Senior Manager, Campaign & Major Gifts

Company Description

At Great Lakes Science Center, we make science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) come alive to feed the inner sense of curiosity for guests of all ages. We believe in the value of using real scientific challenges through opportunities to invent, design, tinker and create to encourage curiosity and experimentation. The Science Center remains committed to developing informal science education programs that inspire young minds, improve STEM literacy and cultivate the creative, critical thinkers who will shape the future of Northeast Ohio.

Job Description

Summary:

The Senior Manager, Campaign & Major Gifts will play a critical role in the success of Force for Tomorrow, a $21 million comprehensive campaign. This exciting and ambitious endeavor has already surpassed the halfway mark, with a number of six and seven figure gifts to support programming, capital projects and the endowment. The position reports to the Vice President of Development and will be part of a dynamic and hard-working team, including committed staff, enthusiastic Board Chair, engaged Board of Directors, and prominent Honorary Campaign Committee.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Comprehensive Campaign

• Manage the $21 million Force for Tomorrow Comprehensive Campaign, which includes programming, capital and endowment support.
• Produce and maintain campaign timeline, dashboard and prospect list.
• Partner with campaign leadership, CEO, and VP of Development to provide pre-visit support, tour and post visit follow-up for prospective and active donors.
• Develop campaign materials, including collateral, website, invitations, etc.
• Oversee the campaign committee meetings, with scheduling, agenda creation, minutes and follow up.
• Lead major fundraising events, including but not limited to galas, working collaboratively with Special Events team. Responsibilities include budget creation, collateral development, sponsor fulfillment, and programming.
• Manage donor agreements and contracts, working closely with the Finance team.
• Lead the development of the Annual Report and collaboratively work with Development, Education, Exhibits and Marketing teams.
• Proactively identify opportunities to engage donors, including stewardship events and VIP experiences, with timely follow up.

Major Gifts

• Create and manage a portfolio of qualified major gifts donors and high-level prospects who have the capacity to make gifts of $5,000 and above.
• Design and implement plans to increase major gift contributed revenue, ensuring all fundraising efforts support the broader comprehensive fundraising goals including major, capital and planned giving.
• Proactively identify opportunities to engage donors, including stewardship events and VIP experiences, with timely follow up.
• Provide major gift reports to track activity, retain existing donors, and increase the average gift size.
• Collaboratively work with Development Team to grow pipeline of annual giving support and event sponsorships.
• Research effective planned giving programs for implementation.
• Support the VP of Development in analyzing trends and forecasting revenue.
• Actively participate in the budgeting process.
• Represent the Science Center externally in public facing events and support the Development team with special events as assigned.
• Participate in board committees and provide support as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities at this time.

Qualifications

Education and Work Experience Qualifications:

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising.
• Preferred Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience.
• The successful candidate will be a strategic, creative team leader with a vision for fundraising potential while maximizing results.
• Demonstrated success with cultivating a caseload of donors.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications (K/S/A):

• Demonstrates experience in engaging and motivating others through personal enthusiasm;
• Ability to work across teams to manage multiple projects and events associated with mission and program awareness.
• Excellent communication skills and exemplary interpersonal skills.
• Possess the ability to work collaboratively and independently to achieve goals and time-sensitive deadlines.
• Independent decision-making, attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with Board volunteer engagement.
• Represents the Science Center in the community as needed and displays a professional and values-based demeanor.
• Demonstrates competencies using Microsoft Programs including Teams, Excel and Powerpoint;
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle to allow for some travel within the Northeast Ohio region.

Additional Information

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment, with flexible work from home opportunities. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and virtual platforms.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; talk or hear. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Salary Range: $62,000-$70,000 annually

• Free Parking
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• 403b Retirement savings plan with match
• Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) Membership
• Northeastern Ohio Intermuseum Council (NEOIMC) membership

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

It is the policy of GLSC to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) free from illegal discrimination, harassment and retaliation to all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religious affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, age, source of income, familial status, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, disability or any other basis protected by applicable