Director of Development

Science North’s vision is to be the leader among science centres in providing inspirational, educational, and entertaining science experiences. As Canada’s second largest science centre, Science North operates a multi-faceted operation in Sudbury, Ontario along with programs throughout Northern Ontario and a thriving International Sales business.

Science North is currently recruiting for a Director of Development to join our Executive Team with a passion for building relationships and a focus on achieving fundraising excellence. This is an exciting opportunity in a new role to help set the direction of the Centre’s Development Unit providing the leadership, strategic direction, management, coordination and developing tactics to achieve the Centre’s philanthropic goals.

Reporting directly to the CEO, and overseeing a team of 1-4 staff, the Director of Development will:

Achieve the Centre’s philanthropic goals

• set and drive the organization’s strategic philanthropic goals and strategies
• develop and execute strategies, business plans and specific action plans to meet goals; sets multi-year, multi-faceted approaches to maximize opportunities
• focus on the solicitation of major asks and scopes out significant long term opportunities for funders
• responsible for the acquisition, growth and retention of corporate partnerships to generate revenue, based on identified key strategic initiatives and for key campaigns such as the current capital campaign

Oversee stewardship and cultivation activities

• manage all strategies and activities for stakeholder cultivation, solicitation, and relations
• establish standards and events to ensure acknowledgement, recognition, and stewardship of supporters
• cultivates and nurtures relationships with current and potential supporters

Promotions and Marketing

• work with marketing to develop and implement comprehensive marketing and public relations strategies
• work with marketing on promotional campaigns for revenue generation events
• develop campaign materials, case statements, brochures

Manage the day-to-day operations of the Development unit

• set budgets; manage and control unit expenditures; submit financial reports and documentation
• directs the work of development unit staff and volunteers

Qualifications

• University or College graduate with a concentration in business or related field
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred
• Minimum 7-10 years previous fundraising experience (at least 5 years in a senior leadership position) undertaking a variety of programs including solicitation of grants, direct mail, major gifts and corporate campaigns
• Advanced knowledge of current and established fundraising principles and techniques
• A successful track record of establishing organizational brands amongst a wide constituency
• Ability to quickly assess the philanthropic community, identify and cultivate new sources of support for the organization
• Proven track record of high level donor cultivation and face-to-face solicitation
• Demonstrated success in crafting and closing corporate solicitations
• Proven successful leadership in corporate, foundation, and individual fundraising
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop and maintain complex multi- level relationships with corporate partners, individual donors, volunteer boards, committees, peers, and support staff
• Ability to effectively articulate the mission, strategic vision and values of the organization to a wide range of internal & external constituents
• Superior organizational, communication (written and verbal), presentation and analytical skills, preferably in both English and French
• Confidence and ability to manage multiple tasks within established deadlines
• Proven ability to take initiative, lead and work effectively as part of a team

Compensation package highlights:

This is long-term position supported by an excellent compensation package: 

• Competitive starting salary starting based on experience 
• Full-time permanent opportunity 

• Annual performance and merit increase consideration 
• Participation in the Science North Employee Incentive Plan 
• Flexible work arrangements 
• Comprehensive group benefit package including medical, dental, vision, paramedical, life/travel insurance, short and long-term disability coverage, 24/7 telemedicine access, wellness spending account/ onsite physio/chiro services 
• Onsite exercise room 
• Pension plan following one year  
• Science North annual family membership 
• Free or discounted admission to other attractions outside Sudbury, Science North facilities and program discounts, fitness membership contribution 
• Professional development opportunities 
• Minimum 4 weeks’ vacation 
• Employee Referral Program 
• Free parking

Science North is grateful to work with First Nations across Northern Ontario and we give thanks to the Indigenous Peoples who have cared for this land since time immemorial. We pay respect to their traditions, ways of knowing, and acknowledge their many contributions to innovations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, past and present. We also recognize the Métis Nation of Ontario for their historic and ongoing contributions. Science North commits to deepening engagement, relationships and partnerships in order to advance truth and reconciliation, honour and reflect Indigenous ways of knowing, grow economic opportunities, and collaborate with Indigenous peoples as partners in order to inspire all people to be engaged with science in the world around them. 

Interested applicants are asked to forward resumes to . Science North is committed to an inclusive workplace and invites applications from all qualified individuals to join our diverse team. Accommodations are available upon request in all aspects of Science North's selection process. We thank all interested candidates; only those selected for interviews will be contacted. 

Science North is a registered charity

Science North is an agency of the Government of Ontario