Director Capital Campaigns

Position Summary

The Director/Capital Campaigns will hold a leadership role in advancing the National Aquarium's capital campaigns, with a high degree of autonomy and mission impact. The Director will report to the SVP/Chief Philanthropy Officer and will work closely with the President/CEO, members of the Board of Directors and other volunteers to raise the capital funds, build relationships and chart the future of the Aquarium's ambitious capital campaigns.

For their first two years of service, the Director will devote substantially all of their time and professional efforts to pursuing the Aquarium's capital campaign targets for its planned Dolphin Sanctuary, the world's first authentic sanctuary for previously captive dolphins. Upon successful completion of the Dolphin Sanctuary seed campaign, the Director will be expected to take on leadership of other capital campaigns for the National Aquarium.

Candidates for this position are expected to bring demonstrated leadership and a track record of success in capital campaigns and major donor development, showing documented results in closing leadership level gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and execute a seed capital campaign for Dolphin Sanctuary with a phase one target of $3 million in pledges and gifts.
• Work with the SVP to create and implement a major gifts strategy and prepare solicitations of high-net-worth donor prospects.
• Maintain a portfolio of major donor prospects and hold ultimate accountability for their cultivation, stewardship, retention and upgrading, including supporting and at times making asks for seven- and eight-figure charitable contributions.
• Conduct detailed, ethical donor research as needed on current and prospective donors, with support from the Philanthropy team and outside consultant.
• Work closely with the Philanthropy team to track and maintain contact with donors and prospects and ensure accurate database information management, including cultivation strategies, evaluations, solicitations, contact reports and results of contacts with campaign prospects.
• Develop collateral materials to support solicitations and other communications with donors and prospects, including follow-up notes and letters of acknowledgement.
• Lead weekly donor stewardship meetings, setting the agenda and tracking action items for the CEO and volunteers.
• Plan and execute occasional events in Baltimore and the Caribbean to support donor solicitations and other campaign activities.
• As needed, travel to meet with major donors and prospects (Mainland US and Puerto Rico).
• Manage other incidental campaign details as needed and directed.

Requirements

• Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision and values of the National Aquarium and its planned Dolphin Sanctuary.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with staff, Board members, donors, volunteers and prospects.
• Eight or more years' experience supporting and leading major gift fundraising, with a demonstrated understanding of strategic donor stewardship (moves management) approaches. With five or more years' experience in capital campaign fundraising, with a proven track record of inspiring teams and collaborating with colleagues, volunteers and leaders.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study required; master's degree desirable.
• Working knowledge of the prospect research process, with the capacity and willingness to perform donor prospect research unaided when necessary.
• Outstanding problem-solving and decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to function as a collaborative team member with Aquarium peers and leaders.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to accept direction or work independently, as the situation requires.
• Utmost degree of professional discretion with regard to donor confidentiality and privacy.
• Capacity to travel domestically and fulfill occasional night and weekend commitments; all with adequate lead time.
• Attend donor events as needed, staffing CEO to ensure exceptional execution and follow-up, including leading post-event evaluations and stewardship activities.
• Experience working in animal welfare or species conservation is desired but not required.

Total Compensation

Salary range: $71,000.00 to $92,349.99 annual

National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including flexible paid leave and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.

About the National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium's award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium's mission-to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet-begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals-to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

• Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.
• Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.
• Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.
• Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.
• Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.