Senior Director, Aerospace Philanthropy & Development

California-Institute-of-Technology; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Caltech in Pasadena seeks a Senior Director of Development for Aerospace Philanthropy to lead major gifts and grants, managing a portfolio of 30–35 entities including individuals, corporations, and foundations. The role partners with JPL and aerospace leadership to secure philanthropic support for space exploration initiatives.

The SDOD will drive donor strategies, cultivate relationships, prepare proposals, and coordinate with communications for compelling cases. Travel within the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent related work experience.
• Seven to ten years of directly related experience in aerospace business, government/contract negotiations, higher education fundraising, corporate fundraising, and/or business development.
• Significant experience with funding space science and exploration with senior management.
• Outstanding success soliciting and securing multi-faceted financial arrangements at principal gift level.
• Philanthropic expertise working with donors on complex transactions from discovery to stewardship.
• Demonstrated track record cultivating and stewarding new relationships leading to revenue growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of philanthropic support for Caltech, JPL, and related aerospace departments.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of 30–35 active entities.
• Attend industry events and conferences to engage funders.
• Develop donor strategies from cultivation to solicitation and stewardship.
• Collaborate with Advancement Communications to craft compelling cases for support.

Skills

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Fundraising leadership

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Advanced degree

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Caltech in Pasadena seeks a Senior Director of Development for Aerospace Philanthropy to lead major gifts and grants, managing a portfolio of 30–35 entities including individuals, corporations, and foundations. The role partners with JPL and aerospace leadership to secure philanthropic support for space exploration initiatives.

The SDOD will drive donor strategies, cultivate relationships, prepare proposals, and coordinate with communications for compelling cases. Travel within the U.S.