McWane Science Center · 14 hours ago
Senior Director of Development
McWane Science Center, located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, is seeking a full-time, on-site Senior Director of Development responsible for driving contributed revenue through relationship-based fundraising and overseeing all aspects of the development function. This role manages a high-performing development team and plays a key role in engaging board members to expand the donor pipeline.
BiotechnologyEducationLife ScienceMuseums and Historical Sites
Responsibilities
Accountable for annual fundraising goals in the range of $3-$5 million, depending on organizational needs and campaign cycles
Develop and execute a multi-year strategic fundraising plan centered on relationship-based cultivation and stewardship, while serving as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of 50-80 major gift donors and prospects to build a robust pipeline of future support
Raise significant contributed revenue from individuals, foundations, and corporations
Lead all aspects of the development function, including annual giving, multi-year campaigns, prospect development and management, research, and donor stewardship
Establish and monitor activity level benchmarks and measures of success for the development team
Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing development staff and nurture collaboration across teams and departments
Qualification
Required
Bachelors degree and 5 years of related experience
Experience asking for and closing major gifts
Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations, and corporations
Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities
Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team
Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts, and planned giving
Proficiency with donor management software (e.g., Raisers Edge, Salesforce NPSP, DonorPerfect, or similar) and a strong understanding of how to leverage data for fundraising insights and donor stewardship
Proven experience cultivating strategic relationships with nonprofit board members, including engaging them in fundraising initiatives, leveraging their networks to expand donor outreach, and supporting board-led campaign efforts
Excellent organizational, people, computer, writing, and editing skills, as well as strong verbal and public speaking skills
Noted creativity and flexibility
Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some nights, weekends, and holidays
Must possess a valid Driver License that is subject to acceptable annual motor vehicle reports
Must provide verification of valid minimum personal vehicle liability insurance as required by State law
Preferred
Experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies for cultural or educational institutions, preferably in a museum or science-focused environment
Experience with science education, informal learning environments, or STEM-related programming, with the ability to translate complex concepts into compelling donor messaging
Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation
Comprehensive understanding of nonprofit management best practices, including governance, compliance, and strategic planning
Benefits
Health, dental, vision and life insurance
403(b) retirement savings plan including company match
Paid time off
Free membership and movie screenings
Discounts in our gift shop, camp program, IMAX theater and food service
On-site parking
Company
McWane Science Center
McWane Science Center is a science museum and research center.
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
Seattle TechFlash
2025-07-01
Seattle TechFlash
2025-04-03
Seattle TechFlash
2025-04-02
Company data provided by crunchbase