Vice President of Marketing and Development

About Discovery Center at Murfree Spring Where Curiosity Meets Community.

The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is more than just a museum; it is a vibrant center for exploration, education, and community engagement. Located in the heart of Murfreesboro, TN, our 20,000-square-foot facility and surrounding 20-acre natural wetlands serve as a living laboratory where children and families engage with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) through hands‑on play.

For over 35 years, we have been a cornerstone of the Middle Tennessee region, welcoming over 120,000 visitors annually. Our mission is to engage curious minds to fuel the future. We believe that by providing accessible, high-quality educational experiences, we empower the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem solvers.

The Vice President of Marketing and Development is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the museum’s mission and financial sustainability through integrated fundraising, sponsorship, and marketing strategies. This position leads efforts to significantly increase contributed revenue including corporate sponsor ships, major gifts, foundations, individual giving, and capital campaigns. The Vice President will oversee a strategic marketing and communications plan that increases attendance, revenue, and philanthropic engagement.

This position works closely with the President and CEO and the Board of Trustees in all development, fundraising, and marketing endeavors.

Salary Range: $80,

• Lead and execute a comprehensive development strategy to grow sponsor ships, major gifts, grants, and individual philanthropy.
• Secure significant corporate sponsor ships and partnerships aligned with STEAM education, workforce development, and community impact.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and high‑capacity prospects.
• Partner closely with the President and CEO and Board to leverage relationships and advance fundraising goals.
• Oversee grant strategy, including foundation and government funding opportunities.
• Establish and track measurable fundraising goals, pipelines, and ROI.
• Direct capital campaigns and other major fundraising initiatives.
• Make public appearances. Accept speaking engagements to share information about the Discovery Center with the community.
• Leverage Altru database system.
• Working with the President and CEO and CFO, prepare annual budgets for all marketing and development areas.
• Supervise other development staff and collaborate with grant staff.
• Oversee creation of publications to support fundraising activities.
• Maintain gift recognition programs.

• Co‑develop and oversee a strategic marketing and communications plan that increases attendance, revenue, and philanthropic engagement.
• Ensure consistent, compelling storytelling that clearly communicates mission impact, STEAM outcomes, and community value.
• Position the museum as a leader in early STEM/STEAM education and workforce pipeline development.
• Oversee brand management, public relations, digital marketing, and media relationships.
• Work with the CEO on organizational crisis communication plans and serve as the secondary spokesperson.
• Serve as a core member of the senior leadership team, contributing to institutional strategy, planning, and growth.
• Lead, mentor, and manage marketing and development staff, fostering a results‑driven culture.
• Use data and analytics to guide decision‑making and continuously improve performance.

• Support board development and engagement related to fundraising and advocacy.
• Prepare reports and presentations for standing committees and board meetings.
• Represent the museum at community events, with funders, corporate leaders, and public officials.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in development, marketing, or advancement, preferably in a museum, nonprofit, education, or STEAM‑related organization.
• Proven success securing major gifts, corporate sponsor ships, and high‑level partnerships.
• Strong understanding of how…