Managing Director, Development & External Affairs

Help shape the future of learning. Build the partnerships that make it possible.

KID Museum is at an exciting inflection point. Over the past decade we have grown from a beloved local museum into a nationally recognized learning lab that develops tests and shares innovative approaches to helping young people thrive in a rapidly changing world. We work at the intersection of education creativity technology workforce readiness and youth development engaging thousands of students educators families and community partners every year.

As we enter our next chapter of growth were seeking a Managing Director Development & External Affairs to help expand our impact our visibility and the network of champions who believe in this work.

This is more than a traditional fundraising leadership role. Were looking for an entrepreneurial relationship-builder strategist storyteller and fundraiser who is energized by creating opportunities opening doors and turning vision into investment. Youll help shape how KID Museum shows up with philanthropists institutional funders corporate leaders government supporters and education innovators while building the philanthropic engine that fuels our mission.

What Makes This Opportunity Different

This is a rare opportunity to:

• Join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment of growth
• Partner directly with an entrepreneurial founder and executive leadership team
• Shape organizational strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
• Build and expand a sophisticated fundraising operation
• Play a visible role with Board members community leaders and national partners
• Help define how a growing organization engages philanthropists funders and thought leaders
• Contribute to work that is influencing the future of education and youth development

If you are motivated by purpose excited by growth and ready to help build something that matters wed love to meet you.

What Youll Do

Lead KID Museums Next Phase of Fundraising Growth

Youll develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy spanning:

• Major gifts
• Foundations
• Corporate partnerships
• Government funding
• Campaign giving
• Emerging philanthropic opportunities

Working closely with the Founder & Executive Director Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer Board members and senior leadership team youll help create the strategies systems and relationships necessary to sustain and accelerate organizational growth.

Build and Advance High-Impact Relationships

Youll personally manage a portfolio of major donors funders and strategic partners cultivating relationships that lead to transformational investments and long-term engagement. This role requires someone who enjoys being in the room making connections creating momentum and developing trusted relationships with:

• Philanthropic leaders
• Corporate executives
• Foundation partners
• Government supporters
• Education leaders
• Community stakeholders
• National funders

Strengthen KID Museums Philanthropic Presence

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team youll serve as a key external ambassador for KID Museum helping expand our visibility and influence among current and prospective donors funders and partners across the Washington region and nationally. Youll help position KID Museum not only as a destination for learning but as a leader in reimagining how young people develop the skills mindsets and experiences needed for the future in ways that inspire deeper philanthropic investment and partnership.

Tell a Story People Want to Invest In

Working closely with colleagues across programs communications and leadership youll translate KID Museums impact into compelling cases for support that inspire donors partners and advocates. Youll help communicate a powerful and consistent message:

KID Museum is a learning lab that develops tests and shares innovative approaches to future-ready learning.

What Were Looking For

Were seeking a leader who brings a combination of fundraising expertise strategic thinking and relationship-building excellence.

Ideal candidates will have:

• 10 years of experience in fundraising development external affairs partnerships or related leadership roles
• A track record of securing significant philanthropic investments partnerships sponsorships or major gifts
• Experience developing and executing fundraising strategy
• Success managing donor and prospect portfolios
• Strong communication presentation and storytelling skills
• Experience leading teams and collaborating across functions
• The ability to move comfortably between strategy and execution
• A collaborative entrepreneurial and highly relational leadership style

Additional experience that would be especially valuable includes:

• Relationships across the Washington DC Maryland or broader DMV philanthropic community
• Connections to education technology workforce development or social impact sectors
• Experience supporting capital campaigns or transformational growth initiatives
• Experience working closely with founders CEOs boards or highly visible external leaders

About KID Museum

KID Museum is a leading experiential learning organization dedicated to empowering the next generation with the skills creativity and confidence needed to shape the future. Through hands-on programs workshops educator partnerships community engagement and innovation initiatives we help young people become creators problem-solvers and changemakers.

Ready to help build the partnerships resources and momentum that will shape the future of learning Wed love to hear from you.

Required Experience:

Exec