JOB OPENING

OPPORTUNITY

CuriOdyssey is looking to the future! This is an opportunity to join an innovative and entrepreneurial development team that stewards investors to support our mission: to inspire a love of science and curiosity about the world to create a brighter future. CuriOdyssey is fully committed to an inclusive approach to reach populations that are typically underserved and under-resourced. Join a well-respected Bay Area science museum and zoo, help steward and expand our already robust individual giving community, creatively build the Major Donor prospect pipeline, and be a valued member of a strong Advancement team. Be empowered to bring forth new ideas as you build a major giving program, and work collaboratively with other departments. Bring your unique self to an organization that values you and respects peoples' differences. If you are a passionate entrepreneurial builder that values science, education, cultural institutions, and equity, this may be your next great career opportunity.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Located in Coyote Point Park in San Mateo County, CuriOdyssey has undergone a major reinvention and full strategic planning process that has transformed the organization into a vital, kid-centric interactive science center and accredited California native animal wildlife zoo that provides up-close and personal experiences with the natural world. The organization is comprised of a strategic and engaged Board of Trustees, visionary executive leadership, and a talented, energetic and entrepreneurial staff.

POSITION OVERVIEW

CuriOdyssey is seeking a Major Gifts Officer who is excited to join a robust and thriving development program which has gained considerable traction and enthusiasm from a large community of donors over the past three years, and is currently meeting all revenue targets.

The ideal candidate will be a highly collaborative thinker, experienced in raising contributed revenue from similar nonprofit entities such as museums, educational organizations, science organizations, and/or organizations with a social justice mission. Prior experience with raising funding and managing capital campaign programs highly desirable, and experience with soliciting major gifts is essential.

In coordination with other members of the CuriOdyssey team, manage CuriOdyssey’s major gifts program. Using the moves management system, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and prospects with the capacity and philanthropic interest to make outright gifts of $25,000 or more annually and the capacity to give $50,000 or more to the Capital Campaign. The Major Gifts Officer will work closely with the Chief Development Officer and the development team, the Executive Director, and Board members to move donors through the fundraising cycle.

The Major Gifts Officer will have the opportunity to engage with organizational efforts to create internal and external change around racial justice, inclusion, and equity. The ideal candidate will partner with an experienced Executive Director whose training in anti-racist diversity, equity, and inclusion will lead to robust new internal capacities and external programs serving those who are furthest from opportunity in the CuriOdyssey community. BIPOC candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

CuriOdyssey is at an exciting juncture in its 69-year lifespan with a major capital campaign to raise $60M+ to replace its current 37-year-old facility with a new campus concept. Phase 1 construction is complete with Whooosh!, a Magical Bridge ADA playground, and our first building, the Bay Gallery & Labs.

In addition to a primary focus of raising General Operating funds for the organization, the Major Gifts Officer will also have the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Chief Development Officer and Executive Director to steward existing donors and create opportunities for new donors to support the Curiodyssey Campus Campaign.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage a portfolio of 75+ major donors and prospects including current individual and family foundation donors, executing annual plans to cultivate, solicit, thank and steward those donors.
• Work with other Director-level leaders in support of solicitation strategies or proposal preparation for overall strategy and implementation plan for growing the major donor program.
• Identify, cultivate, create a solicitation strategy and solicit and steward and potential funders with the goal of increasing financial support.
• Support Chief Development Officer, Executive Director and Board members with their major donor responsibilities, including developing strategies for cultivations and asks, involving appropriate staff, and ensuring that all involved have the encouragement, resources and accountability to achieve established goals.
• Work individually and collectively with Trustees, staff and volunteers on major gift fundraising.
• With oversight from the Chief Development and Chief Sales & Marketing Officers write and produce fundraising and marketing collateral for internal and external audiences in conjunction.
• Develop and implement cultivation and stewardship events for prospects and major donors as appropriate.
• In collaboration with the Development Team, ensure donor database (currently Altru) is kept up to date for existing donors and prospects in the portfolio, developing and following procedures for reporting and evaluating results.
• Integrate the major gifts program into other fundraising, communications and program activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to the mission of CuriOdyssey
• Commitment to science and environmental education for children, schools and families
• Demonstrated success managing and implementing a major gifts program and soliciting five+ figure gifts in the San Francisco Bay Area
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and engaging interpersonal skills
• Bachelor’s degree.
• 5+ years of successful fundraising experience in a senior development role (major and individual gifts) including solicitation of major gifts
• Experience leading major campaign projects
• Proven track record of achieving fundraising goals and initiatives
• Experience with the full donor cycle – identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Knowledge of the local philanthropic community, and state and federal resources
• Familiarity with a science-based organization is a plus
• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written, supported by ability to use technological tools.
• Must be able to represent CuriOdyssey independently to potential donors and make compelling presentations and requests for support.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team and with great energy and persistence. Experience working with diverse constituencies.
• Proven organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously and produce high quality results quickly and on time.
• Critical thinking, problem solving, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Access to own transportation to visit with donors and prospects, mileage is reimbursable.
• Available for occasional work events on weekends and evenings.
• Strong facility with fundraising software, Excel and Google Suite.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Full-time, exempt, hybrid work schedule possible
• Salary: $120K-$140K depending on experience
• Benefits include: individual medical, dental, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan, museum membership
• Expected start date: October 1, 2023 or sooner

TO APPLY

Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected], attn: Maureen Garrett, Chief Development Officer

This is a full-time position with generous benefits. Candidates are subject to background checks.