Donor Growth & Engagement Officer

Maritime Aquarium; Norwalk, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT is seeking an Advancement Officer to grow a donor base and manage gifts from $500 to $50,000. The role reports to the Associate Director of Advancement and supports major giving, monthly giving, and annual campaigns.

This full-time, exempt position runs Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, with occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends for events. Salary range advertised is $75k–$79k annually.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or relevant on-the-job experience.
• 3–5 years of development experience focusing on individual or mass market philanthropy.
• Experience and proven track record in securing three- to five-figure gifts.
• High fluency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Contributes to team effort by accomplishing shared goals.
• Proficiency with CRM systems a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify, research, cultivate, and steward new and existing individual donors and members giving $500-$50,000 annually; reactivate lapsed supporters.
• Through relational fundraising, ensure donors remain engaged, informed and motivated to increase their giving.
• Establish a monthly giving program.
• Support the annual appeal process and year-end messaging for printed and digital solicitation and outreach.
• Develop a quarterly update communications stream and mid-year mass market appeal.
• Identify new major donor prospects for Associate Director and Director through research and cultivation.
• Contribute to the success of the public phase of the organization’s $20M Capital Campaign.
• Support the Aquarium’s signature cultivation and fundraising events, including the annual gala.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date donor records in the CRM.
• Maintain professional knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, benchmarking, etc.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Teamwork

Donor engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree or relevant on-the-job experience

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT is seeking an Advancement Officer to grow a donor base and manage gifts from $500 to $50,000. The role reports to the Associate Director of Advancement and supports major giving, monthly giving, and annual campaigns.

This full-time, exempt position runs Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, with occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends for events. Salary range advertised is $75k–$79k annually.