Development Manager

Why Join Us?

Step aboard history—and help keep it alive. At the Galveston Naval Museum, you’re not just raising funds—you’re sustaining living pieces of American history. As Development Manager, you’ll help preserve the USS Cavalla submarine and the USS Stewart Destroyer Escort while connecting people to the stories of the sailors who served on them.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for someone who is passionate about naval heritage, community relationships, and mission-driven fundraising. You will be part of a dedicated team committed to honoring our veterans, educating the public, and inspiring future generations. We are looking for a hands-on, relationship-oriented leader who can manage our overnight program while building the fundraising capacity that keeps these ships and their stories alive for the long term. This isn’t just a job. It’s a mission.

About the Organization

The Cavalla Historical Foundation (CHF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Galveston County, Texas. CHF operates the Galveston Naval Museum (GNM) at historic Seawolf Park on Pelican Island in Galveston, Texas.

Reports To

Executive Director, Cavalla Historical Foundation (CHF)

Location: On-site at the Galveston Naval Museum (Seawolf Park) for the first 90 days (probationary period); remote work eligibility considered thereafter based on performance and operational needs

Starting Salary: $40,000–$45,000

Role Summary

The Development Manager is a dual-role position designed to strengthen both the museum’s overnight (sleepover) program and its fundraising capacity. The role begins with hands-on responsibility for the overnight program while simultaneously building and leading fundraising efforts. As the individual demonstrates competence and fundraising gains traction, the position is expected to transition toward full-time development work.

Scope of Responsibilities

Overnight Program Management (Initial Dual Phase)

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the sleepover/overnight program aboard the USS Stewart, including booking coordination, group communication, logistics, and guest experience.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols, museum policies, and group requirements (including chaperone expectations, packing lists, and facility use).
• Coordinate with the Education Program Coordinator and other staff on educational activities, tours, and programming during overnight stays.
• Manage program revenue, deposits, payments, and related administrative processes.
• Serve as primary on-site or on-call contact for overnight groups as needed, especially during the initial on-site period.
• Identify opportunities to improve program quality, efficiency, and revenue.

Fundraising and Development

• Lead the museum’s fundraising campaign and ongoing development efforts in support of ship preservation, operations, and educational programs.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
• Support grant research, writing, and reporting in coordination with existing grant-writing resources.
• Develop and implement strategies for annual giving, major gifts, and campaign-specific solicitations.
• Assist with donor communications, acknowledgments, and recognition.
• Track fundraising activity, revenue, and progress toward goals.
• Represent the museum to external stakeholders and at community or donor events as appropriate.

General & Organizational

• Learn and internalize museum operations, history, and visitor experience during the initial 90-day on-site probationary period.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Operations, Education, and Maintenance teams to align fundraising and program efforts with organizational priorities.
• Maintain accurate records and provide regular progress updates to leadership.
• Contribute to a culture of mission-driven work focused on preserving the USS Cavalla, USS Stewart, and related naval heritage.

Work Arrangement & Progression

• First 90 days: Fully on-site to learn operations, build relationships with staff and volunteers, and gain direct familiarity with the overnight program and museum environment.
• After successful probation: Eligible for a hybrid or primarily remote schedule, subject to the needs of overnight program coverage and fundraising activities.
• Long-term intent: As fundraising capacity grows and the individual demonstrates competence, the overnight program responsibilities are expected to be reduced or transitioned so the role can focus full-time on development.

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person