Aquarium Development Director

FHLB Des Moines; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays and leave

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development opportunities

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center seeks an Aquarium Development Officer to lead all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will drive strategies across major gifts, annual giving, grants, and sponsorships, aligning with the organization’s mission and growth.

The role requires a proven development leader with a track record in donor relations, securing major gifts, and managing capital campaigns within a nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• Six years of related development experience required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and securing major contributions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising program.
• Lead strategies to strengthen annual giving, major gifts, planned and estate giving, and capital campaigns.
• Oversee grant development efforts, including research, proposals, and reporting.
• Supervise development staff and coordinate with the Aquarium Foundation.

Skills

Fundraising

Major gifts

Grants

Donor relations

Capital campaigns

Strategic planning

Donor engagement

CRM platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Raiser's Edge/Salesforce

Job description

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center seeks an Aquarium Development Officer to lead all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will drive strategies across major gifts, annual giving, grants, and sponsorships, aligning with the organization’s mission and growth.

The role requires a proven development leader with a track record in donor relations, securing major gifts, and managing capital campaigns within a nonprofit setting.