Director of Development

Job Title/Position: Director of Development 

• Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 

• Schedule: M-F, Full-time Exempt; some evenings, and weekends required. 

• Pay Rate: $90,000-$95,000 commensurate with experience 

JOB SUMMARY 

Discovery World is seeking a strategic, mission-driven Director of Development to lead and grow its philanthropic efforts. As the organization prepares its next phase of growth, deepening its community impact, investing in new exhibits, and programming, the Director will design and drive a bold, data-informed fundraising strategy that expands and diversifies revenue. 

This is a pivotal leadership role for a proactive fundraiser and strategic thinker who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, understands the unique opportunities in science and education philanthropy, and is motivated by mission and measurable results.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other minor duties may be assigned. 

Organizational Leadership & Decision Making  

• Serve as a leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, strategy, and decision making. 

• Partner with the President & CEO and executive leaders to establish clear priorities, timelines, and decision-making processes that enable effective fundraising execution. 

• Ensure alignment between organizational strategy and development goals through consistent communication and shared accountability. 

Executive Partnership  

• Maintain a collaborative, transparent partnership with the President & CEO, including regular alignment on fundraising strategy, priorities, and execution  

• Provide strategic counsel to the CEO on donor engagement, positioning, and philanthropic opportunities.  

• Support the CEO’s role in fundraising, with clear expectations and shared accountability for outcomes.  

Fundraising Strategy & Management 

• Lead a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy: Drive the vision, development, and execution of a multi-channel fundraising strategy aligned with Discovery World’s short- and long-term goals, incorporating diverse revenue streams and growth opportunities. 

• Build and Implement an Integrated Development Plan: Oversee a coordinated development program spanning individual giving, major gifts, annual campaigns, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, foundation and government grants, and special initiatives—aligned with clear annual and multi-year plans. 

• Drive Performance Through Data and Accountability: Establish, monitor, and continuously refine measurable goals, benchmarks, and KPIs focused on donor retention, revenue growth, and return on investment to support disciplined, data-driven execution. 

• Anticipate Opportunities and Risks in a Dynamic Landscape: Stay informed on philanthropic trends while proactively identifying risks and opportunities related to shifting priorities, resource constraints, and emerging donor strategies to ensure sustained fundraising success. 

Culture of Philanthropy  

• Align Leadership, Board, and Institutional Priorities: Partner closely with the President & CEO, senior leadership, and Board of Directors to ensure fundraising strategy reflects organizational priorities and fosters a strong, organization-wide culture of philanthropy. 

• Establish clear expectations and accountability for the Development team, leadership, and board engagement in fundraising efforts. 

• Provide coaching and tools to support effective participation in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 

Annual Gala & Signature Fundraising Events 

• Lead strategy and execution for Discovery World fund development events including but not limited to the annual EXPLORE Gala with accountability for revenue, donor experience, and alignment with the organization’s mission. 

• Ensure alignment with organizational and board priorities and participation, revenue goals, and donor experience. 

• Conduct post-analysis and implement stewardship strategies to strengthen relationships and outcomes. 

Organizational & Board Partnership 

• Serve as the staff lead to the Board Development Committee, and others as needed. 

• Provide tools, strategies, and guidance for peer-to-peer engagement and fundraising participation. 

• Ensure consistent communication and alignment between board and staff strategic goals and contribute revenue efforts. 

Development Operations & Team Management 

• Supervise and mentor development team members and external contractors. 

• Oversee CRM/database strategy, donor segmentation, reporting, and stewardship operations. 

• Lead collaborations with departments and teams for communications, campaigns, events, grant applications, impact reports, proposals, and marketing materials. 

Organizational Communication & Alignment  

• Foster transparent communication, clear expectations, and consistent feedback loops. 

• Ensure timely access to information necessary for effective donor strategy and relationship management. 

• Identify and address barriers to alignment that impact fundraising success. 

Performance Context  

• Success in this role is dependent on strong alignment across senior and executive leadership, clear strategic direction, and shared organizational support for development initiatives. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

Listed below are key points regarding environmental demands and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

• Required to use motor coordination and finger dexterity (such as keyboarding, machine operation, etc.): Often. 

• Required to speak to customers via telephone, email, and/or in-person: Often. 

• May be required to lift objects up to 30 pounds: Infrequently. 

• May be exposed to physical occupational risks (cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, etc.): Rarely. 

• May be exposed to a physical environment which involves dirt, odors, and noise, weather extremes, and/or similar elements: Rarely. 

• The normal setting for this position is: This position is in-person. Office and Museum Exhibit settings. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS 

The requirements listed below are representative of the qualifications necessary to perform the job.  

Education and Experience 

• A minimum of 7 years in nonprofit development with demonstrated success in building and managing comprehensive fundraising strategies. 

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field is required. 

• CRM Experience required, experience with Blackbaud/Altru Platform (preferred). 

• Experience cultivating major gifts and leading cross-functional fundraising initiatives. 

Other Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities 

• Strong strategic planning, communication, and data analysis skills. 

• A collaborative leadership style, with experience managing teams and working closely with executives and boards. 

• Familiarity with science, education, or cultural institutions preferred, but not required. 

• Passion for learning and community engagement.