Job Description
Help shape the future of learning. Build the partnerships that make it possible.
KID Museum is at an exciting inflection point. Over the past decade, we have grown from a beloved local museum into a nationally recognized learning lab that develops, tests, and shares innovative approaches to helping young people thrive in a rapidly changing world. We work at the intersection of education, creativity, technology, workforce readiness, and youth development, engaging thousands of students, educators, families, and community partners every year.
As we enter our next chapter of growth, we're seeking a Managing Director, Development & External Affairs to help expand our impact, our visibility, and the network of champions who believe in this work.
This is more than a traditional fundraising leadership role. We're looking for an entrepreneurial relationship-builder, strategist, storyteller, and fundraiser who is energized by creating opportunities, opening doors, and turning vision into investment. You'll help shape how KID Museum shows up with philanthropists, institutional funders, corporate leaders, government supporters, and education innovators while building the philanthropic engine that fuels our mission.
What Makes This Opportunity Different
This is a rare opportunity to:
What You'll Do
Lead KID Museum's Next Phase of Fundraising Growth
You'll Develop And Execute a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy Spanning
Build and Advance High-Impact Relationships
Role
You'll personally manage a portfolio of major donors, funders, and strategic partners, cultivating relationships that lead to transformational investments and long-term engagement. This role requires someone who enjoys being in the room, making connections, creating momentum, and developing trusted relationships with:
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll serve as a key external ambassador for KID Museum, helping expand our visibility and influence among current and prospective donors, funders, and partners across the Washington region and nationally. You'll help position KID Museum not only as a destination for learning but as a leader in reimagining how young people develop the skills, mindsets, and experiences needed for the future — in ways that inspire deeper philanthropic investment and partnership.
Tell a Story People Want to Invest In
Working Closely With Colleagues Across Programs, Communications, And Leadership, You'll Translate KID Museum's Impact Into Compelling Cases For Support That Inspire Donors, Partners, And Advocates. You'll Help Communicate a Powerful And Consistent Message
KID Museum is a learning lab that develops, tests, and shares innovative approaches to future-ready learning.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a leader who brings a combination of fundraising expertise, strategic thinking, and relationship-building excellence.
Ideal Candidates Will Have
KID Museum is a leading experiential learning organization dedicated to empowering the next generation with the skills, creativity, and confidence needed to shape the future. Through hands-on programs, workshops, educator partnerships, community engagement, and innovation initiatives, we help young people become creators, problem-solvers, and changemakers.
Ready to help build the partnerships, resources, and momentum that will shape the future of learning? We'd love to hear from you.
KID Museum is at an exciting inflection point. Over the past decade, we have grown from a beloved local museum into a nationally recognized learning lab that develops, tests, and shares innovative approaches to helping young people thrive in a rapidly changing world. We work at the intersection of education, creativity, technology, workforce readiness, and youth development, engaging thousands of students, educators, families, and community partners every year.
As we enter our next chapter of growth, we're seeking a Managing Director, Development & External Affairs to help expand our impact, our visibility, and the network of champions who believe in this work.
This is more than a traditional fundraising leadership role. We're looking for an entrepreneurial relationship-builder, strategist, storyteller, and fundraiser who is energized by creating opportunities, opening doors, and turning vision into investment. You'll help shape how KID Museum shows up with philanthropists, institutional funders, corporate leaders, government supporters, and education innovators while building the philanthropic engine that fuels our mission.
What Makes This Opportunity Different
This is a rare opportunity to:
- Join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment of growth
- Partner directly with an entrepreneurial founder and executive leadership team
- Shape organizational strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Build and expand a sophisticated fundraising operation
- Play a visible role with Board members, community leaders, and national partners
- Help define how a growing organization engages philanthropists, funders, and thought leaders
- Contribute to work that is influencing the future of education and youth development
What You'll Do
Lead KID Museum's Next Phase of Fundraising Growth
You'll Develop And Execute a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy Spanning
- Major gifts
- Foundations
- Corporate partnerships
- Government funding
- Campaign giving
- Emerging philanthropic opportunities
Build and Advance High-Impact Relationships
Role
You'll personally manage a portfolio of major donors, funders, and strategic partners, cultivating relationships that lead to transformational investments and long-term engagement. This role requires someone who enjoys being in the room, making connections, creating momentum, and developing trusted relationships with:
- Philanthropic leaders
- Corporate executives
- Foundation partners
- Government supporters
- Education leaders
- Community stakeholders
- National funders
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll serve as a key external ambassador for KID Museum, helping expand our visibility and influence among current and prospective donors, funders, and partners across the Washington region and nationally. You'll help position KID Museum not only as a destination for learning but as a leader in reimagining how young people develop the skills, mindsets, and experiences needed for the future — in ways that inspire deeper philanthropic investment and partnership.
Tell a Story People Want to Invest In
Working Closely With Colleagues Across Programs, Communications, And Leadership, You'll Translate KID Museum's Impact Into Compelling Cases For Support That Inspire Donors, Partners, And Advocates. You'll Help Communicate a Powerful And Consistent Message
KID Museum is a learning lab that develops, tests, and shares innovative approaches to future-ready learning.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a leader who brings a combination of fundraising expertise, strategic thinking, and relationship-building excellence.
Ideal Candidates Will Have
- 10+ years of experience in fundraising, development, external affairs, partnerships, or related leadership roles
- A track record of securing significant philanthropic investments, partnerships, sponsorships, or major gifts
- Experience developing and executing fundraising strategy
- Success managing donor and prospect portfolios
- Strong communication, presentation, and storytelling skills
- Experience leading teams and collaborating across functions
- The ability to move comfortably between strategy and execution
- A collaborative, entrepreneurial, and highly relational leadership style
- Relationships across the Washington DC, Maryland, or broader DMV philanthropic community
- Connections to education, technology, workforce development, or social impact sectors
- Experience supporting capital campaigns or transformational growth initiatives
- Experience working closely with founders, CEOs, boards, or highly visible external leaders
KID Museum is a leading experiential learning organization dedicated to empowering the next generation with the skills, creativity, and confidence needed to shape the future. Through hands-on programs, workshops, educator partnerships, community engagement, and innovation initiatives, we help young people become creators, problem-solvers, and changemakers.
Ready to help build the partnerships, resources, and momentum that will shape the future of learning? We'd love to hear from you.
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