Assistant Director of Development for Major Gifts & Stewardship $60,000-$70,000

Assistant Director of Development for Major Gifts & Stewardship – Full Time

Following a successful 50th Anniversary campaign, Maryland Science Center is seeking an experienced and relationship-driven Assistant Director of Development for Major Gifts & Stewardship. This new role will assist with the day-to-day strategy and management of fundraising efforts from individual donors with a focus on major gifts in support of annual fundraising and multi-year fundraising. 

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct ongoing prospect research to identify potential major/legacy/foundation funders who strongly align with the Science Center’s mission to improve STEM literacy, while proactively identifying opportunities to deepen relationships with existing institutional funders through thoughtful and individualized stewardship.

• Assist the President & CEO, Senior Director of Development, and/or Board of Trustee members with the institution’s largest funding partners by supporting relationship building strategies, meeting preparation, stewardship, and follow-up. This may include preparing funder briefings, talking points, meeting materials, impact reports, and other resources to support senior leadership engagement with institutional partners. Research should include prospective funders' priorities, giving history, relationships, grantmaking patterns, and potential points of connection.

• Work in conjunction with Senior Director of Development to develop and manage a fundraising process for current and prospective individuals and foundation funders. This process will establish clear stages, strategies, next steps, and accountability for moving relationships toward solicitation, renewal, and increased engagement. Processes should include a focus on thoughtful and regular stewardship of current funders. 

• Supervise Annual Appeal Manager and AA operations which include direct mail solicitations, electronic fundraising, website donations, gift acknowledgment processes, and planning five annual events for $1,000+ donors. 

• In conjunction with the Senior Director of Development, lead regular giving pipeline and donor management meetings in order to review current funders and prospects, assess progress, identify next steps and relationship opportunities, and ensure follow-up is completed and documented appropriately. 

• Translate programmatic, operational, and impact information into clear, persuasive, funder-focused narratives that demonstrate the importance of Maryland Science Center within Maryland’s educational landscape. 

• Work closely with the Senior Director of Development to track grant requirements, deliverables, restrictions, and reporting obligations. May be required to attend monthly Grants Committee meetings. 

• Assist MSC’s Corporate Membership/Engagement Manager to identify possible corporate grant or sponsorship submissions as needed. Corporate prospecting and broader corporate partnership development are not primary responsibilities of this role.

• Maintain complete and current institutional records within MSC’s CRM, including opportunities, deadlines, funder contacts, meeting outcomes, relationship activity, proposals and reports, next steps, and substantive relationship notes.

• Assist with the planning and execution of fundraising activities pertaining to Solstice, MSC’s annual fundraising gala. 

• Contribute to broader Development team initiatives by participating in regular department meetings, as well as donor events, tours, site visits, building-wide activities, meetings, off-site events, and/or other activities that strengthen MSC’s institutional relationships.

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. Relevant experience may be substituted for educational requirements.

• 5+ years’ experience in fundraising of a similar responsibility and authority with proven track record of success

• Experience in donor management, portfolio development and stewardship

• Experience supervising others

Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• Extensive experience with CRM platforms (e.g. Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud, iWave, etc.)

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, see projects to fruition, and maintain thorough records and documentation.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as superior organizational skills.

Basic Pre-Employment Requirements: Must be able to pass background check.

Supervision Received: Report directly to the Sr. Director of Development

Compensation: $60,000 - $70,000 annually

Hours: 35 hours weekly, Monday through Friday. Some weekend and after-hours availability as needed.

Benefits: 

• Medical coverage including dental and vision plans available through Aetna

• FSA and HSA plan offerings

• Annual Maryland Science Center Membership

• Access to a Retirement Savings Plan (403b)

• Free on-site parking

• Remote work Mondays

• A comprehensive PTO package featuring up to three (3) weeks off in your first year of employment

FLSA Status: Exempt