Associate Director of Development, Corporate Relations

The Associate Director of Development, Corporate Relations will both fundraise and support the development, operations, growth, and sustainability of a comprehensive corporate funding program in order to meet or exceed the Aquarium's corporate fundraising goals. The Associate Director will lead the Aquarium's refocus on the corporate sector and the development of long-term and multidimensional relationships that advance the Aquarium's mission.

The Associate Director of Development, Corporate Relations works closely with the development, conservation teams and other Aquarium leaders, to implement and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for corporate giving prospects, generate a list of new high-level prospects, create engagement strategies, and actively cultivate and solicit at five- and six-figure partnerships. Serving as a key member of the NEAq's Development team, the Associate Director will serve as a key front-line relationship builder and representative of the Aquarium.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm with the option for a hybrid schedule, working some days on-site and some days remotely. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Under the direction of the Director of Development, the Associate Director of Development, Corporate Relations will:

• Lead New England Aquarium's efforts to raise corporate funding through philanthropy, sponsorship and membership opportunities,
• Develop long-term strategic goals to build and maintain an identified corporate donor prospect pipeline.
• Support the Director of Development, VP of Development, and CEO in all corporate approaches where they are the primary point of contact with the prospect,
• Work strategically with stakeholders across the enterprise to develop and write proposals for a wide array of programmatic, event and other funding needs and creatively match funding opportunities with both new and existing corporate partners,
• Manage corporate partner stewardship including reporting and compliance
• Represent NEAq at business trade association meetings, conferences, and community functions within Greater Boston and New England
• Employ best practices to document all donor interactions and maintain accountability reports
• Develop and attain annual revenue goals and collaborate with NEAq staff to meet goals, provide performance feedback, and identify professional development opportunities,
• Develop initiatives to qualify and solicit gift prospects with an emphasis on philanthropic giving and leadership gift upgrades,
• Maintain a complete understanding of the NEAq's mission, strategic plan, culture, values, history, programs and initiatives.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate strategies for existing and newly qualified potential donors, including the assessment of a corporation's interests and knowledge of Aquarium programs,
• Communicate with Development team members in the effective coordination that supports Development's fundraising priorities,
• Utilize the donor database, including filing timely and accurate online contact reports; and
• Ensure compliance with T&C policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant professional experience,
• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents including corporations,
• Understanding of philanthropic giving; experience working with corporate donors at the five- and six-figure gift level preferred,
• Ability to develop independent and collaborative strategies and plans to identify and cultivate prospects and steward donors,
• Experience in donor cultivation and recognition, volunteer management and administration, and project or program management,
• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors, and
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proven experience building productive and professional relationships with colleagues, clients, donors, prospects, partners, board members, senior staff, and other organizational contacts,
• Proven ability to prioritize assignments and meet internal and external deadlines.
• Ability to make sound independent judgments and complete tasks with minimal direction.
• Strong sense of ethical conduct, and demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated understanding of the philosophy of quality service and group process.
• Knowledge of the dynamics of fundraising and the concepts of development.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.