Managing Director, Development & External Affairs

Help shape the future of learning. Build the partnerships that make it possible.

KID Museum is at an exciting inflection point. Over the past decade, we have grown from a beloved local museum into a nationally recognized learning lab that develops, tests, and shares innovative approaches to helping young people thrive in a rapidly changing world. We work at the intersection of education, creativity, technology, workforce readiness, and youth development, engaging thousands of students, educators, families, and community partners every year.

As we enter our next chapter of growth, we're seeking a Managing Director, Development & External Affairs to help expand our impact, our visibility, and the network of champions who believe in this work.

This is more than a traditional fundraising leadership role. We're looking for an entrepreneurial relationship-builder, strategist, storyteller, and fundraiser who is energized by creating opportunities, opening doors, and turning vision into investment. You'll help shape how KID Museum shows up with philanthropists, institutional funders, corporate leaders, government supporters, and education innovators while building the philanthropic engine that fuels our mission.

This is a rare opportunity to:

• Join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment of growth
• Partner directly with an entrepreneurial founder and executive leadership team
• Shape organizational strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
• Build and expand a sophisticated fundraising operation
• Play a visible role with Board members, community leaders, and national partners
• Help define how a growing organization engages philanthropists, funders, and thought leaders
• Contribute to work that is influencing the future of education and youth development

If you are motivated by purpose, excited by growth, and ready to help build something that matters, we'd love to meet you.

You'll develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy spanning:

• Major gifts
• Foundations
• Corporate partnerships
• Government funding
• Campaign giving
• Emerging philanthropic opportunities

Working closely with the Founder & Executive Director, Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer, Board members, and senior leadership team, you'll help create the strategies, systems, and relationships necessary to sustain and accelerate organizational growth.

You'll personally manage a portfolio of major donors, funders, and strategic partners, cultivating relationships that lead to transformational investments and long‑term engagement. This role requires someone who enjoys being in the room, making connections, creating momentum, and developing trusted relationships with:

• Philanthropic leaders
• Corporate executives
• Foundation partners
• Government supporters
• Education leaders
• Community stakeholders
• National funders

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll serve as a key external ambassador for KID Museum, helping expand our visibility and influence among current and prospective donors, funders, and partners across the Washington region and nationally. You'll help position KID Museum not only as a destination for learning but as a leader in reimagining how young people develop the skills, mindsets, and experiences needed for the future — in ways that inspire deeper philanthropic investment and partnership.

Working closely with colleagues across programs, communications, and leadership, you'll translate KID Museum's impact into compelling cases for support that inspire donors, partners, and advocates. You'll help communicate…