Overview
About the Opportunity:
The Director of Development, Institutional Giving is a highly visible fundraising leadership role responsible for securing philanthropic support from corporations, foundations, and other institutional partners. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy and partnering closely with the Vice President of Development, this individual will cultivate and steward strategic funding relationships while helping advance the Aquarium’s next chapter of fundraising growth.
This role offers the opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team during a period of significant organizational momentum. The successful candidate will help expand the institutional donor pipeline, identify new funding opportunities, and connect funders to impactful work spanning marine science, conservation, animal care, education, and public engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage and grow a portfolio of 75-100 corporate, foundation, and institutional funders.
Develop and execute institutional fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and institutional investments.
Partner with scientists, program leaders, finance staff, and executive leadership to develop compelling funding opportunities.
Lead proposal development, grant writing, sponsorship opportunities, and stewardship reporting.
Identify and pursue new funding opportunities and emerging philanthropic trends.
Represent the Aquarium with funders, business leaders, and community stakeholders throughout the region.
Qualifications:
Seven or more years of fundraising experience, preferably in corporate and foundation relations.
Demonstrated success building and stewarding institutional donor relationships.
Experience securing and managing six- and seven-figure philanthropic investments preferred.
Strong proposal writing, communication, and presentation skills.
Experience developing fundraising strategies and managing donor pipelines.
Ability to build productive relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholders. Compensation & Location
Base salary is tailored to depth of expertise, with a salary range of $107,000 to $140,000. This role is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and operates within an in-office/hybrid work model, with regular on-site presence at the Aquarium and in-person donor meetings. The New England Aquarium offers a collaborative, mission-driven culture and a comprehensive benefits package.
