Description

Love nature?Then you’re going to love The Nat. 

TheSan Diego Natural History Museumis seeking a Director of Philanthropy to join our team. This position will play a key role in drivingThe Nat’sfundraising success. You willbe responsibleformanaging a portfolio ofindividualdonorsand prospects, cultivatingmeaningful relationships, and securing philanthropic supportthrough the Leadership Circles program.In addition, the roleoverseestheannual fund, membership,andevents,ensuring a strong and sustainable base of support.Theposition reports to theSenior Director of Philanthropyand is anintegral member of thephilanthropyteam. 

Your Day-to-Day Work 

Individual Fundraisingand Leadership Circles Program (50%)

• Managesa portfolio (85-100) ofLeadership Circlesdonors and prospectswithannualgiving capacity of $1,500- $10,000.
• Manages the Leadership Circles individual giving program to include developing materials for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Through research and best practices,identify,cultivateandsolicitindividuals for general operating supportandprogram supportto achieve 2-3% annual program revenue growth.
• Plans and implementscustomizedcultivationactivitiesand stewardshipeventsfor portfolio, includingreporting,meetings,tours,and otherappropriate activities.
• WritesLOIs, proposals,cover letters, preparesbudgets,andcompiles requested informationto create complete solicitation packagesfor Leadership Circlesand otherindividual donors.
• Writes and managesquarterlydonor stewardship email.
• Tracks organizational funding priorities and keeps current on Museum strategic priorities and departmental programs.
• Strategizes with thephilanthropyteamtodeterminefundraisingand stewardshipstrategiesforprospectiveand currentdonorsthat arepersonal, thoughtful, and creative ways.
• Createsand managesdonor recognition opportunities.
• Sendstimelycontact reports and gift alerts toMuseumteam.
• Performsother duties andparticipatesin special projects as needed.
  

Membership, Annual Fund, and Events Programs and Staff (50%) 

All Programs

• Providesleadership andoversight forrevenue and expense budgets for these programs.
• Analyzes progress towards goals;identifiesopportunities for growth and adjusts strategies to ensure fundraising success.
• Utilizes donor databasetodesignsegmentation strategiesto strengthen donor retention and increase fundraising potential.
• Overseesmulti-channel communicationand solicitationstrategies across programs(newsletters, website updates,emails, letters, and social media)todelivercohesive stewardship and fundraising messages.

Membership 

• Supervisesthe Membership Managerandprogramtoincludememberevents,retention and acquisition strategies,memberstewardshipand budget management.
• Provide leadership on strategies to meet or exceedrevenuebudget goalsand strategically grow membershipprogram.

Annual Fund 

• Plan and writeannual fundcampaignsto reachtargetedsegmentsanda largergeneral audience.
• Designscampaigns tosecure one-time and monthly donors, with an emphasis on donor growth and retention.
• Partner withmuseum’scommunications team tocreate compelling fundraising stories across all platforms.
• Supervises the Philanthropy Manager’s execution ofannual fundproduction toinclude working withinternal and external partners.
• Supervise the Philanthropy Manager’sdailyactivities to includedata entry/databasemanagementgift processing and acknowledgements,mail processing,and otherstewardship communications.

Events 

• Leadsdevelopmentand strategyofall donor events.
• Supervises the Philanthropy Manager’s execution ofdonor events, including working with internal and external partnersand accepting RSVPs.
• This may include coordination withthelarger philanthropy department to reach goals for various donor segments.
• Work with the museum’sfacilityusage team to conceptualizeand planevents.

This is a full-time,exempt position with benefitssuch as health insurance, vacation, sick-time, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more.

This position requires you to work on site in Balboa Park no less than four days per week, with the option to work remotely one day per week. 

Pay: The salaryis $80,000, commensurate with experience. 

Ready to apply?

Applicants should submit an application that includes your resume,cover letter, and two writing samples byDecember 29, 2025. 

A little more about us. 

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. The Nat is looking forward to an exciting new era, focused on innovative audience engagement and an increased role in conservation.sdnat.org 

Requirements

What You Bring 

You love talking to people and presenting philanthropic opportunities. You are results-oriented with excellent writing and management skills. You are a self-starter and a team player with energy, enthusiasm, and flexibility. You love to find new ways to engage and connect with people and stimulate their curiosity. 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3-5 years professional nonprofit fundraising experience, with experience soliciting current and prospective major gifts.
• Experience with annual fund and membership programs.
• Backgroundinmanaging staff.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to present information in a variety of formats.
• Demonstrated ability to resolve problems.
• Ability to keep track of the overall picture while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a variety of situations.
• Ability to work well independently and within a team environment.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to complete projects accurately and completely within deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Altru or other constituent recordsmanagementdatabase systems is preferred.