Director of Development

Knock Knock Children's Museum is seeking a visionary and results-driven Director of Development to lead our fundraising efforts and drive our mission forward. This individual will spearhead donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship across corporate, foundation, public, and community sectors. Collaborating with our dedicated Board of Directors and reporting to the Executive Director, the ideal candidate will oversee the museum's development department, driving strategies to enhance philanthropic support. We seek a seasoned development professional with a fervent commitment to early childhood education and a proven track record in donor cultivation, stewardship, and revenue generation. This role offers a unique opportunity to join a vibrant team and make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in our community.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Executive Director and Board to develop and implement a comprehensive Fundraising Plan, including growing philanthropy from foundations, individuals, and corporations, through coordinated giving campaigns, sponsorships, grants, special events, and other fundraising activities that meet the organization's financial needs and align with its mission and goals.
• Evaluate and refine development processes to meet fundraising goals.
• Develop a compelling case for supporting the museum's programs and initiatives.
• Actively engage with donors to keep them informed and involved in the museum's mission, needs, and gift opportunities.
• Evaluate and refine development processes to meet fundraising goals.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of current and prospective donors, including researching prospects for all potential funding sources, including government, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
• Implement strategies to enhance member involvement and retention, and to cultivate them as potential donors.
• Cultivate Board members to become more deeply engaged in fundraising activities.
• Coordinate grant writing efforts with Museum staff to match potential grants with Museum projects.
• Supervise creation, updates, and management of all donor and database records relating to corporate and individual donations.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to promote fundraising initiatives and engage donors through various channels.
• Adhere to museum gift acceptance and recognition policies and procedures;
• Continually assess and upgrade development processes and structures to ensure they support fundraising goals.
• Create annual income and expense budgets and manage the Development Department in a fiscally sound manner.
• Collaborate with the Museum teams in the planning of the museum's Annual Fundraising events.
• Provide detailed reports on fundraising progress to the Executive Director and Board on a regular basis.
• Serve as a respected representative of the Children's Museum and its mission;

Qualifications

• Five or more years of successful experience fundraising in the museum field, the culture sector, the non-profit world, or within a complex organization, including at least two years of major gift experience;
• Proven success in the development and execution of development campaigns to reach fundraising goals, with a strong understanding of development systems, strategies, and structures;
• Experience in engaging with organization staff and a volunteer Board of Directors and committees to reach development goals;
• Proven track record of success in building donor relationships through cultivation and stewardship;
• Experience leading and managing staff;
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and strong interpersonal skills;
• Exceptional organizational skills with a particular ability to prioritize projects and keep multiple initiatives moving forward simultaneously;
• Bachelor's Degree and proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 Suite and donor database software required. Blackbaud Raiser's Edge experience preferred.

Personal Attributes

• The ideal candidate is exceptionally intelligent, warm, engaging, and energetic.
• He or she also:
  • Is well-respected within the Capital Region;
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment and is driven to succeed at the highest level;
  • Sees the possibilities as opposed to the obstacles and is creative and tenacious in solving problems;
  • Enjoys working with others in a collaborative, creative environment;
  • Has a strong work ethic and high standards for his/her own work and the work of others;
  • Is a detail-oriented, organized, and articulate individual who is passionate about Knock Knock Children's Museum's mission to promote education through play;

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Health insurance benefits.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities.