Senior Director of Development

POSTION TITLE:   Senior Director of Development

WHO WE ARE: 

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a federation of 10 Member Societies which together have nearly 120,000 members across the globe. Founded in 1931, AIP is a federation that advances the success of our Member Societies and an institute that engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences. Our overarching strategy is to advance the physical sciences with a unifying voice of strength from diversity.  We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team! 

SUMMARY: 

AIP is looking for a Senior Director of Development to join our Development and Grants Team, also known as AIP Foundation.

Reporting to the Executive Director of AIP Foundation, the Senior Director of Development will play a pivotal role in accelerating fundraising and setting the groundwork for long-term sustainability in the next chapter of the Foundation’s history. This individual will collaborate with the Executive Director (ED) by being a strategic thought partner, helping to manage  fundraising efforts of the organization, and operationalizing the strategy, ensuring that strategic priorities are executed at a level of excellence.

This individual will also partner with the Marketing and Communications team, Finance team, and program teams to develop collateral, budgets, proposals, and reports in support of grants and fundraising activities. This individual must be highly collaborative and work closely with AIP program teams, such as student programs, history programs and our capital campaign, TEAM-UP Together, to drive fundraising activity for those programs and develop and cultivate relationships with donors and prospects.

Managing an active portfolio of individuals, foundations and corporations, the Senior Director will engage and expand AIP’s donor base by cultivating meaningful relationships and identifying new prospects. The Senior Director will have a critical role in revenue generation, enhance AIP processes and procedures, and foster long-term donor partnerships, all while promoting a culture of excellence and serving as a resource for the passionate development team to achieve ambitious multi-year goals.

Join our team of energized, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a positive impact on the world by advancing the physical sciences!

WHAT YOU’LL DO: 

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to raise major gifts for AIP in support of AIP programs and initiatives.
• Manage a portfolio of key relationships with 80+ prospects and donors with emphasis on gifts of $25,000 and above. Develop cultivation and solicitation strategies for current-use, multi-year, endowment, planned gifts, and sponsorships.
• Collaborate with Executive Director and colleagues to achieve and grow annual fundraising and campaign goals.
• Collaborate with program teams and leadership to develop fundraising strategy and compelling funding opportunities for individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Work with the ED and Planned Giving Officer to seek bequests, trusts and other forms of estate gifts on behalf of AIP. Be a thought partner to the Executive Director in setting strategic priorities, building financial sustainability for AIP, and serving as a resource for the team.
• Plan and go on fundraising trips with leadership, program directors and volunteer leaders (board members, committee members).
• Work in concert with the Director of Prospect Research to support prospect identification and qualification.
• Use technology tools such as Blackbaud CRM to track donor engagement, pipeline, and reporting.
• Assists the ED in the annual plan and budgeting process for the AIP, as appropriate.
• Knowledge of ethical AI tools and practices in fundraising a plus.
• Support AIP’s strategic events and projects, as appropriate.
• In collaboration with the AIP team, help build a culture of philanthropy at AIP.
• Serve as a role model, holding team members accountable for achieving goals, adhering to policies and procedures, and tracking team metrics and milestones.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING: 

•  Bachelor's Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred.
• 10+ years’ experience in directly cultivating and soliciting major gifts with demonstrated success in closing major gifts. 
• 10+ years’ experience in planning, leading, and managing development projects, including coordinating with program staff and volunteers to achieve outcomes.
• Experience with corporate or industry partnerships and/or sponsorship. 
• Experience with working with foundations and grant-writing.
• Superb written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and follow-up skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
• Experience handling and cultivating relationships with program officers.
• Experience working with board members and volunteer leadership in identifying and cultivating major gift prospects. 
• Hands-on experience with donor management software and tools.
• Ability to be creative with attention to detail and proven ability to work with an entrepreneurial spirit.
• High self-motivation, commitment to teamwork and individual achievement, with a collaborative, flexible, organized, forward-thinking mindset and high level of professional integrity.
• Commitment to continuous learning and development; keeping pace with the philanthropic environment and best practices.
• Willingness and ability to travel and participate in special events outside of regular work hours.

TO APPLY: 

Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description.  At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences. 
 

COMPENSATION:   $139,600.00 - $153,560.00

WORKING AT AIP: 

AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC. 

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more. 

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work. 

 
ABOUT AIP: 

Join Us and Make a Difference!

At the American Institute of Physics (AIP), we're dedicated to advancing, promoting, and serving the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, AIP is a federation that advances the success of our Member Societies and an institute that engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences.

Our mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. We are passionate about our work and committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment where creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm thrive.

Join our team and become part of an energized, forward-thinking community. Together, we'll explore the frontiers of science, support groundbreaking research, and contribute to the betterment of humanity.

 Be a part of AIP—where science meets passion and purpose.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.