Vice President, Development

About the Position

Reporting to the President and CEO, Kate Arrizza, the Vice President, Development (VPD) will be responsible for planning, managing, and implementing activities that increase, diversify and sustain philanthropic support for the Cox Science Center and its affiliates from individuals, corporations, foundations and the government.

The VPD will lead the development program through an exciting historic next chapter of growth and momentum, play a critical role in helping the Cox Science Center successfully close out its capital campaign, and elevate fundraising for the institution.

The VPD will manage, mentor and coach a motivated and high performing Development team as well as hire future development team members. Additionally, this person will work closely with a talented senior team in enhancing current programming and in developing new program initiatives.

The Cox Science Center has an operating budget of around $8m with $4m raised from philanthropy which includes government funds. As the museum expands and the operating budget grows, this person will elevate and significantly enhance philanthropic support.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• As a member of the senior leadership team, partner with President & CEO and Board in taking the Cox Science Center’s development program to the next level
• Create and execute a strategy for a large, sustained base of annual individual donors as well as corporate, foundation, and government sources.
• Partner with leadership and the board to successfully close out the capital campaign
• In collaboration with COO and CFO, develop and implement a financial strategy to ensure funds, donations and grants meet the budgetary requirements of all programs.
• Participate at meetings of the Board of Trustees and select Board committees including the Development Committee to provide counsel, and report on development related issues and operations.

Fundraising

• Secure financial support from individuals, foundations, corporations and government (local, state and federal).
• Personally manage a portfolio of high net worth prospects and donors
• Develop, establish, and implement the infrastructure needed to grow through the solicitation of major gifts, federal and state grants, special events, and corporate and foundation support.
• Expand and diversify donor base/pipeline
• Build, manage and grow a robust annual fund.
• In tandem with the development team, research and write grant/application proposals, and report to multiple donor sources.
• Oversee all data entry and management of donor database, and gift processing.
• Manage capital campaigns with the Director of Philanthropy, engaging and overseeing capital campaign firms as necessary.
• Manage fundraising events and solicitations (e.g. annual appeal, annual galas, etc.)
• Support board members as they take on a more active fundraising role.

Management

• Partner closely with the President and CEO and Board on donor engagement and solicitation strategies
• Manage mentor and coach a high performing team of development professionals
• Hire and mentor new development team members as needed
• Oversee the development of a best practice development infrastructure, including systems, policies, and procedures to ensure effectiveness and accountability across the program.
• Regularly communicate fundraising goals and progress to the President and CEO and the Board

Key Qualifications

• Five or more years of demonstrated success in securing philanthropic funds for an institution of similar size.
• Three or more years managing development professionals.
• Proven success growing fundraising for an institution.
• Experience closing gifts at the 6-figure level required; experience closing 7-figure gifts preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks accurately and within deadlines.
• Ability to work autonomously and in a team setting.
• Experience with program evaluation, data collection and analysis a plus.
• Good moral character, mature judgment and a strong sense of responsibility and dedication.
• Highly positive and enthusiastic style; capable of motivating others.
• Outstanding project management skills with the ability to drive complex, multi-faceted projects forward to deliver results on time.
• Experience working in an urban community with diverse population.
• Interest in the work and mission of the Cox Science Center a must; previous experience with a science or STEM related organization a plus.
• Able to lift at least 50lbs and must be able to work in a shared space and office environment.