The New England Aquarium – a regional and international leader in marine conservation, research and education – seeks a dynamic and experienced fundraising professional to serve as its Vice President for Development (VPD). Reporting directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the VPD will join the Aquarium’s senior leadership team as it lookstoward a period of substantial growth, including the incorporation of a new strategic plan into its fundraising priorities, as well as leading the Aquarium through its next comprehensive campaign.

The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated leadership experience, outstanding communications and fundraising ability, and the presence and inspiration to lead the Aquarium to a new level of visibility and impact. S/he should have the capacity and experience to oversee all aspects of a fundraising program that generates $10-12 million annually for operating support and nets $40 – $60 million from the second phase of the Mission Blue Campaign.

PRIMARY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The VPD will serve as a lead strategist and a key member of the Aquarium’s senior leadership team. S/he will be instrumental in charting the future direction for the Aquariumand will design and implement a comprehensive development plan to support theAquarium’s continued growth. To this end, the VPD will oversee a professional staff of 20across all aspects of development, including major gifts, individual membership, corporate sponsorship and membership, foundation and government relations, donorresearch, and events.

As a key member of the Aquarium’s senior leadership team, partner with administration and volunteer leadership to define institutional priorities and needs.

  • Partner with the President and CEO to set goals and key outcomes for the institution’sdevelopment program.
  • Work with senior leadership to develop an overarching vision for development at the Aquarium; articulate that vision to key constituencies in order to encourage and develop a culture of philanthropy.
  • Collaborate closely with the Vice President for Marketing and Communications to shape the Aquarium’s case for support and develop effective external communications to a variety of audiences, particularly Trustees and major prospects.

Serve as the chief development officer working in close conjunction with the President and CEO, Board, and Development Committee. Develop relationships with current andprospective donors and facilitate relationships between donors and the executive,governance, and program leadership.

  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a personal portfolio of the Aquarium’s highest-levelprincipal donors.
  • Establish strategies to expand the pool of major gift prospects; emphasize the identification and cultivation of the next generation of donors; launch systematic initiatives to identify and target other individuals capable of making major financial contributions.
  • Review the stewardship policy and ensure that a culture of personal and genuine appreciation, recognition, and regard for Aquarium supporters permeates all aspects ofits development effort.
  • Recognize and develop opportunities for ongoing communication and relationshipbuilding with donors that transcend the context of solicitation and acknowledgement. Oversee a first-rate system of gift acknowledgements and donor records to facilitateeffective stewardship.

Attract, develop, lead, and mentor a high-quality fundraising staff that is prepared to meetthe on-going challenges of broadening and diversifying philanthropic revenue. 

  •     Build on the existing strength of the development staff; augment existing staff capabilities as appropriate to meet expanding organizational needs; recruit and train astaff well-versed in the Aquarium’s mission and goals.
  • Promote excellence through well-defined and measurable goals; inspire and motivatestaff through fostering a work environment that rewards new ideas and risk-taking,builds confidence, and encourages team-based efforts. Create a culture that fosters accountability, cross collaboration and builds an effective and collegial team.Celebrate current achievements and set clear expectations for future success.
  •     Serve as an advocate for staff, representing their concerns and needs.

Qualifications:

 ·  Passion for the Aquarium’s educational, research and conservation mission and its roleas a leading cultural institution in the city of Boston.

·   At least ten years of development experience in building the infrastructure of a development program. Proven ability to formulate and execute a successful fundraising plan that simultaneously addresses near-term needs for annual operating support andcapital resources, as well as longer-term needs to grow endowment and broaden the baseof support.

·    A depth of knowledge in all key areas of development including major and planned giving, annual giving and membership, corporate, foundation and government relations.Demonstrated experience in executing the strategic planning and management of a large-scale capital campaign.

·   Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership gifts at the seven- and eight-figure level.

·    Strong management skills, both strategic and operational, and a demonstrated abilityto build, manage, mentor, and motivate an effective and collegial team, providing strongsupport and an opportunity for growth and development.

·  A demonstrated capacity to work with senior leadership to understand and translate theirneeds and aspirations to individual donors.

·   Integrity, perspective, flexibility, and a strong work ethic.

·  A desire to be in a dynamic organization with the ability to prioritize, move quickly andmaintain strong follow-through.

·    Superior written and oral skills; the ability to understand and translate information for all audiences; clarity, crispness and elegance in writing and speaking.

·  The intellectual depth, maturity, and collaborative skills to garner the trust and confidence of the President and CEO, senior management, the Boards of Trustees andOverseers, staff, and other constituents.

·  Superb relationship-building skills with a demonstrated ability to work well withpeople at all levels, across a diverse range of educational and social backgrounds, and astrong commitment to teamwork.

How To Apply:

For more information about New England Aquarium, please visit our website at: www.neaq.org

To apply and be considered for this position please visit:  http://neaq.applicantpro.com/jobs/

Apply by:
June 26, 2015

About this Organization:
Founded in 1969, the New England Aquarium is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation. The Aquarium is redefining what it means to be an aquarium: combining education, entertainment and action to address the most challenging problems facing the ocean. Through a wide variety of educational programs and conservation initiatives, we make a lasting impact globally.