Hiring Organization Information
Position Information
Organizational Overview
For 45 years, Feiro Marine Life Center has connected our community to the marine world. Now, in partnership with NOAA's Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, we're building something bigger — a state-of-the-art facility that will welcome 75,000 visitors every year and bring the wonder of the Olympic Peninsula coast to life like never before. The Olympic Peninsula is shaped by water — its economy, its culture, its future. The Olympic Coast Exploration Center is an investment in all of it. A place where students discover their futures, families explore their backyard, and scientists share their work with the world.
● Opening 2028
● Part of a waterfront campus with Field Arts & Events Hall and planned Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Cultural Center
● Goal of Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation
Role Responsibilities
As the organization's chief advancement officer, the Director will lead the evolution of philanthropy beyond the capital campaign, developing a sustainable and diversified advancement program centered on annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and meaningful long-term donor relationships. Rather than building a program from the ground up, the Director will inherit established systems, relationships, and practices and have the opportunity to strengthen, expand, and strategically align them with the Olympic Coast Exploration Center's next chapter. The Director will work closely with the Executive Director and Campaign Director during the final phase of the capital campaign, helping steward campaign donors and ensure continuity of key relationships while preparing for the Center's long-term fundraising future. With the anticipated conclusion of the capital campaign in June 2028, the Director will progressively assume full responsibility for a major gift portfolio within 12–18 months while continuing to provide strategic leadership for advancement operations, fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and team development.
Qualifications
Required qualifications
● Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
● Seven or more years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising or advancement experience.
● Demonstrated success leading annual giving, donor stewardship, and comprehensive fundraising programs.
● Experience developing fundraising strategy and managing advancement operations.
● Experience supervising staff and managing budgets.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
● Proficiency with donor CRM systems and fundraising analytics.
Preferred qualifications
● Experience in museums, aquariums, science centers, higher education, healthcare, or cultural institutions.
● Experience working alongside capital campaigns or campaign transition planning.
● Knowledge of planned giving and corporate partnerships.
How to Apply
Complete the form located at https://www.olympiccoast.org/careers and attach your resume. No cover letter is needed. We review applications on a rolling basis and may begin interviews before the posting closes, so we encourage you to apply early.