Development Associate, KidsPlay Children's Museum - Torrington, Connecticut

KidsPlay is optimistically preparing for a new normal and lots of growth. We have created the role of Development Associate to strengthen relationships with donors and potential donors.

Essential Function

With guidance and support from the Museum Director, the Development Associate helps strengthen the financial sustainability of the Museum using strategies that secure and increase giving from donors. The Development Associate is an important participant in the implementation of the Fundraising Plan and coordinates the administrative aspects of these efforts.

Essential Duties

• Participate in the implementation of the Fundraising Plan that includes an annual appeal, a major gifts program, events, planned giving, endowment building and a capital campaign.
• In partnership with the Management Team and Marketing, develop and implement donor communications that articulate the Museum’s work including the case for support, annual report, campaign documents and stories of impact.
• Track and report progress on fundraising initiatives monthly.
• Involve Board members and volunteers in development activities as needed.
• Provide support for donor cultivation and stewardship initiatives.
• Conduct prospect research (individuals, foundations and corporations).
• Process gift entry and prepare timely donor acknowledgements.
• Manage the donor database and fundraising records to assist with stewardship plans.
• Assist with grant research, proposals and reporting.
• Further develop the fundraising infrastructure with the Museum Director and Board.
• Demonstrate support of the museum’s mission, management and Board of Directors.
• Perform any other required duties as requested by the Museum Director.
• Keep confidential the business functions of the Museum including, but not limited to, customer information, employee issues, etc.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Successful results on a criminal and sexual abuse background screening
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to gracefully work with varied personalities and constituencies to accomplish goals.
• Proven ability to exercise good judgment, customer service and discretion in working with sensitive, confidential donor information and with other team members.
• Effective communication on digital platforms, phone, in writing and in person.
• Well developed technology skills. Able to learn and use:
  • GSuite (Gmail, Docs, Drive, Sheets, Calendar, Photos), Altru ,Canva, Zoom, Mailchimp
• A friendly, welcoming manner.
• Flexible and adaptable to the changes that will occur in the position.
• Organized, honest, and works well with others.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Museum, nonprofit or school experience.
• Fundraising experience, particularly major gift fundraising.
• Public relations experience.
• Project management experience.
• Database administration experience.
• Spanish fluency.

Physical Demands

• Considerable standing, walking, stooping, and stair climbing.
• Ability to assist caregivers during building evacuation.
• Some lifting of more than 20 lbs., bending, and stretching overhead is required.
• Potential exposure to paints, glues and solvents.
• Outdoor activities may expose this position to extremes in temperature and inclement weather.

Schedule expectation

Full-time position of forty (40) hours per week, Tuesday through Saturday. This position may be required to start early or end late and/or and may include weekend activities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $45,000 to $55,000
• 10 Days Time Off Benefit.
• 6 Days Health Management Leave.
• 5 Paid Holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah plus 3 floating holidays.

Application Process

Please submit an application via http://kidsplaymuseum.org/about/employment.php.

Please be prepared to submit:

• Cover Letter with an expression of interest
• Resume
• Three letters of professional reference with contact information

Phone inquiries, mail or in person submissions will not be accepted.

KidsPlay Children’s Museum requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or submit to COVID-19 testing once per week. All employees, volunteers and guests (2+) are required to wear a mask at all times within the Museum’s galleries regardless of vaccination status.

KidsPlay Children’s Museum, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace.