Development Relations Manager

The Franklin Institute, the most visited museum in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, strives to be the world leader in promoting science and technology education and literacy through inspiring and engaging experiences that cultivate curiosity, critical thinking, and an understanding of science's crucial role in our lives.

At The Franklin Institute, we provide an environment that is as nurturing as it is dynamic. Our team-oriented approach allows for ample learning and career growth opportunities. We think you will find the Institute offers the ideal atmosphere in which to use your skills and talents best. We are eager for your input, ideas, and inspiration.

Position Description:

Reporting to the Vice President of External Affairs, the Development Relations Manager is a generalist working intra-departmentally to support individual and institutional donors' cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.  The Development Relations Manager will also be responsible for the following:

• Plays a pivotal role in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects by working collaboratively with the individual and institutional giving teams.
• Manages a portfolio of campaign and annual donor prospects capable of making $10K+ gifts and implements tailored strategies to move prospects through the donor cycle of identification to solicitation.
• Develops and prepares persuasive, accurate, and grammatically correct communications, including correspondence and solicitations as well as other development-related materials in support of fund-raising activities.
• Effectively coordinates meeting materials, solicitations, stewardship reports, and communications for senior Institute leaders, including the President and CEO and the VP of External Affairs.
• Develops in-depth knowledge of the Campaign Master Plan, exhibitions, educational programs, science communication activities, and Institute history to effectively communicate priorities and philanthropic opportunities to external audiences.
• Provides support for Trustee Committees, including a Capital Campaign Committee and a Development and Government Relations Committee.
• Collaborates with the Assistant Director of Member Relations and Annual Fund in the creation of specific plans for donor acquisition, appeals, and upgrades. 
• Provides donors and prospects with concierge service for museum visits.
• Establishes and maintains collaborative working relationships with External Affairs colleagues, Institute colleagues, and appropriate Trustees and/or other constituents to maximize contributed revenue.
• Makes effective use of the relationship management software and other institutional resources to ensure appropriate management of donors and prospects in coordination with Institute objectives.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Three to five years of related experience in development with familiarity with individual giving and stewardship or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with developing and implementing strategies for donor engagement and solicitation is required.
• Ability to work independently and in a centralized development structure and with colleagues from various departments across the institute. 
• Excellent writing and verbal skills are essential.
• Experience with relationship management software, preferably Raiser’s Edge.
• Ability to travel locally and regionally and occasionally work nights and weekends to meet fundraising goals.

Status: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday)

Benefits Information:

The Franklin Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401K, life insurance, and disability coverage. We also offer generous Paid Time Off, paid holidays, and numerous wellness program benefits.

To apply, please visit our Career Center. We look forward to hearing from you!

Research shows that women and people from underrepresented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications.  We recognize that it is highly unlikely that someone meets 100% of the qualifications for a role.  If much of this job description describes you, then please apply for this role.

The Franklin Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability or protected veteran status.

As a condition of employment at The Franklin Institute, employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the date of hire, subject to requests for accommodation.