Senior Development Officer, Capital Campaign

San Francisco, CA

Full Time

Institutional Advancement

Experienced

SUMMARY

The Senior Development Officer, Capital Campaign is an integral part of the Capital Campaign team within the Institutional Advancement department. This is a dynamic and high-energy team of development professionals working in a collaborative environment to develop support for the Exploratorium. The Senior Development Officer develops and maintains a portfolio of 75+ prospects capable of making major one-time or annual gifts to the Exploratorium for its Capital Campaign. The Senior Development Officer drives leadership gift cultivation and solicitation efforts, leveraging expertise in donor engagement, prospect research, and stewardship strategies to build lasting relationships and secure impactful contributions. This role combines strategic vision with the ability to connect deeply with donors, expertly aligning donor passions with Exploratorium priorities. The Senior Development Officer works closely with senior leadership, board members, and stakeholders to achieve Capital Campaign goals and represent the Exploratorium’s mission. This position reports to the Director of Capital Campaign.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responsible for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors and private foundations capable of giving $100,000 or more to the Capital Campaign
Identify and research prospects, devise cultivation and solicitation strategies that align their interests and giving capacity with the needs of the Exploratorium, and develop proposals with attention to accuracy of all content including legal and accounting concerns
Develop and maintain knowledge of the Exploratorium’s mission, vision, programs, and impact
Continually research, assess and upgrade assigned portfolio
Manage solicited gifts to ensure timely fulfillment of any obligations and reporting requirements
Develop, plan, and participate in strategic donor engagement opportunities including cultivation and stewardship events
Manage solicited gifts to ensure timely fulfillment of any obligations and reporting requirements
Maintain accurate and complete records of donor contacts and communications
Perform additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and six years of development experience with increasing responsibility
Created 11/22/2024
Successful and demonstrated history in major gift fundraising
Extensive knowledge of fundraising principles, ethics, and practices in devising strategies for cultivation and solicitation of major donors; and knowledge of Bay Area philanthropic community
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, including public speaking and meeting facilitation, and adept at conveying complex ideas clearly; ability to represent Exploratorium’s mission with enthusiasm and authenticity
Exceptional listening skills to accurately grasp donors’ interests and motivations
Ability to motivate and interact effectively with trustees, donors, and museum staff at all levels; engage and convey pertinent information clearly; and demonstrate the impact of donations on the mission of the Exploratorium
Foster a collaborative approach that promotes teamwork, creativity, and supports open communication
Ability to be detail-oriented and collaborate effectively in a team-driven environment while independently managing and prioritizing multiple projects and a robust portfolio of major gift prospects
Ability to use computer software and donor databases (e.g. Microsoft Office and Salesforce CRM)
Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with capital campaigns fundraising with a proven track record of securing major gifts of $100K or more; this includes Development Directors looking to transition back into a hands-on, front-line fundraising role, as well as those looking to step up into a senior position within a dynamic and growing capital campaign
Experience fundraising in the arts, education or sciences

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee 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 move from place to place, use a computer terminal and telephone, and lift and carry up to 25 pounds short distances

APPLICATION DEADLINE

This position is open until filled

HOW TO APPLY

This is a regular, full-time (37.5 hours per week), exempt non-union position that includes benefits. The salary range for this role is $100,000 to $105,000 annually DOE. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.

The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Exploratorium

Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111

Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs. No phone calls, please

The Exploratorium is committed to a diverse workforce.

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