Director of Institutional Advancement

Looking for a professional leader to be a part of a passionate, mission-driven team that staffs Charleston's #1 tourist attraction overlooking the pristine Charleston Harbor.JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Institutional Advancement directs the fundraising activities of the South Carolina Aquarium, including management of the capital campaign, annual fund, foundations and grants, fundraising events, membership and planned giving.

 

Scope

 

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Director of Institutional Advancement is responsible for creating and implementing an operational plan for the capital campaign; identifying and cultivating major donors; coordinating business partnerships and sponsorships; overseeing membership activities; managing the fundraising events, including a black-tie gala; the planning and implementation of the annual fund program; the creation and implementation of a planned giving program; providing staff support for the CEO; serving as a liaison with the Aquarium’s board of directors; and maintaining clear lines of communication with other department heads to strengthen fundraising efforts.  This position directly supervises four persons and interacts regularly with key volunteers.  The director is responsible for preparing an annual budget and staff performance reviews.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Adhere to the South Carolina Aquarium Policies & Procedures. Create and implement an operational plan for the capital campaign, including volunteer meetings, cultivation events, marketing collateral, gift announcements and correspondence. Provide support for staff and volunteer solicitations, including proposal packages, follow-up information for prospects, and assistance with solicitation calls. Identify and develop new markets for fundraising and membership initiatives to increase donor participation in Aquarium programs. Identify, cultivate and solicit major gift prospects. Develop and implement strategies to grow the Aquarium’s annual fund. Manage the Aquarium’s fundraising special events, in partnership with volunteer committees. Work with the Aquarium’s marketing and sales staff to identify and recruit sponsors. Coordinate the Aquarium’s grant strategy and proposals. Prepare a departmental budget, including income and expense projections; achieve operational goals within approved budget. Conduct staff performance reviews.

 

OTHER DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

*  Supports the mission by participating in Aquarium sponsored programs

    and events on a regular basis.

*  Staff liaison to Board of Directors Institutional Advancement and

    Governance Committees.

*  Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned by

    the President and CEO.



SKILLS KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

 

*  Proficient in all Microsoft Office Products.

*  Budget preparation and management skills.

*  Outstanding organizational, management and strategic planning skills.

*  Excellent verbal, written communication and interpersonal skills.

    Technology literate.

*  Able to deal with changing priorities and remain sensitive to mission-

    related issues.

*  Ability to argue persuasively in a team oriented environment.

    Team oriented.

 EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

*  Bachelor’s degree and seven years related fundraising experience.

*  Supervisory experience required.

SUPERVISION OF OTHERS:

* Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager

* Major Gifts Officer

* Membership Manager

* Development Operations Coordinator

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS and WORKING CONDITIONS: 

100% normal office environment with average walking, standing, bending, stooping, crouching, sitting and computer and phone tasks required. Occasional ability to lift up to 50 lbs needed and occasional travel and late nights required

All interested and qualified candidates e-mail resume's to klegerton@scaquarium.org