Director, Institutional Giving & Partnerships (Hybrid)

ThinkingAhead; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 107,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

New England Aquarium in Boston seeks a Director of Development, Institutional Giving to lead philanthropic funding from corporations, foundations, and institutional partners. The role reports to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy and partners with the Vice President of Development to expand the donor pipeline and secure multi‑million dollar investments.

You will cultivate, solicit, and steward funders, develop strategic proposals, and collaborate with scientists, program leaders,

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of fundraising experience, preferably in corporate and foundation relations.
• Demonstrated success building and stewarding institutional donor relationships.
• Experience securing and managing six- and seven-figure philanthropic investments preferred.
• Strong proposal writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Experience developing fundraising strategies and managing donor pipelines.
• Ability to build productive relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 75-100 corporate, foundation, and institutional funders.
• Develop and execute institutional fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and institutional investments.
• Partner with scientists, program leaders, finance staff, and executive leadership to develop funding opportunities.
• Lead proposal development, grant writing, sponsorship opportunities, and stewardship reporting.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities and emerging philanthropic trends.
• Represent the Aquarium with funders, business leaders, and community stakeholders throughout the region.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Donor relationships

Grant writing

Proposal development

Strategic fundraising

Stakeholder collaboration

Communications skills

Job description

New England Aquarium in Boston seeks a Director of Development, Institutional Giving to lead philanthropic funding from corporations, foundations, and institutional partners. The role reports to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy and partners with the Vice President of Development to expand the donor pipeline and secure multi‑million dollar investments.

You will cultivate, solicit, and steward funders, develop strategic proposals, and collaborate with scientists, program leaders,