Associate Director of Major Gifts

Associate Director of Major Gifts About The DoSeum The DoSeum is San Antonio’s only museum exclusively devoted to children ages 11 and under. As the city’s premier resource for early learners, their caregivers, and their educators, we cultivate innovative thinkers capable of mastering the opportunities of tomorrow. Featuring more than 100,000 square feet of interactive exhibits— both indoor and outdoor—The DoSeum promotes constructivist, inquiry-based learning related to STEAM and early literacy. The DoSeum Experience is for every child, every family, every community; we are a DoSeum for ALL. Our mission is to grow curious minds, connect families and transform communities through joyful learning and discovery. As part of this mission, The DoSeum also serves the community as a unique, highly desirable venue for private and special events. JOB SUMMARY The Associate Director of Major Gifts is responsible for advancing The DoSeum’s major gift fundraising strategy by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity donors. This role manages a portfolio of major gift prospects, contributes to capital campaign efforts, and supports the development of a planned giving program. As a key partner to the Vice President of Development, this position plays an integral role in strengthening the organization’s philanthropic pipeline and is designed to grow into expanded leadership responsibilities over time. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Development, this role serves as a key partner in advancing The DoSeum’s major gifts strategy and long‑term philanthropic growth. This is a salaried, exempt, full‑time, benefits eligible position. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Major & Planned Giving Leadership Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects with an emphasis on $100,000+ gifts, developing and executing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies. Lead the development and launch of the museum’s Planned Giving Program, including strategy, materials, and donor identification. Contribute to achieving annual and campaign fundraising goals through active portfolio management and pipeline development. Donor Engagement & Stewardship Cultivate meaningful relationships with donors through personalized communication, museum engagement opportunities, and ongoing stewardship. Guide the stewardship process to ensure major donors experience timely recognition, high-quality communication, and mission‑centered engagement. Leadership & Strategic Partnership Partner with the Vice President of Development to support major gifts strategy, campaign planning, and long‑term fundraising initiatives. Contribute to the development of fundraising goals, pipeline strategy, and donor engagement plans. Collaborate with senior leadership and key stakeholders to align funding opportunities with organizational priorities. Participate in donor strategy discussions and support engagement with board members and key volunteers, as appropriate. Data Tracking & Reporting Track progress toward major gifts goals and report on key fundraising metrics. Maintain accurate donor information, strategies, and contact reports within the portfolio management system. Organizational Collaboration Work closely with colleagues across departments to develop compelling cases for support and identify funding opportunities that align with donor interests. Provide support for broader Development team initiatives and events as needed. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field required. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered. Minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising experience, including direct solicitation of major gifts. Demonstrated success securing gifts in the $25,000‑$100,000+ range. Experience managing a donor portfolio with measurable outcomes. Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation, and stewardship. Proficiency with CRM or donor database systems. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Experience in a museum, cultural institutions, nonprofit, or multi‑use venue environment. Experience securing $100,000+ gifts. Experience supporting or participating in a capital campaign. Exposure to or involvement in planned giving or legacy giving programs. Familiarity with the San Antonio philanthropic community. Experience partnering with senior leadership or board members in donor strategy. Demonstrated ability to contribute to fundraising strategy and readiness to take on expanded leadership responsibilities. Advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Ability to build and sustain meaningful relationships with high‑level donors and stakeholders. Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate mission into compelling funding opportunities. Excellent communication and storytelling skills, both written and verbal. High level of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential donor information. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT This role requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends to support donor events and engagement opportunities. Frequent interaction with the public, including children, families, staff, and external partners, in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment. Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods, including during events. Variable exposure to noise levels, weather conditions, and both indoor and outdoor environments. Occasional local travel may be required to support events, partnerships, or business development activities. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the Associate Director of Major Gifts. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position, which can be revised real‑time at the discretion of the VP Development. The DoSeum is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr