standard offices, museum shop, and other non-public spaces. Work is performed almost entirely indoors.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to receive oral and written instructions in English and to clearly communicate in English in person, over the telephone, through email and through other electronic means. The employee is required to move about their work area, between galleries and storage areas, ascend and descend stairs; and stand and/or sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to lift, drag and/or move up to 30 pounds unassisted. The employee is required to identify, observe, and assess visually and comply with Museum health and safety-related protocols.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with different abilities to perform the essential functions to the extent the Western Spirit may do so without undue hardship. The term “qualified individual with different abilities” means an individual who with or without reasonable accommodation can perform the essential functions of the position.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS
We are committed to an inclusive workplace and actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Please send a resume and cover letter addressed to Shannon Barrett, Director of Human Resources and Finance at sbarrett@westernspirit.org. Submissions will be reviewed and considered as received.

Type: Full time

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Western Spirit Museum: A 501(c)(3) non-profit
Western Spirit Museum is a nationally recognized, award-winning museum and Smithsonian Affiliate located in Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona. With more than 55,000 square feet of gallery space, including a recent 12,000-square-foot expansion and four new exhibitions, the Museum is entering a new phase of growth and visibility.

We are the storytelling voice of the West, speaking from it, not about it and that point of view shapes how we present ourselves across every touchpoint.

OUR MISSION
Western Spirit Museum tells the story of the North American West through its visual culture. We collect, preserve, and share art, artifacts, and media that reflect the West’s diverse cultures, complex histories, and enduring spirit—exploring how it has been experienced, imagined, and remembered. Through exhibitions, programs, and scholarship, we spark imagination, foster dialogue, and deepen understanding of how the West has been shaped and reshaped across time.

POSITION SUMMARY
This role is responsible for executing how Western Spirit presents itself visually across all channels. Design plays a direct role in how audiences discover the Museum, choose to visit, engage with public programs, return as members, and support the institution through giving.

Working closely with the Director of Marketing, this position balances brand-level thinking with hands-on execution, developing creative that strengthens visibility, maintains a consistent and elevated presence, and supports the museum’s continued attendance growth and museum engagement.

WHAT YOU BRING
• A strong design perspective, with high standards for visual quality and consistency
• Comfort working across both brand-level thinking and hands-on production, this role requires both
• Ability to move between concept and execution without losing attention to detail
• Resourcefulness and a solutions-oriented mindset—able to produce strong work within constraints of time, budget, and available assets
• Experience creating motion graphics and editing video for campaigns and content
• Solid understanding of social media best practices and how design performs best across platforms
• Comfort working in a small, collaborative team where hands-on execution is part of the role
• Ability to balance independence with collaboration; this role works closely with the Director of Marketing and partners with outside agencies when needed
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Translate the brand into clear, emotionally-driven design across campaigns, digital, on-site materials, and promotional communications
• Design and produce assets across channels, including email, search engines, social media, web, print, and video
• Create motion graphics and edit video content that supports exhibitions, public programs, and fundraising campaigns
• Support audience growth by designing work that drives awareness, visitation, public program participation, membership, and giving
• Maintain a consistent visual standard across all touchpoints while adapting to different formats and needs
• Execute work end-to-end, concept through final production, including building emails, updating web pages, and preparing files for print and digital use
• Produce day-to-day materials such as flyers, posters, and program assets while also contributing to larger campaign work
• Support and collaborate with external agencies on higher-level concepting, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s brand and standards
• Manage aspects of your own workflow, including gathering assets, organizing files, and keeping projects moving

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• 3–5 years of professional graphic design experience, agency experience is a plus
• A strong portfolio demonstrating range across digital, print, and motion
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
• Ability to build and publish creative assets directly across platforms, including social media, WordPress, and email marketing tools
• Experience with motion graphics and video editing
• Strong sense of typography, layout, and visual hierarchy
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external vendors and agencies
• Comfortable managing multiple projects with varying timelines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint)

WORK SCHEDULE
This is a full-time, on-site position located at the museum’s headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/SENSORY DEMANDS
The work environment is a climate-controlled art Museum with display galleries, standard offices, Museum shop, and other non-public spaces. Work is performed almost entirely indoors with occasional time in outdoor event spaces.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with different abilities to perform the essential functions to the extent the Western Spirit may do so without undue hardship. The term “qualified individual with different abilities” means an individual who with or without reasonable accommodation can perform the essential functions of the position.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS
We are committed to an inclusive workplace and actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Please send a resume and cover letter addressed to Shannon Barrett, Director of Human Resources and Finance at sbarrett@westernspirit.org. Submissions will be reviewed and considered as received.