Vice President, Development

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Lead and execute the Academy’s comprehensive philanthropic strategy to achieve annual and multi-year revenue goals and advance strategic priorities. Partner with the President & CEO, EVP & COO, Board of Governors, and senior leadership to drive donor engagement, fundraising initiatives, and external partnerships. Partner with Academy leaders across scientific programs, education, conferences, awards, fellowships, membership and public engagement to expand and strengthen corporate, foundation, and institutional partnerships, securing multi-year funding and sponsorship opportunities aligned with mission priorities.

Serve as the President & CEO’s fundraising partner by identifying, preparing for, and participating in high-level donor cultivation and solicitation opportunities. Ensure effective engagement by stewarding high-capacity donors and strategic partners, while maintaining a robust pipeline of major, principal, and planned gifts. Manage and expand a portfolio of key donors, with particular attention to securing ongoing unrestricted support. Identify and pursue new philanthropic opportunities that support program growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

Oversee and lead the Development function, including team performance, operations, and fundraising infrastructure, ensuring accountability, efficiency, and results. Establish and monitor performance metrics, benchmarks, and reporting systems to track progress against fundraising goals and support strategic decision-making. Represent the Academy externally and position it as a leading partner for philanthropic investment in scientific research, education, and innovation.

Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors capable of making transformative philanthropic investments. Build and execute comprehensive donor engagement strategies that deepen relationships over time and actively manage a pipeline of major, principal and planned gifts. Lead select high-level corporate partnerships, sponsor ships and strategic fundraising opportunities. Serve as a key external ambassador for the Academy with donors and corporate partners.

Implement and operationalize the Academy’s development strategy in alignment with strategic priorities and financial goals. Maintain robust fundraising performance reporting and analytics for Senior Management and the Board to support strategic decision-making and revenue forecasting. Ensure strong fundraising infrastructure, including donor databases, prospect research, stewardship and compliance with all fundraising regulations, ethical standards, and reporting requirements. Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Academy’s mission.

The VP sets clear goals and expectations, supports professional development, and fosters a collaborative, high-performing team culture aligned with the Academy’s advancement priorities for the Development department. The department consists of a Development Coordinator and a Senior Director, Institutional Giving. The VP provides leadership, coaching, and performance management as appropriate to align efforts; ensure accurate tracking, reporting and analytics across all revenue streams;

and ensure strong execution.

15+ years of progressively senior advancement or fundraising leadership experience. Demonstrated success securing major and principal gifts and forging corporate partnerships, including six- and seven-figure commitments. Experience leading comprehensive advancement programs at complex nonprofit,…