Part-Time Development Director Organization: Discovery Center at Waters Edge
Reports To: President/Executive Director
Status: Part-Time (20–25 hours per week, flexible schedule)
FLSA Status: Exempt
Closes October 2nd, 2026
Please send letter of intention, resume, questions to [email protected].
Part-Time Development Director
Position Summary
The Development Director is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all fundraising and development activities for the Discovery Center at Waters Edge, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), hands-on science center. Working closely with the President/Executive Director, Board of Directors Development committee, volunteers, and community partners, the Development Director will cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies to secure financial support that advances the organization’s mission of inspiring curiosity and lifelong STEM learning through interactive science education.
This is a strategic and hands-on position ideal for a self-motivated fundraising professional who enjoys building relationships, writing grants, organizing campaigns, and helping grow a community-based nonprofit.
Essential Responsibilities
- Fundraising & Donor Relations
- Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan with measurable goals.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors at all giving levels.
- Manage annual giving campaigns, major gifts, recurring giving, and donor recognition.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with current and prospective donors.
- Maintain accurate donor records and gift acknowledgments.
Grant Development
- Research grant opportunities from private foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
- Prepare compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports.
- Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and compliance.
Corporate & Community Partnerships
- Develop sponsorship opportunities for exhibits, programs, and special events.
- Cultivate relationships with local businesses and community organizations.
- Secure sponsorships, in-kind donations, and collaborative partnerships.
Events & Campaigns
- Assist in planning and coordinating fundraising events and donor appreciation activities.
- Support annual campaigns, giving days, and special fundraising initiatives.
- Recruit and coordinate volunteers for development-related activities as needed.
Board & Volunteer Engagement
- Partner with the Executive Director and Board Development Committee to strengthen fundraising efforts.
- Support board members in donor cultivation and solicitation.
- Prepare fundraising reports and updates for board meetings.
Communications
- Collaborate on donor communications, newsletters, annual reports, and fundraising materials.
- Work with staff to promote fundraising initiatives through digital and print channels.
- Help communicate the impact of donor support through compelling stories and data.
Data Management
- Maintain donor database and gift records.
- Monitor fundraising progress and prepare monthly and annual reports.
- Analyze fundraising performance and recommend improvements.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of three years of nonprofit fundraising, development, or related experience.
- Demonstrated success in grant writing and grant management.
- Experience cultivating donor relationships and securing charitable contributions.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
- Experience using donor management or CRM software.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with staff and volunteers.
- Passion for science education, museums, or community engagement is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with science centers, museums, educational organizations, or cultural nonprofits.
- Familiarity with fundraising events and sponsorship development in the local communities.
- Knowledge of nonprofit financial reporting and donor stewardship best practices.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to attend occasional evening or weekend meetings and events.
- Ability to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds for events.
- Ability to travel locally for donor meetings and community outreach.
Compensation
- Part-time, approximately 20–25 hours per week.
- Flexible schedule with occasional evening or weekend responsibilities.
- Salary commensurate with experience.
- Professional development opportunities may be available.
Success Measures
- Within the first year, the Development Director will:
- Increase individual donor participation by $10K
- Expand grant funding opportunities and submissions. Find and submit at least 4 grants /year
- Develop new corporate sponsorship relationships leading to $90K in annual giving
- Develop and execute fund raising events with income of $35K or more
- Implement a structured donor stewardship program.
- Establish measurable fundraising goals and reporting systems.
- Strengthen board engagement in fundraising activities.
About Our Organization
The Discovery Center at Waters Edge is a nonprofit, hands-on science center dedicated to inspiring curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community engagement. We believe science is for everyone and strive to make STEM learning accessible, engaging, and fun for visitors of all ages.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.