Director of Development

Job Overview

The Development Director is responsible for managing and executing key fundraising initiatives to support the mission and financial sustainability of the Lincoln Children’s Museum. This position supports the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and works collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and the Board to ensure success across annual giving, donor cultivation and stewardship, grant writing, and event coordination. The Development Director is critical in strengthening existing relationships and forging new connections with individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.

Annual Giving & Donor Relations

• Assist in the development and execution of annual fundraising strategies, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and special campaigns.
• Maintain donor stewardship programs, including gift acknowledgments, impact reports, and ongoing donor engagement.
• Support designing and implementing donor acquisition, renewal, and upgrade strategies.
• Maintain accurate donor records and reports in the CRM system.

Grant & Sponsorships

• Research and prepare grant applications with the CDO and program staff.
• Track and report grant outcomes and deadlines.
• Cultivate and steward foundation and corporate funders through timely communication, recognition, and engagement.

Fundraising Events

• Lead the planning and execution of select fundraising events in partnership with the CDO, staff, and volunteers
• Manage event logistics, sponsorship recruitment, guest communications, and follow-up.
• Evaluate event performance and recommend improvements for future efforts.

Communications & Reporting

• Support the development of campaign materials, newsletters, donor communications, and the Annual Report.
• Assist in preparing internal and external reports summarizing progress on fundraising goals and donor engagement metrics.
• Ensure consistent messaging aligned with the Museum’s mission and brand across all development activities.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Museum’s marketing and programming teams to align fundraising and communications.
• Actively participate in weekly development and leadership team meetings.
• Maintain knowledge of fundraising trends and best practices, especially those relevant to museums and education-focused nonprofits.
• Represent the Museum at community and donor engagement events as needed.
• Provide support to the Chief Development Officer, Board committees, and volunteers involved in fundraising efforts.

Qualifications

• Passion for the mission, vision, and values of the Lincoln Children’s Museum
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Minimum of 5 years of comprehensive development experience in similar roles of increasing responsibility and leadership in the nonprofit sector
• Demonstrated success in securing multiple major gifts ($100,000+) from individuals, foundations, and corporations, sustained over time
• Experience with capital campaigns, endowments, and endowment strategies
• Administrative and management experience related to the development function
• Ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in the public eye
• Knowledge of and experience working with the Lincoln area philanthropic community, with an exceptional ability to also seek national partnerships, funds, and investments
• Team-oriented
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite of computer programs, specifically Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, as well as fundraising software, particularly Bloomerang.

Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

Sedentary work is occasionally lifting and/or carrying up to but not exceeding 20 pounds. Primarily indoor work – may be exposed to some outdoor elements and/or hazards

Time Commitment

This role requires on-site presence during regular business hours, at least four days per week, and occasional evenings and weekends, as needed. Flexibility for one remote workday may be considered.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $65,000 - $85,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Lincoln Children’s Museum offers full-time employee benefits, including:

• Paid Holidays – eight annually
• Paid Vacation accrual
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Health insurance - paid 100% for the employee
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match up to 5%
• Term Life Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability