Director of Philanthropy
$90,000–$90,000 year
Hybrid · Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
Director of Philanthropy to lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy for AURA, building partnerships with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individual donors to support AURA’s Centers, programs, and initiatives. Responsible for donor-centric fundraising, developing proposals, and securing external funding; collaborate with senior staff to define funding strategies, manage annual philanthropy budgets and ROI, supervise the philanthropy team and CRM usage, engage with the Board of Directors and Audit Committee, and plan a future small philanthropy team. Requires strong written and spoken communication, proven ability to raise funds from foundations, corporations, government partners, and high net worth individuals, and experience managing budgets and operations. Preferred qualifications include advanced degree in a relevant field, CFRE, and familiarity with science/STEM philanthropy and federal funding structures.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience with focus on philanthropy, fundraising, and/or donor relations; 10+ years preferred
- Quantifiable, positive track record of raising funds through foundations, philanthropic organizations, corporate industry organizations, and high net worth individuals (including single family offices)
- Professional writing and speaking skills, including the ability to communicate easily and effectively with scientists and senior executives, funding partners, and staff team members
- Quantifiable, positive record of personal and organizational achievement in generating revenue with bottom line impact. Experience of managing project-level budgets and operations
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Professional computer skills, including word processing and CRM management; familiarity with Virtuous is a plus
- Proven capabilities to motivate, supervise, and develop a small team to achieve consistent, quality results
- Professional interpersonal skills, especially the ability to lead and engage volunteers and staff
- Collaborative in nature, with listening and facilitation skills. Seeks opportunities to build effective teams, produce positive outcomes and to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of multiple stakeholders
- Ability to perform responsibilities with composure under tight deadlines, without sacrificing accuracy or quality of work produced
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Understand and embrace personal accountability while still working collaboratively in a matrixed organization
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Preferred knowledge of fundraising for scientific organizations
- Experience with science/ STEM fundraising; familiarity with federal funding structures (NSF, NASA); experience with US federal government grants desired
- Comfortable working with scientists, engineers, and technical staff
- Advanced degree in a relevant field is a plus
- CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification is a plus
- Applications deadline: June 26, 2026 (full consideration)
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