Director of Development Join the Science Mill as our next Director of Development and be a pivotal part of expanding our mission for all students—regardless of economic status, location, gender, or race—to have equitable access to STEM programs and be able to envision themselves in a future career in STEM.
Through our highly interactive museum and innovative STEM programs, we inspire students’ curiosity and give them the confidence, tools and support they need to reach their full potential as a skilled member in the 21st-century STEM workforce.
In this critical role, you will leverage your passion for education and community engagement to develop and enhance our fundraising efforts. As we embark on ambitious growth plans to broaden our impact, your expertise in cultivating and securing significant gifts will directly contribute to fueling innovative educational programs and outreach initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to transform your career and make a lasting difference in the educational landscape by connecting donors to our mission. If you’re ready to drive change and help the Science Mill reach new heights, we invite you to learn more about how your talents can advance our strategic goals and extend our reach across the state and beyond.
Key ResponsibilitiesDonor Strategy and Engagement:
- Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors for gifts.
- Develop and implement personalized donor engagement strategies that reflect the donor's interests and priorities and the Science Mill.
- Maintain and deepen relationships with existing donors through regular updates and engagement opportunities.
Fundraising Campaigns and Initiatives:
- Collaborate with the development team and CEO to plan and execute major fundraising campaigns.
- Lead the creation of compelling proposals and presentations to secure major gifts.
- Monitor and report on progress towards fundraising goals, adapting strategies as needed to optimize results.
Database and Records Management:
- Utilize the donor database to track interactions, analyze data, and manage donor information effectively.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant fundraising regulations and best practices.
Minimum QualificationsEducation and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, or related field.
- A minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, with a proven track record of securing major gifts.
Skills and Abilities:
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to create influential and persuasive presentations.
- Strategic thinking and the ability to develop effective fundraising strategies.
- Proficiency in using donor management software and CRM systems.
Personal Attributes:
- Passion for the Science Mill’s mission and a commitment to education and community development.
- High level of integrity and transparency.
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Please send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to Peter.Claffey@sciencemill.org
About the Science Mill
The Science Mill, located in Johnson City, TX, is a nonprofit science center. We believe that bold and innovative programs, which demonstrate a committed, sustained, multi-level approach to engaging our most marginalized students and supporting educators, are key to building a strong STEM pipeline. With interactive exhibits and programs, the Science Mill helps students expand their understanding of science, sparks curiosity, and inspires them to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. Operating in a very dynamic environment, flexibility and teamwork are required. The team works collaboratively to ensure organizational success.
