Senior Director of Development

McWane Science Center; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Discounts in gift shop and food service

Job summary

A non-profit organization located in Birmingham, Alabama is seeking a full-time Senior Director of Development. This role involves overseeing fundraising activities to achieve annual goals of $3–$5 million and managing a development team. The ideal candidate must have a Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in fundraising with a strong focus on relationship management and major giving. The position offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and a 403(b) retirement plan. Submit your application to the HR department.

Qualifications

• 5 years of related experience in fundraising.
• Experience in securing major gifts.
• Proven track record in building donor relationships.
• Ability to manage budgetary responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Drive contributed revenue through fundraising initiatives.
• Develop a multi-year strategic fundraising plan.
• Lead major gift donor relations.
• Recruit and manage development staff.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship management

Team management

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Donor stewardship

Creativity

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Salesforce NPSP

DonorPerfect

Job description

Overview

McWane Science Center, located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, is seeking a full-time, on-site Senior Director of Development responsible for driving contributed revenue through relationship-based fundraising and overseeing all aspects of the development function, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, donor stewardship, and prospect management. Reporting to the President and CEO, this role manages a high-performing development team, cultivates a portfolio of major donors, and collaborates across departments to align fundraising efforts with institutional priorities. The Senior Director engages board members, leverages their networks to expand the donor pipeline, and supports board-led initiatives. This position advances McWane Science Center’s mission to spark wonder and curiosity through science and to secure the resources necessary to sustain and grow its impact.

McWane Science Center is a non-profit organization that offers four floors of interactive exhibits and educational programming, features an IMAX Dome theater with laser technology, and delivers outreach programs to schools across Alabama.

Key Responsibilities and Scope

• Accountable for annual fundraising goals in the range of $3–$5 million, depending on organizational needs and campaign cycles.
• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic fundraising plan centered on relationship-based cultivation and stewardship, while serving as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of 50–80 major gift donors and prospects to build a robust pipeline of future support.
• Raise significant contributed revenue from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• Lead all aspects of the development function, including annual giving, multi-year campaigns, prospect development and management, research, and donor stewardship.
• Establish and monitor activity level benchmarks and measures of success for the development team.
• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing development staff and nurture collaboration across teams and departments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.
• Experience asking for and closing major gifts.
• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
• Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts, and planned giving.
• Proficiency with donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce NPSP, DonorPerfect, or similar) and a strong understanding of how to leverage data for fundraising insights and donor stewardship.
• Proven experience cultivating strategic relationships with nonprofit board members, including engaging them in fundraising initiatives, leveraging their networks to expand donor outreach, and supporting board-led campaign efforts.
• Excellent organizational, people, computer, writing, and editing skills, as well as strong verbal and public speaking skills.
• Noted creativity and flexibility.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must possess a valid Driver License and be subject to acceptable annual motor vehicle reports.
• Must provide verification of valid minimum personal vehicle liability insurance as required by State law.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies for cultural or educational institutions, preferably in a museum or science-focused environment.
• Experience with science education, informal learning environments, or STEM-related programming, with the ability to translate complex concepts into compelling donor messaging.
• Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.
• Comprehensive understanding of nonprofit management best practices, including governance, compliance, and strategic planning.

Minimum Physical Qualifications

• Ability to sit and use a computer for extended periods of time.
• Visual and auditory acuity.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Benefits include health, dental, vision and life insurance; 403(b) retirement savings plan including company match; paid time off; free membership and movie screenings; discounts in our gift shop, camp program, IMAX theater and food service; and on-site parking.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please submit letter of interest, resume and rate of pay requirements to McWane Science Center Human Resources at [e-mail]. www.mcwane.org.

EOE.

Application Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Other
• Industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos