Managing Director, Development & External Affairs

KID Museum • Bethesda, MD

9d • $140,000 - $150,000

About The Position

KID Museum is seeking a Managing Director, Development & External Affairs to help expand its impact, visibility, and network of champions. This role is more than traditional fundraising; it requires an entrepreneurial relationship-builder, strategist, storyteller, and fundraiser who is energized by creating opportunities, opening doors, and turning vision into investment. The individual will shape how KID Museum engages with philanthropists, institutional funders, corporate leaders, government supporters, and education innovators, while building the philanthropic engine that fuels the mission. This is a rare opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment of growth, partner directly with the 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, and contribute to work that is influencing the future of education and youth development.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy spanning major gifts, foundations, corporate partnerships, government funding, campaign giving, and emerging philanthropic opportunities.
• Work closely with the Founder & Executive Director, Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer, Board members, and senior leadership team to create the strategies, systems, and relationships necessary to sustain and accelerate organizational growth.
• Personally manage a portfolio of major donors, funders, and strategic partners, cultivating relationships that lead to transformational investments and long-term engagement.
• Serve as a key external ambassador for KID Museum, helping expand its visibility and influence among current and prospective donors, funders, and partners.
• Translate KID Museum's impact into compelling cases for support that inspire donors, partners, and advocates, working closely with colleagues across programs, communications, and leadership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed