New England Aquarium Director Institutional Giving

ThinkingAhead; Boston (MA); On-site; 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

Overview

About the Opportunity
The Director of Development, Institutional Giving is a highly visible fundraising leadership role responsible for securing philanthropic support from corporations, foundations, and other institutional partners. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy and partnering closely with the Vice President of Development, this individual will cultivate and steward strategic funding relationships while helping advance the Aquarium’s next chapter of fundraising growth.

This role offers the opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team during a period of significant organizational momentum. The successful candidate will help expand the institutional donor pipeline, identify new funding opportunities, and connect funders to impactful work spanning marine science, conservation, animal care, education, and public engagement.

Key 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 compelling 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.

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.

Compensation & Location

Base salary is tailored to depth of expertise, with a salary range of $107,000 to $140,000. This role is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and operates within an in-office/hybrid work model, with regular on-site presence at the Aquarium and in-person donor meetings. The New England Aquarium offers a collaborative, mission-driven culture and a comprehensive benefits package.