Director of Philanthropy
$90,000–$90,000 year
Hybrid · Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
Director of Philanthropy at AURA leads the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy to expand AURA’s philanthropic funding, partnering with foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individual donors to support Centers, programs, and initiatives. The role involves defining funding strategies with senior leadership, building donor-centric fundraising and multi-year campaigns, coordinating with internal staff across Centers, budgeting philanthropy functions, and managing the philanthropy team and CRM. Candidates should have a strong track record in raising funds across foundations, corporate funders, and high-net-worth individuals, excellent writing and communication skills for scientists and executives, ability to lead a small team, and experience in donor research, grant proposals, and engaging volunteers. Preferred qualifications include experience with science/philanthropy funding, familiarity with federal funding mechanisms (NSF/NASA), US federal grant experience, and an advanced degree; CFRE certification is a plus. The role supports relocation benefits, Hybrid work arrangements, and offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience (projected at $90K) along with comprehensive benefits. Location is Baltimore, MD, with hybrid remote options. This role is a high-impact leadership position within a mission-driven scientific nonprofit.
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 STEM organizations; familiarity with federal funding structures (NSF,NASA); experience with US federal grants; comfortable with scientists/engineers; Advanced degree preferred; CFRE certification a plus
- Applications deadline note:
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