Director of Development

JOB SUMMARY: The Sea Research Foundation is seeking a Director of Development who will work collaboratively with the Vice President of Development to help design and implement fundraising strategies and identify, cultivate, close, and steward new and existing donors for the organization while enhancing internal systems and processes to support growth.   

Management position that requires a leader that has exceptionally strong communication skills, is a well-organized and focused individual with related, in-depth, hands-on experience and demonstrated success in non-profit fundraising including individual giving programs, volunteer and donor management, planned giving, and event management.  The ideal candidate is energetic, strategic, and a team player who is passionate about Sea Research Foundation’s Mission.

The mission of Sea Research Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through conservation, education, and research.

Minimum Job Requirements: Must be willing to consistently provide guest service above and beyond expectation.

• Bachelor's degree is required. Advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 7-10 years in management and fundraising experience, preferably non-profit.
• Must have a demonstrated track-record managing, coordinating, and growing key fundraising programs and vehicles including but not limited to, annual funds, campaigns, planned giving, and special events
• Firm understanding of cultivation and stewardship process for donors and volunteers.
• Working knowledge of fundraising best practices.
• Must have knowledge and experience in managing multi-tiered development database, systems for prospect research, recordkeeping, and solicitation.
• Experience with and understanding of the relationship between Membership, Marketing and Development and how to effectively mine membership records is highly desirable.

Responsibilities & Essential Functions:

• Work closely with the Vice President of Development to establish a comprehensive fundraising plan
• Coordinate and manage various fundraising and stewardship campaigns throughout the year, including but not limited to mailings and emails
• Develop and maintain donor relationships by ensuring that all donors are promptly acknowledged, stewarded, and provided opportunities to experience the impact of their gift
• Manage a portfolio of 100+ individual, grant and corporate donors and prospects.
• Secure 10-15 meetings per month for cultivation or solicitation.
• Support the Vice President and CEO in development activities including identification, research and follow-up with donors and prospects
• Consistently work to develop and have meaningful contact with potential donors in the community.
• Collaborate with Aquarium leadership and staff to identify and cultivate individuals who have the capacity to give to the organization.
• Contribute daily to the overall success of the organization by maintaining a positive team-oriented attitude
• Work in collaboration with the Development and Special Events Coordinator to oversee Aquarium events and programs as assigned including annual gala, golf tournament, and Board of Trustees meetings.
• Manage budget reporting for Development department.

 Safety/Security

• All employees are responsible for working in a safe manner at all times.
• Every employee must properly use, and keep in good order, all personal protective equipment (PPE) supplied to them as protection from recognized hazards.
• Every employee must report any unsafe condition
• Every employee must have a working knowledge of all Facility wide, and Department specific, safety procedures that relate to their position, including, but not limited to: Emergency Evacuation, Lockdown Procedure, and Fire Extinguisher Use.
• Model and support employees to put safety of guests and employees as a top priority.
• Develop safety policies and procedures to ensure departmental compliance with regulations and guidelines.
• Proactively address any potential safety concerns with the Safety & Security department.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

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 ability required. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Sea Research Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Mystic Aquarium is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage the applications of women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Please visit our website to apply:  http://www.mysticaquarium.org