Director of Advancement

The National Children’s Museum is a world-class museum that aims to spark the imagination and encourage children to dream. National Children’s Museum celebrates the joy of childhood through science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) exhibits and programs.

As Director of Advancement, reporting to the President + CEO, you will be a critical member of the Museum’s leadership team. You will help build and lead a vibrant and sustainable contributed revenue program and oversee the Museum’s membership program. This position is ideal for a candidate who can zoom between the big picture and small details, gets energy from being in the community and making connections, is a strong communicator and storyteller, and enjoys rolling up their sleeves to make their mark.

What you’ll do: 

• Lead the cultivation and solicitation strategy efforts for philanthropic support, driving fundraising initiatives forward with passion and purpose.
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of donors and prospects, and solicit and secure support from individuals, corporations, foundations and government sources. 
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and leadership team to shape the museum's financial future.
• Develop and execute multi-year strategies to increase private support, with particular emphasis on building an annual fund, leveraging previous experience in fundraising.
• Serve as Advancement team lead, providing support and guidance to team members and embrace an inclusive and empowering leadership style, fostering a culture of joy and inspiration within the team.
• Demonstrate a commitment to cultivating a diverse team that reflects the dynamic communities served by the museum.
• Be a primary spokesperson for the Museum and utilize strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage donors and stakeholders.
• Balance multiple responsibilities and projects, ensuring efficient and effective fundraising operations.
• Showcase a deep passion for the museum's mission and a genuine interest in the education and development of young people.
• Enhance a comprehensive membership program ensuring sustained revenue, through renewal rates and new membership.
• Collaborate with Exhibits, Education, and Experience team to maximize fundraising opportunities, steward donors, and create compelling cases for support.
• Staff the Board Advancement Committee and manage various external Advisory Councils as needed.
• Prepare fundraising budget projections, and board reports quarterly and as requested.

What we believe are important experiences and traits for this role: 

• Minimum of 10 years of fundraising experience, preferably in the Washington, DC region.
• Bachelor's degree required; preference for candidates with a Master's degree or Certified Fund Raising Executive certification.
• Previous experience in growing philanthropic support, ideally within a cultural institution.
• Demonstrable knowledge and interest in the education and development of young learners.
• Proven track record in creating and executing multi-year strategies to increase private support.
• Successful track record securing seven-figure gifts.
• Comprehensive experience with capital campaigns is a plus.
• Familiarity with planned giving strategies is a plus.
• Inclusive and empowering leadership style, with a passion for cultivating a team and providing inspirational leadership.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage donors and stakeholders effectively.
• Team player who values a collaborative and fast-paced working environment;
• Passion for the mission of National Children’s Museum;
• Values kindness and supporting colleagues professionally. 

Hours and Location:

Full time, Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm. Must be available to work onsite four days per week, with remote opportunity one day per week. Requires flexibility for occasional weekend work to support special initiatives and Museum events. Position is located at National Children’s Museum Administrative Offices at 1275 Pennsylvania Ave NW, with frequent travel to the Museum at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. 

Pay Rate and Benefits:

125,000 - 150,000 per year, commensurate with experience and skill set. This position is eligible for benefits, including health insurance.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to hr@nationalchildrensmuseum.org with the subject line: Director of Advancement. 

What we value:

Our mission is to inspire children to care about and change the world. The Museum is an innovative institution that sparks curiosity and wonder and a space where all children feel valued. In order to do this well, we need a team that reflects the dynamic and diverse communities that we serve and brings a variety of perspectives, abilities, and skills. We embrace that this work is critical to our mission and never finished. The more inclusive we are, the stronger our Museum.