Mission: The mission of the Eastern NC Regional Science Center (DBA: GO-Science) is to enable the exploration and experience of science, math, and technology through engaging and enriching interactive experiences that enhance the levels of science, math, and technology literacy for all people in Eastern NC.


Reports To: GO-Science CEO/Executive Director

Basic Function: The Director of Development will provide the leadership, strategic direction, management and coordination for all GO-Science fundraising efforts. The Director will create fundraising strategies that increase the organization's support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other sources. The Director of Development plays a key role in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major donors for capital and annual gifts. The Director will work in close collaboration with the President & CEO and other senior staff and key volunteer leadership to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, administer, and implement all fundraising activities of GO-Science.
   
• Manage the development department in a fiscally sound manner by ensuring that the appropriate systems, staffing and procedures are in place to support fundraising goals;
   
• Manage annual membership;
   
• Develop, manage and implement (in collaboration with the President & CEO) all aspects of the facility up-fit capital fund drive;
   
• Provide detailed reports about the fundraising progress to the President & CEO and the Development Committee on a regular basis;
   
• Maintain a proactive, creative leadership role in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of individual, corporate and foundation contributions;
   
• Cultivate and directly solicit key donors, working with the President & CEO and other key volunteers, as appropriate;
   
• Develop annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the President & CEO for presentation to the Board of Directors;
   
• Prepare and/or oversee all direct mail letters, case statements, grants, brochures, and sponsorship proposals required to support fundraising efforts;
   
• Coordinate donor receptions, events, and galas in collaboration with the marketing committee and volunteers;
   
• Ensure that all donors are appropriately thanked and receive regular communication by making donor stewardship a priority throughout GO-Science ;
   
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with the philanthropic community, individual and corporate donors, sponsors, board members and volunteers;
   
• Serve as a visible spokesperson and advocate for GO-Science's mission and programs in the funding community; and
   
• Serve as a consulting member of The GO-Science's senior management team.

Ideal Experience: The ideal candidate will have the following experience and qualifications:

• At least three to five years of proven experience managing a complex fundraising program in a sophisticated organization with a reputation for quality and excellence;
   
• Demonstrated experience in managing people and budgets; ability to work in an hands-on environment with limited resources; computer literacy and knowledge of donor management systems is highly desirable;
   
• Ability to effectively gain the respect and support of various constituencies, including board and staff members, donors and foundation and civic leaders;
   
• A successful track record of personally identifying, cultivating and soliciting individual donors, corporations and foundations;
   
• A record of measurable results in organizing and implementing such activities as: major gifts, annual gifts, grant writing, corporate and foundation giving, direct mail and special events;
   
• A track record as an effective communicator; and
   
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

Personal Qualities: The Director of Development will be:

• Committed to being enthusiastic about GO-Science's mission and programs;
   
• Highly entrepreneurial, resourceful and flexible;
   
• A strategist who is adept at planning, prioritizing, multi-tasking, organizing and following through while remaining highly energetic and focused;
   
• A team builder with strong skills in management and leadership;
   
• A catalyst with vision who can create excitement and energy around GO-Science's programs and encourage others to support the organization -- persuasive, persistent, and determined in the pursuit of the organization's fundraising goals;
   
• Straightforward, self-motivated, and diplomatic -- sharing information readily, listening as well as giving advice and respecting the abilities of others;
   
• Energetic and willing to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of fundraising activities; and
   
• Emotionally mature with a sense of humor to maintain balance.

Compensation: The compensation structure for this position rewards outcome performance as well as cultivation capacity and dedication. We have a multi-tiered compensation plan that rewards success in multiple arenas and promotes careful stewardship of our donors.