Akron Children's Museum Director of Development

Organization Overview
Akron Children's Museum is dedicated to making a positive impact on our community by providing a safe and vibrant gathering place for children and families, where play inspires exploration, discovery, and problem solving. The museum relies on fundraising to support sustainable operations, including programs and services.

Position Overview
The full-time Director of Development, reporting to the Executive Director, will lead the museum’s comprehensive fundraising program including major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events. Working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, you will develop fundraising goals and strategies while building capacity for a development team. This role requires both strategic thinking and creative daily execution.

Requirements

• Valid driver's license and/or reliable transportation
• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or related field
• Demonstrated ability to manage details, meet fundraising goals, and work collaboratively
• Demonstrated success in securing funding from various sources
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

• Exceptional grant writing skills to secure funding, the ability to blend persuasive storytelling with data analysis, transform program goals into compelling proposals, and maintain relationships with diverse funding sources while meeting aggressive application deadlines
• Familiarity with current AI technologies and digital fundraising trends, with a track record of implementing innovative strategies to enhance fundraising efforts and donor engagement.
• 4+ years of experience in fundraising, special events, or donor communication
• Strong reporting skills for executive-level insights into development activities
• Excellent technical skills including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace and donor database management such as Bloomerang.
• Strong leadership and management experience
• Deep commitment to the museum's mission and values

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet annual revenue goals
• Proven experience in managing grants, including writing proposals, reporting, and compliance with funder requirements.
• Identify and cultivate major gift prospects, corporate donors, and foundation supporters
• Lead the development, writing, and submission of grant proposals to federal, state, and private funding agencies
• Plan and execute engaging fundraising events
• Collaborate on donor communications and marketing materials
• Work with the Board and Executive Director on fundraising strategies
• Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance
• Create vehicles to engage employees, board members, and volunteers in development activities
• Produce and implement expense budgets and revenue forecasts
• Manage annual fund through mailings, social media, events, and targeted appeals
• Leverage technology and media to enhance fundraising efforts
• Solicit in-kind donations as needed Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices
• Grant-writing experience
• Discretion with confidential information
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Ability to balance multiple time-sensitive projects
• Strong relationship management with internal and external stakeholders
• Comfort with public speaking and meeting facilitation
• Proficiency with donor management systems and fundraising tools
• Experience with social media platforms and basic design abilities
• Strong work ethic with internal drive to exceed goals

• This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $57-$62K with a benefits package.

• Interested candidates should email resume, cover letter, and names and phone numbers of three references to Emily Carpenter, emily@akronkids.org, by June 30, 2025