Director of Development

Director Of Development

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and working with a team of advancement professionals responsible for securing corporate sponsors, foundation grants, and individual donations for the annual fund, specific projects, philanthropic-level membership, and the capital campaign. The Director of Development will ensure that revenue goals are met to support the mission and vision, programs, and long-term goals of the Aquarium, while expanding the donor prospect base.

Minimum starting pay for this role is $125,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

Director Of Development Responsibilities Include:

• Manage an active portfolio of prospects for the annual fund, specific projects, and the capital campaign including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop and engage the Trustees of the Pacific, an ambassador group comprised of influential community leaders and major donors. Develop a strategic plan with the Trustee Co-Chairs, Major Gifts Officer, and the Vice President of Development. Design quarterly meetings, engagement strategies, and ensure Trustees are motivated to fulfill roles and responsibilities.
• Develop and communicate compelling, mission-driven stories that inspire philanthropic investment by translating organizational impact into meaningful donor communications, fundraising campaigns, grant proposals, presentations, and stewardship materials.
• Develop and implement specific strategies to expand the Aquarium's donor base and oversee prospect research, analysis, and recommendations.
• Actively involve the President, CFO, Vice President of Development, Board Members, program staff, and other key volunteers in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship process.
• Develop and manage revenue projections and expense budgets.
• Analyze fundraising data and present reports to leadership and Board Members.
• Collaborate closely with the entire development department and strengthen relationships throughout the Aquarium.
• Represent and serve as an advocate for the Aquarium in the broader community.
• Supervise development staff and volunteers
• Actively participate in weekend and evening Aquarium functions as needed.
• Additional responsibilities may be delegated due to the culture of the aquarium.

Knowledge & Skills

• Excellent written communication skills.
• Ability to write clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of fundraising information sources and familiarity with research techniques for fundraising prospect research.
• Extraordinary organizational skills.
• Strong contributor in team environments.
• Excellent computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office programs and knowledge of SalesForce database preferred.
• Ability to monitor and meet income and other defined metrics set for this position and the team.
• Ability to balance "big picture" thinking with attention to detail.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

• Minimum five years' experience in fundraising for non-profit institutions, preferably cultural institutions.
• Minimum two to five years' experience managing a team.
• Bachelor's degree required, master's degree preferred.
• Experience working directly with donors.
• Experience working with Boards and Trustees in non-profit organizations.
• Proven track record in goal setting and achievement.
• Experience in handling difficult political situations
• Knowledge of the institution and the community preferred.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, twist.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-25 lbs.
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-25 lbs.
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills.

Mental Demands

The mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Resilience and ability to prioritize sometimes competing tasks and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and guests, even when differing perspectives present potential for conflict.
• Strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues and find effective solutions and alternatives.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle changes in schedules or responsibilities.
• Critical thinking and decision-making abilities to handle complex situations.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence to understand and respond to the needs of colleagues or customers.
• Ability to maintain composure and handle difficult situations with professionalism.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Normal office working conditions
• Noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate
• Wet, dirty, uneven surfaces and walkways
• Exposure to various temperatures, humidity, or wetness

Interested & Qualified?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below to "APPLY NOW." You will be directed to our web application process, the successful completion of which is required by all applicants. There are THREE simple steps to this process, which is administered by Hire Select:

1. You will complete a brief web application;
2. You will attach or build your resume;
3. You will complete the PCI aptitude assessment.

Upon completion of all THREE steps, your submission will be forwarded to our hiring team for consideration. If you are among the most qualified applicants, we will contact you within two to three weeks. If you do not hear from us within that time, feel free to reapply in the future as other opportunities arise.

Thank you so much for your interest in the Aquarium of the Pacific!

Aquarium of the Pacific is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff.