This week in our Staff Spotlight, we are featuring Jen Ross, the Director of Development at the Gibbes!
How long have you been at the Gibbes?
I began working at the Gibbes in August of 2011 as a part-time grants writer. With the start of the capital campaign and fundraising for the renovation project I soon began to assist the team in these areas. In July of 2014, I officially became the Development Director for the Gibbes.
Describe your role here at the Museum in a few sentences.
I think I have a great role here because I get to work with all areas of the Museum from collections, to curatorial, to education, etc. We are a small staff, and while I have the responsibility of raising money for the Gibbes, I am blessed to work with fantastic colleagues who are very much vested in the fundraising process. We continually collaborate on ways to achieve excellence in what we can provide to our visitors and community.
What brought you to the Gibbes? Tell us about how you ended up here!
I am from Charleston so I always knew I wanted to end up here if possible while raising my family. Fortunately, my husband is a southerner and loves Charleston. I ended up in the nonprofit/development world working for local nonprofits such as Ashley Hall (where I attended) and the Charleston Animal Society. As you can see, there has been a theme with the institutions with which I have been involved. These organizations, much like the Gibbes, have a strong history here in Charleston. I have loved my time at each place and have been passionate in promoting their various missions. In 2009, I had my third daughter Sarah and was also raising my other two little girls, Kate and Emily. I took some time off for a bit while my husband was traveling for work to be with the girls. I began to do some consultant work for area nonprofits in 2010 that included grant writing. At that time, my colleague Zinnia Willits and I had gotten to know each other through our children’s school. Zinnia mentioned to me that the Gibbes needed some grant writing support as it prepared for the capital campaign and renovation, and VOILA! I came to the Gibbes. The funny thing is that I had always wanted to work at the Gibbes. I used to take art classes while growing up at the Queen Street location. Some things come full circle.
What is your favorite work in the collection and why?
I am an English major/History minor. I took one art class during my time at William and Mary. However, I have found that I love being at the Gibbes and each day is thrilling when you learn something new about an artist or work of art. I find myself wanting to take an art history class. But our team is so knowledgeable and willing to share information that I live within an art history class. My favorite work in the collection is April: (The Green Gown) by Childe Hassam. I admire her elegance and beauty while conveying confidence and strength. And I love the color green! If only I could have this same gown.
Tell us about an interesting project you’ve worked on.
There are so many. I am lucky to participate in all areas of the museum world. During the renovation, it was amazing to see the transformation of the building and to help share that with our supporters. There was so much passion and energy in all that was happening in the building. Even now two years later, my colleagues and I are learning how to use our building to share art and the creative process in ways that are impactful. Idea sharing and collaboration keeps my job fun and exciting!
Besides the Gibbes, where do you take friends and family for the quintessential Charleston/Lowcountry experience?
There are many wonderful places in this world, but as a Charlestonian, I have always felt that this town is unique and special. When we have visitors, they are amazed by the history and the architecture, as well as the walkability of the city. So that is what we do! We explore with them. Even after many years, you always find a new treasure that you never noticed before. We also love the Charleston skyline, so any restaurant and bar that shows visitors this unique aspect are the places we go. I have just discovered that the top of the Dewberry Hotel may be my new favorite place. You can see Charleston from all angles.
Top Image: In her position as Director of Development, Jen Ross combines her experience working in nonprofit organizations with a love of her native Charleston. Photograph by James McGavick.
—February 23, 2018