Senior Vice President of Development

Job Title: Senior Vice President of Development

Employment Status: Full-Time, Salary | Exempt

Location: On-site | In-Person

Department: Development

Reports To:

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

We value a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. OCM encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Mission: To engage the imagination and create excitement about learning.

Who We Are: Omaha Children's Museum (OCM) is a mission-driven nonprofit that has enriched the lives of children for more than 45 years. We believe that behind every great organization are great people, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the passion, creativity, and diversity of the community we serve. We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants who share our vision and want to make a meaningful impact through our mission.

OCM is a vibrant, hands-on environment created to spark curiosity and inspire creativity through engaging exhibits, workshops, and events. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, educational, and joyful space that supports every child's learning and growth. Our mission extends far beyond our walls-we strive to be a trusted community hub for early childhood development, partnering with childcare providers, teens, young parents, and early childhood advocates to support and strengthen the families of our region.

Position Summary

The Senior Vice President of Development (Sr. VP of Development) is a key member of the leadership team and an active participant in strategic decisions affecting OCM's fundraising, major gift development, and meaningful donor relationship cultivation. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience in philanthropy, relationship management, and nonprofit leadership. This position reports directly to the CEO and plays an active role in shaping and implementing philanthropic initiatives that support OCM's long-term vision.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Development and Fundraising

• Direct the strategy, design and execution of fundraising programs for individuals, corporations, and private foundations to deepen OCM's relationships and broaden OCM's base of support.

• Provide leadership and vision in all aspects of fundraising, from data analytics and segmentation to building successful donor journeys, using both progressive and traditional acquisition, engagement, and retention strategies.

• Oversee and ensure the continued success of established grant-funded access programs, including the Welcome Fund, Partner Schools, and Specialized Programs that align with OCM's mission, values and long-term goals.

• Collaborate with and support the CEO, Board of Directors, and other key staff to advance fundraising goals and inspire participation.

• Establish and monitor fundraising goals, metrics, and performance, providing regular reports to the CEO and senior leadership.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing donors while identifying and cultivating new prospective donors.

• Partner with CEO on capital project fundraising.

• Research philanthropic trends and suggest innovative strategies to strengthen fundraising efforts.

Community Engagement, Collaboration and Coordination

• Elevate OCM's profile and reputation among donors, stakeholders, and the community.

• Serve as an active, visible presence at community events to foster relationships that enhance the Museum's impact.

• Collaborate with the Rainbow Connectors Guild to align their efforts with OCM's development strategy.

• Work cross-departmentally to integrate strategies for direct mail, digital campaigns, corporate sponsor ships, planned giving, and special events.

• Partner with museum leadership to select and implement a new nonprofit CRM with a fundraising management platform.

Team Leadership and Operational Excellence

• Foster a culture of giving among staff and Board members, equipping them to serve as effective ambassadors for the Museum.

• Inspire, mentor, and build a high-performing development team.

• Oversee donor management systems, ensuring accurate tracking,…