Job Description

Society for Science is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of science and scientific literacy. Since 1921, we have worked to educate and inspire the public about the vital role science plays in human progress.

We achieve this through two key areas: the award-winning journalism of Science News Media Group and three premier STEM research competitions: the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.

An increasingly important focus of our work has been expanding access to STEM. For the past decade, we have built a comprehensive suite of STEM Outreach programs that bring authentic, high-quality STEM experiences to students in underserved communities across all 50 states and around the globe.

Position Overview

The Gift Officer will lead the strategy and execution for two key fundraising areas: securing individual gifts of $2,500+ and managing relationships with Special Award Organizations. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, you will manage a portfolio of both individual and organizational donors to meet annual revenue goals and secure unrestricted and program-specific funds that directly support our mission.

The ideal candidate is a proactive relationship builder with a proven track record of meeting fundraising targets. You will be responsible for nurturing and growing these donor relationships, from initial outreach to long-term stewardship.

Primary Responsibilities

• Mid-Level Giving & Donor Management
  • Manage a personal portfolio of 75 individual donors, focusing on increasing revenue and retention.
  • Qualify new prospects identified by the Prospect Research and Development Manager.
  • Cultivate and steward donors through personalized communication, timely acknowledgments, and strategic gift upgrades.
  • Develop and implement strategies to acquire, renew, and upgrade donors, collaborating closely with the Director of Annual Giving and Membership.
  • Track and analyze the mid-level program’s performance using key metrics and industry benchmarks.
  • Ensure accurate and timely record-keeping and reporting (via Microsoft Dynamics).
  • Provide support for major donor activities as needed.
• Special Award Organization (SAO) Management
  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 50 SAOs, serving as the primary liaison between them and the Society’s STEM Education Programs Team.
  • Lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of these partners.
  • Provide hands-on support for SAOs during the annual International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
  • Maintain accurate records in the fundraising database, including contact information, fees, prizes, and gift agreements.
  • Prepare materials and communications for internal and external meetings.
• General Responsibilities
  • Provide in-person support at Advancement events, especially during the week-long ISEF.
  • Assist the team with other projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Communication & Collaboration
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and nurture effective relationships with donors, partners, and internal staff.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • A flexible, professional, and collaborative work style.
• Organizational & Project Management
  • Highly organized with excellent attention to detail, especially with documentation and data entry.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex tasks and prioritize deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • A proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• Technical Proficiency
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Experience with donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce).
  • Familiarity with cloud-based collaboration tools is a plus.
• Mission Alignment
  • A strong understanding of and affinity for the mission and core values of Society for Science.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business or a Science-related field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in development, fundraising, or a related field such as Corporate Social Responsibility

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position based in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting located near the Dupont Circle Metro station.

Position Type and Expected Hours

This is a full-time, non-exempt position with a 37.5-hour work week. Normal business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Eastern, with core hours of 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Eastern. This role requires up to 20% travel to the Society’s science research competitions and other events.

Salary

The salary range is $77,737-$87,454.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position please upload a professional resume and cover letter.
Please apply through Applicant Pro: https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/societyforscience/jobs/3940786-560497

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees, as applicable. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

Society for Science is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

The Society is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.

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