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Director of Institutional Giving, International Spy Museum
Washington, DCInternational Spy Museum
Director of Institutional Giving
Washington, DC
About the International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is an independent nonprofit museum dedicated to educating and inspiring critical thinking about today’s complex world through exhibits, educational programs, special events, and public outreach. Our face-to-face and virtual programs reach thousands of students and adult learners of all ages with innovative opportunities to explore, learn, and think differently about the world around them. With our many partners, we provide workshops and field trips for underserved youth, open up access to the Museum for those with special needs, and bring the magic of SPY to all. Our exhibits tell remarkable true stories of resilience and ingenuity and illuminate history and technology in a unique way. In a world of endless information channels, we put the spotlight on how knowledge is created and shared, how facts and analysis can be manipulated, and why critical thinking and problem-solving skills are more important now than ever before.
Opportunity Summary
The Director of Institutional Giving is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, collaborative, and proven fundraising professional to attract and grow charitable support for the Spy Museum’s mission. The position is responsible for developing and executing strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of institutional donors and sponsors including corporations, foundations, and government. Essential to success in this role is a keen interest in the creative process of identifying and matching opportunities for support with potential and current institutional donors in an entrepreneurial, fast-growing fundraising environment. The ideal candidate will bring high emotional intelligence, exceptional communication skills, and superb relationship management experience. This position reports to the vice president of philanthropy and is part of a five-person fundraising team.
Responsibilities
Desired Qualifications
Success Traits
Health, dental and vision insurance; 401K match; FSA; paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave; free on-site parking/transportation allowance; hybrid work option.
Director of Institutional Giving
Washington, DC
About the International Spy Museum
The International Spy Museum is an independent nonprofit museum dedicated to educating and inspiring critical thinking about today’s complex world through exhibits, educational programs, special events, and public outreach. Our face-to-face and virtual programs reach thousands of students and adult learners of all ages with innovative opportunities to explore, learn, and think differently about the world around them. With our many partners, we provide workshops and field trips for underserved youth, open up access to the Museum for those with special needs, and bring the magic of SPY to all. Our exhibits tell remarkable true stories of resilience and ingenuity and illuminate history and technology in a unique way. In a world of endless information channels, we put the spotlight on how knowledge is created and shared, how facts and analysis can be manipulated, and why critical thinking and problem-solving skills are more important now than ever before.
Opportunity Summary
The Director of Institutional Giving is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, collaborative, and proven fundraising professional to attract and grow charitable support for the Spy Museum’s mission. The position is responsible for developing and executing strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of institutional donors and sponsors including corporations, foundations, and government. Essential to success in this role is a keen interest in the creative process of identifying and matching opportunities for support with potential and current institutional donors in an entrepreneurial, fast-growing fundraising environment. The ideal candidate will bring high emotional intelligence, exceptional communication skills, and superb relationship management experience. This position reports to the vice president of philanthropy and is part of a five-person fundraising team.
Responsibilities
- Lead development and execution of strategies to maintain and grow the institutional support pipeline for SPY programs, exhibitions, and collections from corporate and foundation sources, from cultivation through stewardship of current and new funders.
- Work collaboratively with department and Museum staff to identify specific fundraising needs, create impactful pitches and campaigns, and ensure excellent donor stewardship.
- Identify donor prospects for the Museum’s fundraising priorities and effectively move prospects through the donor cycle.
- Identify grants opportunities, lead preparation of proposals and budgets, and ensure timely and complete submission. Prepare required grants reports and ensure completion of all deliverables for existing grants.
- Continuously steward relationships with donors to foster partnerships and support, including ensuring fulfilment of donor and sponsor benefits.
- Work with SPY communications team to conceive and create compelling digital and printed stewardship materials and engagement campaigns.
- Collaborate with SPY leadership team in engaging with donors through tours, meetings and special events.
- Oversee major annual fundraising gala and smaller donor events, from strategy and solicitation to logistics.
- Some evening and weekend work expected for cultivation and networking events.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
- Seven (7) to ten (10) years of proven success in securing five- and six-figure institutional sponsorships and gifts from institutional funders, from pipeline to cultivation and stewardship.
- Experience at a cultural institution or similar nonprofit preferred
- Superb communication and interpersonal skills, able to connect effectively and strategically with a wide range of corporate, philanthropic, and high-net-worth donors as well as internal stakeholders and colleagues
- Proven success with the management of high-profile fundraising events, from conceptualization and logistics to sponsor solicitation and stewardship.
- Exceptional project management skills, including strong understanding of tactical fundraising systems and fundraising best practice
- Experience with managing budgets and budget forecasting
- Attention to detail, flexible self-starter
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Experience with Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or other prospect management system preferred.
- Commitment to and passion for the mission and work of the International Spy Museum.
Success Traits
- Creative connector – Able to successfully connect donors’ passions with the funding needs of the Spy Museum in a dynamic environment.
- Collaborative problem-solver – Seeks understanding and makes smart decisions through consistent effective communication, positive influence, and leading by example.
- Flexible innovator – Thrives on a dynamic environment. Is comfortable pivoting to meet opportunity while paying attention to strategic priorities. Curious and able to quickly absorb information and make it actionable.
- Hands-on – As a small team with big ambitions, we tackle both the details and the big creative projects with energy, knowing that both accelerate our learning and strengthen our results.
- Creative, persuasive, and sophisticated communicator – both written and verbal, both in groups and one on one.
Benefits
Health, dental and vision insurance; 401K match; FSA; paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave; free on-site parking/transportation allowance; hybrid work option.