Overview:    

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 Vice President of Advancement, reporting to the President + CEO, this position is a critical member of the Museum’s leadership team. The VP 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 professional 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.

Role Overview

The VP of Advancement is a critical position for the Museum. This role provides a unique opportunity for a fundraising professional to create an advancement plan that will take the Museum to the next level by driving resources to support a creative team of educators and exhibit developers who are bringing innovative practices to advancing the children’s museum field, and elevating informal education and STEAM learning on a national stage.

Working alongside the Museum’s new President + CEO and Board of Trustees, and serving as a member of the leadership team, the VP holds the primary responsibility of developing a comprehensive plan to drive philanthropic support to the Museum’s mission. They will also have the opportunity to help shape a new strategic plan that will guide the Museum’s future work. This role will motivate the existing advancement team, working across major gifts, annual giving, foundation and corporate relations, donor stewardship/events, and gift processing/records, to seize new and creative funding opportunities, ensuring transformational support for years to come. 

Qualifications:    what we believe are important experiences and traits for this role:

A minimum of seven years of professional work experience in fundraising and nonprofit management.

Demonstrated success working with a Board of Trustees consisting of prominent business, nonprofit, and government leaders and their networks.

Ability to engage creatively and boldly with large institutional donors, with an understanding of their strategies and program decision-making processes.

Proven record of accomplishment in six- and seven- figure gift solicitations and cultivation of prospective donors.

Strong listening, verbal communications, and writing skills, with an ability to tell compelling stories about our work.

Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and tact.

Lead by example in demonstrating a commitment to the Museum and excellence, while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Demonstrated experience building and managing a high-performing team by inspiring and motivating others.

An exceptional work ethic and ability to work as part of a creative and collaborative leadership team.

Dedication and passion for educating children and the mission of National Children’s Museum. 

Job Responsibilities:    what you’ll do:

Develop and implement the Museum’s advancement strategy by establishing priorities across the range of foundation, corporate, individual, and governmental funding sources. The VP will work with the VP of Finance and Administration to integrate advancement plans into the Museum’s annual and multi-year financial plans.

Deepen the Museum’s philanthropic network and prospect pool. The VP will ensure that the size, quality, and level of commitment of the Museum’s philanthropic network and prospect pool matches the requirements of the development strategy.

Productively engage Museum leaders and Trustees in fundraising strategy. The VP will identify high-impact opportunities to involve the President and CEO and the Museum’s staff in philanthropic activities. They will work closely with the Board’s Advancement Committee and individual trustees to ensure that the board plays a critical role in philanthropy and network building. They will also ensure senior Museum’s leaders and the Board Advancement Committee are well informed on major fundraising initiatives and performance, with effective performance summaries and corrective action plans.

Serve as a core member of the Museum's leadership team, working to advance its reputation for distinctive impact.

Be a primary spokesperson for the Museum and utilize strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage donors and stakeholders.

Build and lead a high-performance advancement team. The VP is responsible for fostering a culture of accountability and achievement; creating a work environment that attracts and retains high performers; and mentoring/evaluating individual team members.

Build and manage a comprehensive prospect portfolio. The VP will develop cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans tailored to specific donors and prospects.

Enhance a comprehensive membership program ensuring sustained revenue, through renewal rates and new membership.

Collaborate with Museum teams to maximize fundraising opportunities, steward donors, and create compelling cases for support.

Prepare fundraising budget projections, and board reports quarterly and as requested.