Chief Philanthropy Officer

Summary:

The North Carolina Aquarium Society is seeking applicants for the position of Chief Philanthropy Officer. This person is responsible for achieving the fundraising and development goals of the Society’s philanthropy team with a focus on cultivating and strengthening relationships with donors, influencers, and key stakeholders.

The Aquarium Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Raleigh, N.C. that serves as the support organization for North Carolina’s three Aquariums on the coast (Fort Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores, and Roanoke Island) and Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC. This is not a position with the State of North Carolina.

Supervision and Guidance:

Manages subordinate supervisors who supervise five employees in the Development Department. Reports to the President/CEO. The Chief Philanthropy Officer is responsible for overall Development Team leadership, which includes annual planning and goal setting for membership, annual fund, capital campaign, major gifts, marketing, donor relations, and sponsorships by performing the following duties:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides overall team leadership for the staff who design, deliver, and track areas of membership, major gifts, annual giving, stewardship, communications, and donor engagement.
• Develops overall annual plan and goal setting for the Development Department.
• Oversees the Board of Directors Giving
• Manages a major gifts portfolio with a focus on six and seven-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations, strengthening current relationships and cultivating new ones.
• Serves on the CEOs leadership team.
• Shares responsibility with the President/CEO for implementation of a planned giving program
• Identifies marketing and communications priorities for the Aquarium Society.
• Participates in cultivating, tracking, and managing relationships with donors through in-person visits, along with written and verbal communications.
• Responsible for close communications with the board development committee and its chair, including scheduling and managing the committee’s meetings, agendas, minutes, and engagement activities.
• Responsible for submitting regular development reports and overseeing data analytics and team metrics.
• Develops and maintains monthly and annual revenue forecasts
• Develops and administers the budget for the Development Department, creating and sharing reports to track progress and responding strategically.

Required Qualification/Experience:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree from a four-year college or university; or six to eight years relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of six years or more of demonstrated success in fundraising at a cultural institution.
• Minimum five years of supervisory/management experience.
• Demonstrated success in the full spectrum of development, including gift policies, cultivation strategies, solicitations, use of development software, and administration.
• Demonstrated effective leadership and proven initiative to manage, inspire, and counsel a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills, self-confident, diplomatic, and collaborative, and have good judgment and respect for confidentiality. 
• Strong strategic and analytical skills with demonstrated problem-solving.
• Articulate and assertive with excellent communication skills.
• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Excel, Word, DocuSign, and Adobe Suite experience desired.
• Must possess a valid driver's license. 
• Pass a criminal background check.