Careers

Job Summary:
The Chief Development Officer is responsible for all aspects of fundraising for the Mid-America Science Museum including, but not limited to, grant writing, sponsorship solicitation, annual giving solicitation, major gift procurement, planned giving, capital project funding, and donor stewardship and research. He/she must possess a positive attitude, superior work ethic, impeccable integrity, and a strong willingness to be a part of an innovative team. Superb written and oral communication skills and a high level of emotional intelligence are key components for success. The Chief Development Officer works closely with the Executive Director and other Development Department staff to achieve annual fundraising goals. He/she is eager to work as a part of the museum team, supporting the Museum’s mission by making a positive contribution to the internal museum culture. He/she must be willing and able to do what it takes to go above and beyond for excellent guest service and donor stewardship. He/she works with other department heads to coordinate and/or lead fundraising and educational events, and serves on the Senior Management Strategy Team.

Department: Development

Reports to: Executive Director

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required in Communications, Public Administration, Management, Education, or related field. CFRE a plus.

Experience Required: Minimum five (5) years’ development experience.

Description of Duties:

• Establish and execute all aspects of Mid-America Science Museum’s Annual Development Plan to meet or exceed annual development revenue goal.
• Secure financial support from individuals, foundations and corporations through annual gifts, sponsorships, grants, planned giving, naming opportunities, and other resources as defined in the Annual Development Plan.
• Understand and perform best practices in donor stewardship and cultivation.
• Be proactive and autonomous in donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Research and evaluate potential local, state, national, and federal resources including, but not limited to, individual donors, corporations, foundations, in-kind, and public funding.
• Work closely with Board of Trustees, Executive Director, Senior Management Strategy Team on development projects, and other museum projects as required.
• Create accurate and timely donor recognition and solicitation materials.
• Accurately and efficiently track and maintain the Museum’s donor database, GiftWorks, to ensure precise record keeping. Keep accurate, detailed records of donations and grants.
• Supervise, direct, support, and evaluate Development Staff to encourage success.
• Conduct public speaking engagements as necessary and required to meet department goals.
• Prepare and monitor department budget.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Special Skills:

• Ability to work as an independent problem-solver.
• Strong planning and organization skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate many activities simultaneously.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility in work schedule and work assignments; occasional weekend and evening work is required.
• Desire and ability to work as part of a team.
• Basic computer skills in word processing, financial spreadsheets, and scheduling.
• Ability to create and work within a budget.
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation.

Values-Based Behaviors:

• Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other person’s views and assumptions.
• Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem-solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers.
• Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Comes to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on commitments; meets deadlines.
• Collaborates with other work groups and outside organizations as appropriate, in a proactive and responsive manner.
• Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary and confidential information of Mid-America Science Museum and its donors.
• Follows rules, regulations, and policies. Positively contributes to implementing change.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements:

• Physical: Push/pull objects fewer than 20 pounds. Perform moderately difficult manipulative skills such as typing, etc. Sit for prolonged periods and reaches above shoulders.
• Sensory: Read fine print on correspondence, legal documents, etc. Distinguish normal sounds with some background noise, as in answering the phone, etc. Able to speak clearly and be understood, while also understanding others, using the English language.
• Cognitive: Concentrate on fine detail with constant interruption. Attend to a task/function for more than 60 minutes at a time. Understand and relate to concepts behind specific ideas. Remember multiple tasks/assignments given to self and others over long periods of time, at least several months.

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to dianel@midamericamuseum.org.