Development Director

The Kentucky Aerospace Education Center (KAEC), home of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, inspires, educates, and empowers the next generation to explore opportunities in aviation, aerospace, and STEM-related fields. Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community outreach, KAEC highlights aviation’s impact on innovation, economic growth, and quality of life throughout Kentucky and beyond. KAEC is seeking an experienced and results-driven Development Director to lead the organization’s fundraising, marketing, and communications efforts. This senior leadership position is responsible for developing and executing integrated strategies to increase philanthropic support, strengthen community engagement, elevate brand visibility, and advance the organization’s long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate will be a skilled relationship builder and strategic leader with a demonstrated track record of securing major gifts, cultivating donor relationships, and leading successful marketing and communications initiatives. This individual will serve as a passionate advocate for equitable access to STEM education, the expansion of aviation and aerospace career pathways, and the economic development opportunities these industries create for Kentuckians. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and community stakeholders, the Development Director will play a critical role in expanding KAEC’s impact, growing financial support, and advancing the organization’s mission for future generations. Responsibilities Partner with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Fundraising Committee to develop and achieve annual fundraising, major gift, capital campaign, and marketing goals. Serve as a visible and informed ambassador for KAEC, building relationships throughout the community to advance the organization’s mission, visibility, and philanthropic support. Lead the planning, execution, and management of all fundraising activities, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation support, memberships, grants, special events, and capital campaigns. Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects; identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors to achieve contributed revenue goals. Direct all aspects of donor and prospect management, including research, pipeline development, solicitation strategies, stewardship, gift processing, and donor recognition. Oversee the organization’s CRM/database, ensuring accurate donor records, prospect tracking, reporting, financial forecasting, and adherence to gift acceptance and data management policies. Provide strategic leadership and support for capital and major gift campaigns, including donor communications, naming opportunities, campaign materials, acknowledgments, and campaign reporting. Train, mentor, and support Board members and Fundraising Committee members in donor engagement, solicitation strategies, and personal giving efforts. Develop, implement, and oversee integrated marketing, branding, public relations, and communications strategies that increase awareness, engagement, attendance, membership, and philanthropic support. Manage media relations, marketing vendors, advertising initiatives, and earned media opportunities to enhance KAEC's public profile. Collaborate across departments to develop and promote programs, exhibitions, educational initiatives, membership offerings, and visitor experiences consistent with the KAEC brand. Oversee the organization’s membership and private events programs, developing strategies to increase participation, retention, and revenue. Develop and manage annual development and marketing budgets and provide regular performance, revenue, and progress reports to organizational leadership and the Board. Ensure all fundraising, marketing, and communications activities consistently reflect and strengthen the KAEC brand and mission. Qualifications A bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree desirable. Excellent written and oral communication skills, able to plan and execute strategic communications to advance philanthropic and marketing initiatives, and build/cultivate a community of stakeholders. Proven experience and demonstrated proficiency with a donor database CRM. 3 years’ experience with a development program. Experience in a nonprofit organization, cultural or educational institution, or equivalent preferred, with a working knowledge of all areas within development, including capital campaigns, major gifts, annual giving, membership, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and prospect research. Experience with arts-related organizations a plus. Ability to build development and marketing departments and work successfully in a setting that prioritizes management, membership, development of new audiences, and community engagement. Proficiency in setting goals, analyzing data for effective prospect development, and evaluating and communicating success. Specific knowledge of Lexington’s philanthropic landscape is a plus. Exceptional planning and organizational skills. Results-oriented and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines. Able to construct, articulate, implement, and evaluate written development plans and budgets. Commitment to a mission-based organization, community engagement, diversity, and a history of working effectively with all people irrespective of their economic status, ethnicity, gender, educational level, or sexual orientation. Must pass a background check. This is a full-time, on-site, salaried position offering a competitive benefits package, including paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, health insurance eligibility, and participation in a 401(k) plan, in accordance with organizational policies. Interested candidates should submit a resume no later than June 22. Applicants selected for an interview will be notified via email by June 26. #J-18808-Ljbffr