Director of Development

Aquarium of The Pacific

Each year approximately 1.7 million people visit the Aquarium, making it consistently one of the leading attractions in the Southern California region. Beyond its world-class animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages from hands-on activities to lectures by leading scientists. Through these programs and a variety of multimedia experiences, the Aquarium provides opportunities to delve deeper into ocean science and learn more about our planet.

Director of Development

Minimum starting pay for this role is $100,000 annually. Additional consideration will be given, depending on relevant qualifications and experience.

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, high 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.

THE 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 Supervisor and the Vice President of Development. Design quarterly meetings, engagement strategies, and ensure Trustees are motivated to fulfill roles and responsibilities.
• 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.
• Coach and mentor 2 direct reports, 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.
• Actively participating in weekend and evening Aquarium functions as needed.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Extraordinary interpersonal skills
• Extraordinary organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent computer skills with all MS Office programs and knowledge of Blackbaud Raisers Edge 7 database or similar Donor Database preferred.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment
• Ability to monitor and meet income goals set for this position
• Ability to create systems to ensure accuracy and efficiently
• Ability to manage and motivate volunteers

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 fund raising 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, climb, kneel, twist
• Ability to lift and carry up to 0-25lbs
• Ability to pull and push up to 0-25lbs
• Full functional range of motion in all major body joints from reaching, twisting, bending, simple and power gripping, fine and gross motor skills

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 in temperature, humidity or wetness

INTERESTED & QUALIFIED?

If you meet the requirements of this position, click on the link below. 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:

• You will complete a brief web application;
• You will attach or build your resume;
• 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.