Development Officer - Annual Giving

Position Summary

The Development Officer, Annual Giving is responsible for managing all aspects of the Cox Science Center & Aquarium’s Annual Fund, with a focus on securing philanthropic support for annual operations and expanding the Center’s base of individual and corporate donors.

As a key member of the Development team, this position develops and executes donor outreach, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and renewal strategies designed to increase annual giving, strengthen donor relationships, and build a robust pipeline of supporters.

The Development Officer also leads the launch, management, and growth of a leadership annual giving society. Working closely with the Director of Development, volunteers, Trustees, and staff, this position recruits and retains Society members and delivers meaningful engagement opportunities that deepen their connection to the Center’s mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Annual Fund Strategy and Fundraising

• Identify and cultivate prospective individual and corporate donors, maintaining a pipeline that supports donor acquisition, renewal, retention, and increased annual giving to create a significant and sustainable source of contributed revenue.
• Solicit individuals and corporations for Annual Fund support through personal outreach, face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and tailored communications, coordinating donor outreach with Development colleagues.
• Engage and steward existing donors to deepen their connection to the Cox Science Center & Aquarium, strengthen retention, and identify opportunities for increased giving.
• Represent and promote the Center’s mission and fundraising priorities in the community, including attending appropriate events and conducting timely donor follow-up.
• Develop and implement an annual giving calendar, including targeted appeals and outreach campaigns, in coordination with Development and Marketing staff.
• Partner with the Director of Development to establish annual revenue, donor acquisition, and retention goals and develop and manage the Annual Fund budget.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects, maintaining individualized relationship plans and coordinating with the Director of Development on opportunities for increased annual, capital, or endowment support.

Annual Fund Society

• Lead the launch and ongoing management of a new annual fund leadership society, developing strategies to grow membership and annual philanthropic support.
• Recruit, renew, and upgrade Society members through personalized cultivation and solicitation.
• Maintain a year-round calendar of individual outreach, stewardship, renewal reminders, and engagement opportunities.
• Develop and deliver member benefits and recognition in collaboration with the Director of Development and relevant departments.
• Create mission-focused experiences with Education, Aquarium, and Exhibitions staff, such as behind-the-scenes visits, program previews, and conversations with CSCA leadership.
• Plan and oversee Society cultivation and recognition gatherings, coordinating event logistics with Events staff and leading member outreach and follow-up.

Volunteer and Committee Engagement

• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Annual Fund Committee, coordinating volunteer recruitment, meetings, and progress tracking.
• Equip committee members with prospect assignments, solicitation materials, coaching, and timely follow-up to support their fundraising efforts.
• Engage Trustees and other volunteers in making introductions, cultivating prospective donors, and securing philanthropic support.

Reporting and Collaboration

• Monitor Annual Fund performance, including revenue, donor acquisition, retention, upgrades, and engagement, and recommend adjustments to fundraising strategies.
• Coordinate with the Development Coordinator on gift processing, acknowledgments, donor lists, and pledge payment follow-up.
• Prepare regular progress reports and revenue projections for the Director of Development.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records, documenting cultivation, solicitation, stewardship activity, and next steps.
• Coordinate donor assignments, solicitation timing, and stewardship with the Director of Development and the Development Officer, Special Events and Donor Engagement, to ensure a cohesive donor experience and alignment with CSCA’s fundraising priorities.
• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and goals of the Development Department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, annual giving, development, or campaign management.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships and solicit philanthropic support from individuals and/or corporations.
• Experience using donor databases to manage relationships, segment outreach, and track fundraising performance.
• Experience supporting fundraising volunteers or committees.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate the Center’s mission and fundraising priorities effectively.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with donors, volunteers, Trustees, colleagues, and community leaders.
• Understanding of fundraising best practices and applicable ethical standards.
• Strong understanding of the nonprofit sector and the role of contributed revenue in supporting organizational operations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to the mission and vision of the Cox Science Center & Aquarium.

Certifications, Licenses, and Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising, annual giving, development, or a related field.
• Experience cultivating donor relationships, soliciting philanthropic support, and managing fundraising initiatives.
• Demonstrated interest in public education and advancing the Center’s mission and vision.

Work Environment and Expectations

• Availability for occasional evening and weekend donor events and activities.
• Ability to attend community events, donor meetings, cultivation gatherings, and other fundraising engagements as needed.
• Work involves a combination of office-based responsibilities, donor meetings, event participation, and community engagement.
• Frequent interaction with donors, prospective supporters, volunteers, Trustees, colleagues, and community leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet fundraising deadlines, and adapt to changing departmental priorities.
• Must be able to lift at least 50lbs.