Development Director

Hands On Children’s Museum

Olympia, WA

The award-winning Hands On Children’s Museum is seeking an experienced, dynamic, and professional Director of Development. This key position is responsible for leading the Museum’s advancement efforts by telling the Museum’s story to our regional donors, business leaders and elected officials. Hands On is located on Olympia’s East Bay waterfront in a beautiful new facility. It is among the most visited youth museums in the Northwest and is generously supported by families and donors throughout the Puget Sound region.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• This key leadership position works with Executive Director and senior leadership team to determine annual fundraising priorities, activities and plan.
• Responsible for meeting annual and capital budget goals and leading team members to secure annual contributed revenue, steward donors and members, and ensure appropriate recognition for all contributors.
• Responsible for managing a full range of revenue including exhibit and program sponsorships, major gifts, capital gifts, special events, annual giving and grants.
• Leads and effectively manages the development, database and communications team ensuring best practices in fundraising management.
• Identifies new fundraising opportunities and initiatives throughout the year.
• Serves as a key spokesperson for the organization in the community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years professional fundraising experience. Demonstrated track record of consistently achieving revenue targets and increasing support.
• Experience managing a development department and a staff of 6-plus development and communications professionals.
• The ideal candidate will have participated in both annual and capital campaigns, and will possess an understanding of current philanthropic trends and donor engagement practices.
• Professional attitude, highly motivated, and accountable. Able to think creatively and strategically. Able to perform well under pressure, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact appropriately with volunteers, staff and donors at all levels.
• Collegial and collaborative approach to assignments. Team oriented.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.