Exploratorium
Summary
The Director, Engagement is a key member of the Institutional Advancement (IA) Department responsible for developing and executing strategies that leverage events as drivers of pipeline development, fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship. This position plays a central role in advancing a coordinated approach to donor and sponsor engagement, moving prospects through a pipeline of content-driven engagement opportunities. In addition, the Director oversees stewardship strategies and initiatives designed to retain and expand donor relationships while ensuring meaningful recognition of their contributions. The Director works collaboratively across IA and other departments including Marketing, Rentals, Operations, Campus Facilities, Graphics, and Program Development. This position reports to the Chief Philanthropy Officer.
Essential Functions
Develop and implement a comprehensive events strategy to support IA’s fundraising goals and draw further engagement from volunteers, donors, and sponsors
Develop and lead events strategy to support major and campaign fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Executive Director, Chief Philanthropy Officer and IA leadership
Oversee the development of a comprehensive stewardship program strategy and direct related events and programs including travel, receptions, dinners, and private tours
Plan, organize, and execute the annual fundraising events including the Gala and Wonder Funday
Develop program content, marketing and communication of events with internal teams
Develop and manage event budgets
Lead event staff and volunteers; recruit, train, and supervise teams
Oversee event logistics including vendor management
Develop and establish a collaborative and distributed work model to plan and execute 10-15 events for other IA teams; serve as lead staff or advisor on most IA events
Create, manage and train IA team members on event planning systems including logistics, print and electronic outreach, CRM and RSVP tracking, event content planning, donor communications, vendor management, etc.
Facilitate and/or attend department meetings to discuss fundraising strategies and recommend cultivation and solicitation activities and priorities
Cultivate, steward, and contribute to relationship building and development goals with donors, sponsors and in‑kind partners in conjunction with the Individual Giving and Corporate Engagement teams in IA
Some night and weekend work required
Special fundraising events projects as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of relevant experience in fundraising at a non‑profit
Proven experience planning and executing large‑scale fundraising events
Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques and ethics; experience in devising strategies for cultivation and solicitation of donors and best practice stewardship programs
Excellent communication skills including ability to work effectively with board members, volunteers, and community leadership
Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects; ability to work in a high‑pressure environment with frequent deadlines and balance competing priorities
Strong leadership and team management abilities; ability to collaborate across the organization
Ability to manage complex event budgets
Strict attention to detail; strong problem‑solving skills
Prior comprehensive campaign event experience desirable
Enthusiasm, creative and strategic thinking to develop innovative event concepts and fundraising strategies that meet the mission and the goals of the organization and the community
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace preferred); proficiency with database systems (Salesforce); demonstrated ability to evaluate, adopt, and apply new and emerging technologies
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT Ability to move from place to place, use a computer terminal and telephone, lift and carry up to 25 pounds short distances.
APPLICATION DEADLINE This position is open until filled.
How To Apply This is a regular, full‑time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, non‑union position that includes benefits. The salary range for this role is $116,000 - $126,000 DOE. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.
The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Exploratorium
Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111
Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Essential Functions
Develop and implement a comprehensive events strategy to support IA’s fundraising goals and draw further engagement from volunteers, donors, and sponsors
Develop and lead events strategy to support major and campaign fundraising initiatives in collaboration with the Executive Director, Chief Philanthropy Officer and IA leadership
Oversee the development of a comprehensive stewardship program strategy and direct related events and programs including travel, receptions, dinners, and private tours
Plan, organize, and execute the annual fundraising events including the Gala and Wonder Funday
Develop program content, marketing and communication of events with internal teams
Develop and manage event budgets
Lead event staff and volunteers; recruit, train, and supervise teams
Oversee event logistics including vendor management
Develop and establish a collaborative and distributed work model to plan and execute 10-15 events for other IA teams; serve as lead staff or advisor on most IA events
Create, manage and train IA team members on event planning systems including logistics, print and electronic outreach, CRM and RSVP tracking, event content planning, donor communications, vendor management, etc.
Facilitate and/or attend department meetings to discuss fundraising strategies and recommend cultivation and solicitation activities and priorities
Cultivate, steward, and contribute to relationship building and development goals with donors, sponsors and in‑kind partners in conjunction with the Individual Giving and Corporate Engagement teams in IA
Some night and weekend work required
Special fundraising events projects as needed
Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of relevant experience in fundraising at a non‑profit
Proven experience planning and executing large‑scale fundraising events
Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques and ethics; experience in devising strategies for cultivation and solicitation of donors and best practice stewardship programs
Excellent communication skills including ability to work effectively with board members, volunteers, and community leadership
Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects; ability to work in a high‑pressure environment with frequent deadlines and balance competing priorities
Strong leadership and team management abilities; ability to collaborate across the organization
Ability to manage complex event budgets
Strict attention to detail; strong problem‑solving skills
Prior comprehensive campaign event experience desirable
Enthusiasm, creative and strategic thinking to develop innovative event concepts and fundraising strategies that meet the mission and the goals of the organization and the community
Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace preferred); proficiency with database systems (Salesforce); demonstrated ability to evaluate, adopt, and apply new and emerging technologies
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT Ability to move from place to place, use a computer terminal and telephone, lift and carry up to 25 pounds short distances.
APPLICATION DEADLINE This position is open until filled.
How To Apply This is a regular, full‑time (37.5 hours per week), exempt, non‑union position that includes benefits. The salary range for this role is $116,000 - $126,000 DOE. Please, no phone calls in regards to this job. To apply, please visit the Exploratorium job page.
The Exploratorium is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion and respect. We welcome and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Exploratorium
Piers 15/17, San Francisco, CA 94111
Website: https://www.exploratorium.edu/about/jobs
#J-18808-Ljbffr