Senior VP of Development - Arizona Science Center

Job Title:           Senior VP of Development

FLSA Status:     Exempt

About Arizona Science Center

Located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona Science Center features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, a state-of-the-art planetarium, a five-story giant-screen theater, live demonstrations, traveling exhibitions, and exciting science programs. The Center offers programs for all ages, including Science on Wheels, CAMP INNOVATION, Teen programs, Professional Development, and Adults’ Night Out: Science with a Twist. Whether onsite or at your location–get ready to embark on a hands-on STEM learning journey you’ll never forget.

Arizona Science Center is an EEO/ADA Reasonable Accommodation Employer.

SUMMARY

As the Senior Vice President of Development and a key member of the Executive Team, you will be responsible for advancing philanthropic support, shaping the fundraising strategy, leading capital and initiative campaigns, overseeing donor stewardship, managing events, and providing strategic leadership for the Arizona Science Center. This role requires a seasoned fundraising professional with a proven track record of driving major gifts, cultivating donor relationships, orchestrating successful events, and contributing to executive leadership decisions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

EXECUTIVE TEAM LEADERSHIP

• Actively contribute to executive leadership team meetings, providing strategic insights and expertise.
• Collaborate with fellow executives to align development efforts with the overall mission and goals of the Arizona Science Center.

FUNDRAISING STRATEGY

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure major gifts, grants, and other philanthropic support.
• Align fundraising efforts with the strategic goals of the organization, ensuring financial sustainability.

DONOR CULTIVATION

• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Lead efforts to identify, engage, and solicit support from high-net-worth individuals and organizations.

CAPITAL and INITIATIVE CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT

• Oversee and manage capital campaigns, ensuring effective planning, execution, and achievement of fundraising targets.
• Collaborate with the development team to create compelling campaign materials and engagement strategies.

DONOR STEWARDSHIP

• Develop and implement donor stewardship programs to acknowledge, recognize, and engage donors effectively.
• Ensure timely and personalized communication to maintain strong relationships with supporters.

EVENT MANAGEMENT

• Lead the planning and execution of fundraising events, ensuring seamless coordination and a memorable donor experience.
• Collaborate with the events team to create engaging and impactful experiences for attendees.

TEAM LEADERSHIP

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to the development team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
• Mentor and develop team members to achieve individual and collective fundraising goals.

BOARD ENGAGEMENT

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising activities, leveraging their networks and resources.
• Provide regular updates to the Board on fundraising progress and strategies.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

• Identify and foster strategic partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance fundraising opportunities.
• Collaborate with programmatic and administrative teams to align development efforts with organizational initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and abilities.

• Track record of successfully securing major gifts, managing comprehensive fundraising campaigns, and orchestrating successful events.
• Strong knowledge of philanthropic trends, fundraising strategies, and best practices.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or related field; Master's degree or CFRE certification is a plus.
• Proven experience (minimum 10 years) in senior leadership roles in fundraising and development.

BENEFITS include, but are not limited to:

• 21 paid days off annually including holidays, birthdays, and vacation days
• 15 days of accrued sick time
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life and Long Term Disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Family membership to Arizona Science Center and 600+ Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC)
• Admission Exchange Program - Year-round complimentary admission for the employee and one guest to visit the Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Museum of Natural History, etc.