Job Abstract

JOB SUMMARY:

The Donor Society Manager (DSM) cultivates, solicits and stewards new and existing annual and mid-level giving donors. Working in collaboration with members of the Individual Giving Team and Research Manager, the DSM helps identify and acquire new giving society ($500+/annually) donors from a variety of sources. This includes recent membership upgrades, where members have moved into donor society levels. The goal of this position is to identify donors that have the capacity to move to higher giving levels and support their inclination to give sustainably or increase their annual donor society gift. The DSM will build relationships through engagement and experiences that create value for the donor and strengthen their relationship with, and connection to the National Aquarium.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Donor Strategy, Relationship Management and Solicitation

• Manage an active portfolio of 125 annual and mid-level giving prospects ($500 - $10,000).

• Create and implement cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship actions for each individual.

• Direct activities that support donor-centric actions and experiences, including:

o Engaging with prospective donors on a personal level, ensuring they have ample opportunity to truly engage with the Aquarium in an innovative and meaningful way.

o Conducting outreach to include verbal, written and personal communications to support establishing and sustaining relationships with donors.

• Demonstrate consistent giving-related activity based on outreach, solicitations and gifts received. An annual financial goal may be part of your performance evaluation.

• Work with the Individual Giving Team to identify current members and donors who have the capacity to increase their annual gift; design and implement strategic funding requests for both short and long-term funding needs of the Aquarium.

• Identify new prospects from a variety of sources including donor lists, prospect screening information, and conversations with existing donors and volunteers.

• Work with Individual Giving Team members to identify and educate current annual donors about Planned Giving opportunities and solicit their participation.

• Flexibility in schedule to accommodate donor requests and needs at various times and dates. This is not a full-time remote position; the expectation is to be in-office two days per week. In addition, evening and weekend hours may be required.

Donor Communication, Cultivation and Stewardship

• Generate and conduct effective and engaging in-person tours to Aquarium donors in support of Aquarium projects and programs.

• Develop appropriate collateral - including letters, proposals, meeting prep, expressions of gratitude and tour narrative.

• Manage and update contact information, and actions in Salesforce using identified protocol.

• Ensure consistent and timely communication throughout the Philanthropy Team, among Aquarium staff as appropriate, and with volunteers regarding prospect and donor contact and activity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A creative, professional and results-oriented demeanor.

• Enjoys working in a team-oriented environment.

• A minimum of 4 years in fundraising, and/or a previous successful sales background.

• Must have a sincere interest in stewarding donor relationships, and a desire to work in a donor-centered philanthropic culture.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to effectively convey relevant information through various communication channels – including voice calls, text messages, emails, and written correspondence.

• Ability to track donor activity in Salesforce.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365.

• Bachelor’s degree is required.

• Must be prepared to work a flexible schedule including occasional evenings and weekends.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization that’s changing the way humanity cares for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and strive to meet or exceed AZA standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare. A dedicated team of full- and part-time employees and volunteers drives the Aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures. More than a million guests visit the Aquarium each year, and millions more participate in its conservation, education and engagement initiatives.

Our Culture

The National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a visitor attraction and has evolved into a conservation organization that operates a world-class aquarium. Our core values—integrity, innovation, service, excellence, and engagement—form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behavior and actions to achieve our mission. Through unparalleled exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives, the Aquarium is at the forefront of efforts to connect people with the natural world and raise awareness of the challenges facing our ocean.

Our Mission and Goals

By connecting people with nature, the Aquarium drives conservation action for the benefit of people, animals and the planet. The Aquarium’s mission—to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org.