Vice President, Development

Come join the fun and make a difference with Discovery Cube! For almost 25 years, we've been inspiring kids and educators alike with our hands-on science education initiatives and interactive exhibits.

Our four core initiatives - STEM proficiency, early childhood education, healthy living, and environmental stewardship - are future-forward in promoting life-long learning.

Plus, with our immersive campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as our educational outreach programs, there are endless opportunities for learning exploration.

As a prominent advocate for modern science education, we believe in empowering our learners with real-world applications and spotlighting science as a solution and force for good.

Don't miss out on the excitement and join our important mission today!

Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.

Position :

Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President of Development creates the vision, mission, and strategy for fund development at Discovery Cube Orange County.

Leading a team of six with an annual fundraising goal of $3.6M, the VP of Development will network across political, corporate, foundation, government, business, and nonprofit circles to represent the Cube and its programs in the community.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic and energetic nonprofit professional, who will manage a capital campaign for a $25M to $50M expansion of the museum, as well as two major fundraising vehicles, including an annual golf trip to Pebble Beach ($1M raised) attended by some of OC’s top CEOs.

Likewise, the VP will work with the events team to oversee the Cube’s annual Gala, which is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year.

The incoming VP of Development will create and implement Discovery Cube’s development plan, identifying and cultivating major individual and corporate donors for sponsorship and naming opportunities.

This candidate is an exceptional leader who is passionate about the mission of Discovery Cube and will support the development team and Board of Directors to meet the annual fundraising goals.

Responsibilities :

In collaboration with the CEO, develop and implement a strategic and diversified fundraising plan that meets current goals of $3.

6M and anticipates future needs and growth objectives.

• Oversee all fund development activities, including day-to-day operations of the development department, and the activities of staff and volunteers.
• Combine the richness and relevance of programs with the efficacy of best business practices, accountability, and institutional impact.
• Working in relationship with the finance department, assure sound fiscal operation of funding, including timely, accurate, and comprehensive development of budgets, reporting, monitoring and implementation.
• Establish vision for restricted and unrestricted funding sources, while developing strategies to approach appropriate donors and cultivation of prospects.
• Ensure that philanthropy and fund development activities are carried out in keeping with the organization’s values, mission, vision and plans.
• Lead the $25M to $50M capital campaign for the next expansion of Discovery Cube.

Staff & Board Management :

• Directly build and manage the Development team.
• Strive to create a cohesive, collaborative and supportive development team, while retaining, supporting and recruiting quality staff and volunteers.
• In concert with the CEO, engage the Board of Directors to meet the strategic financial and advocacy goals for the organization.
• Develop strategies to leverage Board member skills, inspiring members to actively cultivate their relationships and fundraise on behalf of Discovery Cube, as well as identify new members.
• Develop agendas for committee meetings and an annual calendar to cover all crucial development issues in a timely fashion.
• Ensure the professional accountability of the development team through clear expectations, positive and constructive feedback, weekly check-ins, and formal performance reviews.
• Serve as the chief relationship person representing Discovery Cube to both internal and external constituencies.
• Manage and broaden a robust major gifts, planned gifts, and grants program for alumni, corporations, and foundations.
• Identify philanthropic interests of both current major donors and prospects, leading all moves management strategies to provide donors with an outstanding experience of their time, advocacy and financial support.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit a diverse base of high-net-worth individual donors with the capacity to make six or seven-figure donations.
• Implement and oversee a new development reporting structure, using moves management methods and systems for reporting year-to-date activity and forecasting.
• Assure the design and maintenance of donor and prospects records, gift management systems, stewardship and informational reports.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and laws, maintain accountability standards to donors, and ensure compliance with the code of ethical principles and standards of professional conduct for fundraising executives.
• Oversee planning and execution of annual fundraising events.

Qualifications :

• A minimum of ten years of progressive experience in nonprofit fund development, with a proven success in securing six figure gifts.
• A demonstrated track record of fundraising management and operations leadership, implementing development processes and systems to measure activity and accountability.
• A strategic approach to development, with a track record of cultivating and managing major gift and annual fund donors.
• A strong commitment to the mission of Discovery Cube.
• A strong interpersonal and communication skill set and demonstrated ability to work effectively with, and gain the respect and support of, varied and changing constituencies including staff, Board members, potential donors, volunteers, and others.
• A track record as an effective communicator skilled at writing and speaking; adept at writing proposals, solicitation letters, donor correspondence, and other types of materials to enhance fundraising.
• A creative thinker with an ability to develop strategies into action plans.
• Connected to, and aware of, high-net-worth community in Orange County.
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree.

What’s In It For You :

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage.
• 401K with up to 4% match after one year for full-time employees.
• 14 Free general admission tickets per year.
• 4 Bubblefest tickets plus admission.
• 10% off on-site dining and shopping discount.
• Employee discounts through ADP.
• Accrued paid time off for full-time employees.
• 10 paid company holidays.

Compensation :

$170,000 - $190,000 USD

Discovery Cube provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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