Relationships:

Reports Directly to: Executive Director
Close Relationships with: PR/Marketing Specialist, Education Coordinator and Curator of Exhibits

Job Description:

The Development Director is responsible for managing development efforts associated with establishing The Pier Aquarium’s donor base through traditional and non-traditional marketing efforts aimed at individuals, corporation and foundations.  First-hand knowledge of local and regional businesses, corporate and political leadership, philanthropists, and the non-profit world of research, education and culture is a distinct advantage.

Primary Responsibilities:

• The Director of Development must be committed to the mission of The Pier Aquarium.
• Develops and implements fundraising and sponsorship strategies in order to raise funds from individuals and corporations, with a concentration on major gifts and sponsorships.
• Responsible for identifying, cultivating and soliciting gifts from private and corporate foundations and from grant-giving public/private organizations and agencies to meet the unearned income, capital, endowment, and programmatic goals of the organization.
• Writes grant applications as appropriate for foundations and corporations.
• Maintains regular and timely contact with the Executive Director to identify opportunities to cultivate new prospects.
• Follows through with leads from the Executive Director.
• Develops solicitation materials, cultivation strategies and donor communications.
• Oversees appropriate acknowledgement and recognition of sponsors and donors.
• Oversees daily membership maintenance functions including database management, tracking, processing and customer service.
• Maintains accurate database of individuals, corporations, foundations and granting agencies.
• Actively participates in the planning, preparation, execution and staffing of all Pier Aquarium events.
• Represents the organization at community events.
• Provides materials, reports, updates and information to Executive Director as needed.

Skills/Attributes:

Strong interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and leadership skills.
Good presentation and public speaking skills and pleasant manner working with people.
Ability to develop work plans and annual budgets and identify, secure and manage resources from traditional and non-traditional sources.
Excellent writing skills.
Knowledge of database management, word processing, spreadsheets, Internet navigation and e-mail systems.
Proficient in Microsoft Office.
Excellent persuasive communications and public relations skills.

Experience Required:

College degree and 3 years relevant experience in fundraising.
Experience in working with the public.
Development and grant writing experience preferred.

Annual Salary:

$35,000 - $45,000

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume or CV and references to: E. Howard Rutherford, Executive Director The Pier Aquarium, 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 - or attach this information to an email to this address:

Timeline:

February 23, 2007- Deadline to submit a letter of interest, resume or CV and references.