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Careers

Director of Advancement

The Director of Advancement will assist the SVP, Strategy & Partnerships in sustaining and growing revenue diversification and financial sustainability of the Science Center.

submit resume and complete application

POSITION SUMMARY

The ideal candidate will possess a strong entrepreneurial spirit, proven business development acumen, understanding of technology in support of advancement, charismatic people skills and traditional grant writing process. This role is equal parts business development and fundraising. To advance the mission of the Science Center, this individual will be responsible for creating better brand recognition and financial growth through lead generation and/or market expansion. This role will be entrusted to oversee the organization’s strategy to foster new relationships, including through attendance at conferences, meetings, and industry events.

The Director of Advancement will work with the Director, Partnerships and Operations to create and implement the Advancement plan. Our organization sits at the intersection of start-ups, healthcare, and the community. In line with the strengths of the organization, this individual should have familiarity with all three ecosystems and possess an entrepreneurial mindset and approach relationships and partnerships creatively. This role will apply strong systems thinking and project management skills.

This individual will oversee a portfolio of existing relationships across corporate, foundation and university partnerships, which they will be expected to cultivate and grow.

This position has external contact with donors, prospective donors, institutional funders, volunteers, and organizational partners. This position has access to sensitive UCSC information and is expected to handle such information with integrity and professionalism.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • External facing relationship builder, responsible for crafting and leading the business development and revenue diversification strategy for the organization.
  • Work collaboratively to lead the Advancement Department and manage fundraising efforts
  • Lead and oversee the foundation and private grant function which includes grant writing, reporting, compliance and pipeline and portfolio management.
  • Manage and coordinate department efforts with internal teams to identify prospective donors, craft proposals and steward received funds.
  • Cultivate and solicit prospects and donors, in coordination with the President and CEO and the SVP, Strategy & Partnerships
  • Steward donors as needed, e.g., grant reports, scheduling of meetings, event planning, campus tours, written updates.
  • In conjunction with the Marketing team, create compelling Advancement assets.
  • Work with SVP, Strategy & Partnerships, and senior management, as necessary, to encourage 100% participation in annual giving by the Board of Directors.
  • Support planning and execution for the annual stewardship and fundraising events.
  • Help identify and secure event sponsorships, speakers, and vendors as appropriate.
  • Train and supervise interns and volunteers assigned to the Advancement department.
  • Complete special projects specific to the function of the department or as needed for the department as directed by the SVP, Strategy & Partnerships.
  • Other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners and organizations.

  • Strong systems thinking and project management skills are a must.
  • Inspiring communicator with the stature and presence to represent the institution externally and act as a spokesperson if necessary.
  • Possesses strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interactions with diverse groups of co-workers, external business partners, and the community.
  • Ability to operate a computer and use common software programs including Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, spreadsheets, and other customized databases.
  • Understanding of UCSC’s mission, goals, and objectives and ability to work independently
  • Excellent written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to manage business proposals and foundation application processes, calendars, and deadlines.
  • Ability to effectively plan and coordinate meetings, site visits and other fundraising activities.
  • Strong awareness of market trends and competitive offerings.
  • Perform management functions for the department such as performance evaluations, disciplinary counseling, salary recommendations, workload distribution, communication, recognition activities, and employee relations.
  • Participate in the Advancement of a departmental budget as part of the organization’s budget preparation process and operate within budget limitations.
EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSURE
Minimum Experience:
  • 7- 10+ years of demonstrated experience in business development and foundation grant fundraising is required.
  • BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in a related field of study.
  • Experience working in multiple phases of fund raising (annual giving, major gifts, special events, grant writing, research), and a broad knowledge of prospect management and other Advancement best practices a plus.

Embodies and Models Science Center Values:

  • Unity: Promotes one Science Center, united and guided by our mission.
  • Openness & Curiosity: We make space in our work for people to be seen and heard while expanding our empathy and mutual respect of each other’s boundaries, experiences, and person.
  • Integrity: Creates an environment of trust and integrity. Honest and ethical in everything.
  • Impact: Works to make a meaningful and measurable difference in the lives of others.
  • Equity & Inclusion: Fosters an environment that embraces the strength in the diversity of our team and our community.
  • Innovation in Action: Committed to continuous learning and open to new ideas that drive positive change.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

Interested candidates should complete our electronic application below.

submit resume and complete application


About the Science Center

The University City Science Center is Philadelphia’s premier catalyst of entrepreneurial activity, healthcare innovation, and economic growth. Established in 1963, the nonprofit has been recognized by The Brookings Institution as a best-in-class investor, mentor, and economic development partner for young technology companies. Working alongside industry partners and leading research and academic institutions across the globe, the Science Center has supported over 1,000 early-stage companies. Today, the organization advances healthcare innovation from idea to the marketplace through startup support services, allocating capital, gathering the innovation community, and building inclusive STEM pathways for Philadelphia youth and adults. For more information visit sciencecenter.org or follow us at @UCScienceCenter.