The Marine Science Institute is seeking an experienced Development and Major Gifts Director to join its team in achieving major gift fundraising and planned giving program objectives. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role involves organizing large-scale fundraising initiatives, implementing direct response initiatives, and growing donor programs focused on individuals who contribute more than $1,000 in a calendar year. The Director will be responsible for making major gift proposals, developing protocols for key donor cultivation techniques, and utilizing volunteers, staff, and board members for donor communications. Leading a small development team, including a full-time Institutional Giving Manager and a Development Associate, the Director will set priorities and goals to align with the overall fundraising strategy and will also ensure the quality of the donor database (Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack) in collaboration with the Development Associate.
about HEART of San Mateo County
Marine Science Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring environmental stewardship through hands-on learning and exploration of San Francisco Bay ecosystems. We produce and deliver science education for Northern California students 12 months out of the year. Our Discovery Voyage Program takes students on a 4-hour, hands-on exploration of the San Francisco Bay ecosystem. For the younger students, our Shoreside Programs deliver the shipboard science curriculum from the shore in our waterfront classrooms and lab and bring live marine animals out to the schools. We serve approximately 50,000 students per year throughout Northern California with our classes and camps.
Qualifications
Education: Undergraduate degree required
Experience: At least five years of development/major gift/planned giving experience
Skills:
Experience with directing staff
Proficient using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), including configuration and reporting; donor data analysis; mass email tools (we use CyberImpact)
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – in person, on the phone, and in writing
Responsibilies
Fundraising and Donor Cultivation:
Planning and evaluating fundraising campaigns and activities
Creating & managing the organization’s development budget
Identifying and stewarding prospective donors
Planning and leading the major giving program
Researching major gift donor prospects
Growing relationships with major gift donors
Developing a donor solicitation strategy for major gift prospects
Designing and operating a donor stewardship program
Tracking and assessing major gift fundraising metrics
Drafting major gift proposal documents
Using major giving fundraising and marketing tools
Write proposals for special grants
Working collaboratively with board members and staff on fundraising
Implementing direct response initiatives to enhance donor engagement and retention Building relationships with local media outlets, and driving publicity for Marine Science Institute
Donor Communication and Program Growth:
Growing our donor programs, including monthly, and quarterly donors
Calling and emailing major gift donors on a regular basis
Developing and implementing SOPs for key donor cultivation techniques
Utilizing volunteers, staff, and board members for monthly donor calls and communications
Strategic Planning and Leadership:
Recruiting and training fundraising staff and volunteer leaders as required
Serve as member of our leadership team
Lead and/or serve on a committee that implements the organization's Strategic Plan
Create reports for the Board of Directors and attend Board Meetings
Serve as a primary advisor to our Executive Director
With the Board of Directors, direct a Legacy Fund Campaign to celebrate our longtime Executive Director Marilou Seiff; expected to launch in mid-2025.
Staff Management:
Guiding the work of our two full-time and part-time development staff (Institutional Giving Manager and Development Associate). This includes defining priorities, providing input to work content (e.g., Annual Campaign messaging, gift acknowledgement tactics, communications calendar), providing guidance on best practices
COmpensation and Benefits
$95,000 - $110,000 Per Year
To Apply
To apply, submit your resume, cover letter and references to melanie@sfbaymsi.org. Include your salary requirements in your cover letter. Resumes will be considered until the position is filled. Candidates will be contacted for interviews.
