Managing Director, Development & External Affairs

KID Museum • Bethesda, MD

20h

About The Position

KID Museum is seeking an entrepreneurial relationship-builder, strategist, storyteller, and fundraiser to serve as the Managing Director, Development & External Affairs. This role is crucial for expanding the museum's impact, visibility, and network of supporters. The position involves shaping how KID Museum engages with philanthropists, institutional funders, corporate leaders, government supporters, and education innovators, while building the philanthropic engine to fuel its mission. This is a leadership role within the Senior Leadership Team, offering a unique opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal growth stage, partner directly with the founder and executive leadership, and shape organizational strategy.

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

• Lead KID Museum's next phase of fundraising growth by developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy spanning major gifts, foundations, corporate partnerships, government funding, campaign giving, and emerging philanthropic opportunities.
• Build and advance high-impact relationships by personally managing 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 as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, helping expand 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.
• Help communicate a powerful and consistent message about KID Museum as a learning lab that develops, tests, and shares innovative approaches to future-ready learning.

What This Job Offers

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