Director, Major Gifts & Donor Strategy

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

Job summary

The New England Aquarium in Boston, MA seeks a Director of Development, Individual Giving to lead major gifts and grow a vibrant donor pipeline. You will cultivate and solicit five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts, partner with senior leaders, and advance donor relationships across marine science, conservation, and public engagement.

Hybrid work arrangement with in-office presence, regional donor engagement, and backing by a collaborative fundraising team.

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of fundraising experience in mission-driven organizations.
• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts, including six- and seven-figure commitments.
• Experience building donor pipelines and identifying new philanthropic opportunities.
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and proposal-writing skills.
• Experience with fundraising databases and donor management systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage and grow a portfolio of 100+ major gift donors and prospects.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward five-, six-, and seven-figure philanthropic investments.
• Develop strategic donor engagement and pipeline-building initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership, trustees, scientists, and program leaders to advance donor relationships.
• Lead major gift proposals, stewardship efforts, and donor communications.
• Collaborate across departments to strengthen a donor-centered culture of philanthropy.
• Represent the Aquarium throughout the region with donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship-building

Proposal writing

Donor management systems

Communication

Tools

Donor management software

CRM systems

Job description

The New England Aquarium in Boston, MA seeks a Director of Development, Individual Giving to lead major gifts and grow a vibrant donor pipeline. You will cultivate and solicit five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts, partner with senior leaders, and advance donor relationships across marine science, conservation, and public engagement.

Hybrid work arrangement with in-office presence, regional donor engagement, and backing by a collaborative fundraising team.