Director of Philanthropy

The NC Aquarium Society seeks a dynamic fundraising generalist for the role of Director of Philanthropy. Reporting the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the Director of Philanthropy will join a 5-person Philanthropy Team responsible for fundraising, membership and communications to benefit the North Carolina Aquariums.

The NC Aquarium Society is the nonprofit support arm for the state NC Aquarium Division which includes three aquariums (Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores, Roanoke Island) and Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. Based in Raleigh, the 501(c)3 nonprofit Society supports the NC Aquariums by generating funds for conservation, education and research through membership, retail sales, advocacy, and philanthropic engagement.

This is an extraordinary time to join the NC Aquarium Society in Raleigh as we continue to grow our collaborative team to respond to the funding needs of the NC Aquariums as outlined in their new strategic plan. In addition, the NC Aquariums will celebrate 50 years of service to our state in 2026 while embarking on major expansion of our largest facility, the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

Opportunity:

The Director of Philanthropy is a recently created position central to the Society’s growing philanthropy efforts. The Director of Philanthropy will manage multiple fundraising priorities to help grow the culture of philanthropy among NC Aquarium visitors, members and supporters.

Primary responsibilities include 1) the creation of a comprehensive annual giving program with affinity levels and benefits, 2) reigniting the Society’s corporate sponsorship program aligned with exhibits, events and programs 3) day-to-day oversight of general fundraising operations. This position will also support grant writing efforts and plays a key role in overseeing the donor relations functions of the philanthropy department.

The 2026 annual giving goal is $1.6M with targets of $800,000 for unrestricted giving, $300,000 for conservation programs, $250,000 for sponsorships, $100,000 for aquarium scholars, and the remainder for grants, memorials and other initiatives. Achieving the 2026 goal will require diverse solicitation methods including direct mail, phone calls, and personal visits.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leverage the NC Aquariums’ 50th anniversary to ignite an annual giving program with affinity levels and benefits that inspire movement through the visitor-member-donor pipeline.
• Reignite and renew a successful corporate giving program to ensure robust local and national support for NC Aquarium exhibits, events and programs
• Lead the planning and execution of cultivation and stewardship events of varying sizes for donors and other key stakeholders.
•  Support the NC Aquariums Division Grants Committee with research, collaborative writing and strategy for sustaining division programming.  
• Supervision of Philanthropy Associate and Assistant to execute full donor management cycle from research and event invitations through gift receipt, acknowledgement and ongoing stewardship efforts.
• Management of donor recognition program including on-site signage, print materials and digital presentation of supporters.
• Partner with the Chief Philanthropy Officer to build a consistent donor pipeline for major and planned gifts

Required Qualification/Experience:

• A strong affinity for the goals and mission of NC Aquarium Society.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills
• Demonstrated record of successful completion of collaborative projects with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytic skills and problem-solving ability.
• Demonstrated ability to behave in a lawful, ethical, and professional manner while carrying out the duties of this position and in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Willingness to travel, primarily by car, within 4 hours of Raleigh a minimum of 3 times each year.
• Availability to work on weekends occasionally for key meetings and events.
• Strong computer skills; Excel, Word, DocuSign, Adobe, and fundraising software experience desired. The NC Aquarium Society uses DonorPerfect, GiveCloud, Counterpoint and Outbound software systems for donor and member transactions and tracking.
• Pass a criminal background check.

Salary:

This is an exempt position with a starting salary of $80,000 - $90,000.

Benefits:

The North Carolina Aquarium Society offers an excellent package of medical, dental, vision and life insurance, as well as 401k and retirement benefits and annual leave.

To Apply:

The North Carolina Aquarium Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position is open to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or status as a covered veteran.

Send cover letter and resume to societyhr@ncaquariums.com with “Director of Philanthropy” in the subject line.