POSITION OVERVIEW

Over the last sixty years, the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) has evolved into New York City’s premier interactive museum; a global leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education; and a research hub and laboratory for new forms of learning. Today, NYSCI is recognized for our groundbreaking exhibitions, innovative educational and career exploration programs, arts and cultural offerings, and large-scale events that draw children and adults into experiential STEM learning.

NYSCI seeks an entrepreneurial and strategic Senior Director of Corporate Engagement to lead and grow its corporate fundraising and engagement program. The Sr.Director is a key front-line fundraiser responsible for securing and stewarding partnerships with corporations that align with NYSCI’s mission and values. This includes leading strategies to expand unrestricted and programmatic support through corporate membership, sponsorships, philanthropy and employee engagement.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement (SVP), the Sr. Director will manage a portfolio of current and prospective corporate donors, sponsors and members (five- and six-figure level), collaborate across departments to deliver tailored partnership experiences, and lead internal processes to elevate the visibility and impact of NYSCI’s corporate relationships.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Fundraising & Relationship Management

• In collaboration with the SVP, develop and lead annual strategies to grow NYSCI’s corporate fundraising portfolio across philanthropic support, exhibition and program sponsorships, memberships and special initiatives.

• Serves as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of corporations, corporate foundations, CEOs and C-Suite executives, with a focus on identification, cultivation, stewardship, retention and securing five-, six- and seven-figure gifts.

• Identify and cultivate new corporate partnerships through proactive pipeline development comprising outreach, recruitment, networking, and prospect research.

• Steward existing corporate donors, members and sponsors, ensuring high-value touchpoints, renewals, and long-term engagement.

• Align corporations and CEO affinities and needs with NYSCI’s broader institutional priorities, events, and messages to achieve corporate fundraising goals.

• Meet or exceed annual corporate revenue and engagement goals, staying informed on fundraising trends.

Sponsorship & Membership Program Strategy

• Co-Design and implement evolving Corporate Sponsorship and Membership programs, which include a tiered structure with benefits aligned with corporate social responsibility, marketing, and employee engagement goals.

• Drive comprehensive corporate alliances through the design and amplification of employee giving opportunities and matching programs.

• Develop compelling sponsorship packages and marketing materials that reflect current corporate interests and communicate the benefits of partnership.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align benefits with NYSCI’s programmatic strengths and partnership opportunities.

Events, Volunteering & Onsite Engagement

• Partner with the Senior Manager of Events to conceptualize and execute corporate cultivation events, volunteer programs, and employee engagement opportunities.

• Support NYSCI’s corporate involvement in the Annual Gala and other key fundraising events, including sponsorship solicitation, benefit fulfillment, and donor recognition.

Operations, Systems, & Reporting

• Track progress against goals and report on fundraising strategy effectiveness to senior leadership, trustees, and other stakeholders.

• Work with the Institutional Advancement Associate to maintain accurate and timely records of donor and relationship-management activity and gift processing in Raiser’s Edge.

• Support the CAO and SVP in the creation of corporate fundraising-related budgeting, forecasting, and contract/vendor review processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 6–8 years of professional experience in a nonprofit organization, with progressive roles in development and a strong track record managing and cultivating corporate donor / partner relationships.

• Bachelor's degree is required; graduate degree preferred

• Demonstrated success securing unrestricted support from corporate partners, including overseeing corporate sponsorships for annual galas, special events, and programmatic initiatives.

• Proven ability to identify, engage, and steward new corporate prospects, turning them into multi-year supporters.

• Tangible experience expanding and deepening existing donor partnerships over time, with a focus on long-term relationship building.

• Strong project management skills with a proven track record of delivering fundraising events and campaigns on time and within budget.

• Commitment to the philosophy and mission of the New York Hall of Science.

• Experience collaborating with diverse teams (within department, cross departmental, and with external partners) including the ability to effectively lead and manage projects as well as harness team creativity and translate it into effective fundraising.

• Experience fundraising for a science center/natural history museum/children’s museum or STEM education institution is preferred but not required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral; ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships

• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives

• Ability to work both independently without close oversight, but also a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside NYSCI

• High energy and passion for NYSCI’s mission is essential

• Occasional evening and weekend availability to participate in events outside the workday schedule.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stationary workstation: The employee must be able to remain in a stationary sitting position for up to 8 hours a day with appropriate breaks. 

• Manual dexterity: The role requires the frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.

• Visual acuity: The employee must have the visual ability to perform extensive computer work for long periods, including reading and analyzing data on a computer screen.

• Communication: The role requires the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please upload your resume and cover letter through our online careers page.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position. 

Interview Process

1. Introductory phone interview

2. Virtual panel interview

3. On-site Interview

4. Background and professional reference check

Application Deadline: Rolling basis.

No phone calls or faxes please.

The New York Hall of Science is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We support a drug-free workplace.

If there are preparations, we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.

We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.