Aquarium Development Officer

Job Posting End Date:
Department: VIRGINIA AQUARIUM Compensation Grade: A17 Compensation Range & Starting Salary:
Pay Range: $83,033.60-$ Starting Salary:
May be negotiable depending on qualifications. Job Exempt (If No, Position is eligible for overtime):
Yes Scheduled Weekly

Hours:

40

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Aquarium Development Officer Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The mission of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. With over 633,000 guests in fiscal year 2025, the Virginia Aquarium is the third most visited cultural attraction in the Commonwealth of Virginia and aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism and sustainability - leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems.

Coordinate and lead all development functions for the Virginia Aquarium, including fundraising, membership programs, grant development, and sponsor ships; and act as liaison to the Aquarium Foundation, supporting committees and fundraising initiatives that advance the organization’s mission and financial sustainability. As a City Manager appointee, this position serves at the pleasure of the City Manager and is not considered part of the merit service as defined in City Code, section 2-75.

The Aquarium Development Officer provides executive leadership for all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Aquarium Development Officer develops and executes strategies to expand and diversify revenue across all giving portfolios, including major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, endowments, annual fund, and capital campaigns.

This role directs the overall development function and staff, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities while fostering a culture of philanthropy to support long-term institutional growth. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in leading a high-performing development program, cultivating transformational gifts, and advancing mission-driven organizations through strategic fundraising initiatives.

• Direct the fundraising activities of the Virginia Aquarium, including major gifts, corporate and foundation grants, annual and capital campaigns, planned giving and special events
• Guide and support Board fundraising activities
• Supervise development staff
• Provide development training to staff to build a culture of philanthropy across the organization
• Coordinate and support Executive Director's fundraising efforts, including prospect outreach efforts, meeting preparation and follow-up, strategy development, pipeline management and gift proposals

• A proven record of success in fundraising, donor engagement, and securing major contributions for a nonprofit organization
• Extensive experience in donor relations, retention, stewardship, and cultivation across diverse giving levels
• Skills in developing and managing large-scale capital campaigns
• Experience overseeing endowment funds with multiple designations
• Experience in designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies
• Knowledge of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs and gifts of appreciated securities, including a solid understanding of relevant financial…