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
- 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.
