Employment

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Community Engagement
Reports To: VIce President of Community Engagement
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for strategy, cultivation and solicitation of individual major gifts, which advance the fundraising for major campaigns and the organization. The Director will work with staff and campaign volunteers to reach identified goals outlined in campaigns and the organization’s strategic plan.  

The position reports directly to the Vice President of Community Engagement and will be:

• Passionate about the mission of SCI and the community served by its assets and programs;
• Committed to building meaningful relationships;
• Highly motivated to raise funds to support the organization;
• Able to develop strategies for successfully closing major gifts;
• Comfortable working with SCI donors, staff, volunteers and clients; and highly collaborative with the science center staff and volunteer leadership to achieve overall goals

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned.

• Develop strategy in concert with the organization’s case for support and in collaboration with the advancement team and volunteers
• Develop and recommend a strategy for major gift donors that will: Engage and retain existing donors; increase the average gift size; and expand the number of donors.
• Create and manage a major gift donor plan for an assigned portfolio of dedicated prospects
• Communicate the donor plan tactics and goals to the Vice President of Community Engagement to ensure the plan is accepted and incorporated into the overall advancement plans and operations
• Engage donors through effective communications (e.g., written, face-to-face, web and social media, events).
• Build relationships with donors
• Cultivate major gift donors and solicits gifts to maximize philanthropic giving for targeted segments
• Work closely with the team to ensure overall success of the advancement function
• Support team members with parallel fundraising activities, such as mid-level, annual fund, events, planned-giving and campaigns
• Develop appropriate metrics and reports for major gifts
• Maintain donor tracking and systems via the CRM system
• Develop documentation and work closely with donor communications, finance, annual fund and grants
• Utilize the approved messaging and brand of the Science Center of Iowa to promote the amenities of the campaign in order to elevate the organization and position it for success

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• A bachelor's degree in an appropriate field
• Extensive fundraising preferred with 5-10 years of experience in related fundraising practices (e.g., donor relations, engagement, planned-giving, annual fund, event management)

Competencies, Skills and Abilities

• Deep, passionate commitment to SCI’s mission and the ability to communicate its objectives enthusiastically to potential donors
• Strategic mindset and ability to develop plans to maximize philanthropic giving from the assigned portfolio and major-gift donors
• Knowledge of fund development principles, strategies and tactics
• Customer focus – ability to engage donors, staff, volunteers and community constituents
• Drive for results
• Interpersonal savvy and ability to establish relationships with integrity and trust
• Persuasion skills
• Political savvy in working with donors, funders, community leaders and volunteers
• Ability to work independently and collaborate
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Communicate effectively (verbal, written and presentation)
• Manage ambiguity and be flexible in responding to the needs of a fast-moving, dynamic and complex department
• Proficient with computer software with preference to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and donor data base management

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid drivers' licence preferred
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Working Hours: Full time, which will include, but not be limited to nights, weekends and possible holidays. Schedule will vary based upon SCI events and organizational needs. 

To Apply: Email your cover letter, resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the candidate is hired. Only electronic applications are accepted. No paper applications will be considered.

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Community Engagement
Reports To: VIce President of Community Engagement
Direct Reports: Yes

Position Overview:

The Events & Venue Manager develops the strategies and implements the overall Events & Venue Rentals plan to build and sustain individual and community relationships. This role manages the Events & Venue Coordinator position as they collaborate with SCI staff, caterers and vendors to exceed the expectations of potential clients.

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned.

• Develop strategies, implement tactics and manage SCI’s Events & Venue Rentals Program to reach established revenue and sales goals
• Manage short-term and long-term priorities in an effective and organized manner
• Apply analytics to Events & Venue Rentals data to improve sales, revenue and program outcomes
• Work with SCI staff and volunteers to cultivate an Events & Venue Rentals Program that serves the community and supports the programming at SCI; initiate new projects and innovative ideas to build programs
• Balance day-to-day museum operations and Events & Venue Rentals needs
• Provide oversight of the Events and Venue Coordinator through the event process, which includes the pre-event, event and post-event phases
• Research, schedule and conduct sales calls and appointments that promote the range of Events & Venue Rentals options SCI has available, including follow-up on all event leads and inquiries
• Manage the Events & Venue Rentals marketing plan in conjunction with assigned staff
• Successfully promote SCI Events & Venue Rentals offerings across multiple platforms
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends through research and inquiry to create competitive Events & Venue Rentals offerings
• Ensure total compliance with the SCI contracts, rules and regulations
• Maintain and oversee best practice billing to ensure proper revenue gathering for Events & Venue Rentals Program
• Manage and report on the Events & Venue Rentals Program revenue and expenses of the overall SCI budget, keeping accurate and detailed records
• Use good recordkeeping practices in hard files, electronic files and databases: oversee that others are also keeping good records
• Oversee sales activities for Events & Venue Rentals Program to ensure activities are in line with organization goals
• Act as the primary SCI community contact for the Events & Venue Rentals Program
• Provides excellent customer service and responds to event inquiries and correspondence emails in a timely manner
• Work with other team members in a positive, constructive manner
• Serve the institution with respect to confidentiality of sensitive matters and make decisions with the best interest of SCI in mind
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required for this position.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in event management, business, hospitality or related field of study preferred
• Minimum of two years’ experience in an events position at a cultural attraction or corporate environment
• Experience with point-of-sale and donor database software
• Project and/or event management is a plus

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Understanding of basic mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry and bookkeeping
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to solve complex problems and independently make decisions
• Experience working with both big picture concepts and minute details in both short- and long-term projects
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid drivers' licence preferred
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Working Hours: Full time, which will include, but not be limited to nights, weekends and possible holidays. Schedule will vary based upon SCI events and organizational needs. 

To Apply: Email your cover letter, resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the candidate is hired. Only electronic applications are accepted. No paper applications will be considered.

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Community Engagement
Reports To: Events & Venue Manager
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Events & Visitor Services Associate assists with venue rentals for external clients and internal events in collaboration with the Events & Venue Manager. This role collaborates with SCI staff, caterers and vendors to exceed the expectations of potential clients. Responsibilities include pre-event coordination with service providers, enforcing facility rules and protocols during events and serving as the point-of-contact for event clients. In addition, this position will work with the Box Office Manager to assist with sales and general admissions services. 

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned.

• Coordinate venue rental events from pre-event through post-event phases
• Work with multiple departments to create, project manage and execute new and recurring events
• Serve as the primary point-of-contact for internal and venue rental events, coordinating from pre-event through post-event phases anticipating and communicating client needs, promptly addressing concerns, problem-solving and providing excellent customer service
• Oversee venue rentals including set-up, maintenance of rental space, teardown/clean-up of event spaces and securing the building at the end of events
• Ensure total compliance with the SCI contracts, rules and regulations
• Maintain cash transactions during events, when needed
• Complete training and act as Manager On Duty at events
• Collaborate with clients, caterers, event planners, vendors, service providers and SCI staff to ensure excellent guest experiences at SCI
• Track and report attendance and identify trends
• Support SCI staff through administrative service and office coordination
• Prioritize short-term and long-term priorities in an effective and organized manner
• Balance day-to-day museum operations and venue rental needs
• Keep and maintain accurate, detailed records for each event and client
• Approach internal and venue rental events with creative and innovative thinking
• Ensuring Participant Services team members deliver exceptional customer service
• Effectively addresse inquiries from visitors, prioritize challenges and resolve any issues in a timely manner
• Responsible for access to cash room, safes and securing daily revenues
• Implement and maintain policies and procedures to maintain high retail standards
• Utilize and implement the use of the point-of-sale system daily and customer relations management system

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required for this position.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in event management, business, hospitality or related field of study preferred
• Minimum of two years experience in an events position at a cultural attraction or corporate environment (preferred)
• Experience with point-of-sale and donor database software
• Experience working with both big picture concepts and minute details, in both short- and long-term projects
• Project and/or event management, preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Understanding of basic mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry and bookkeeping
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to solve complex problems and independently make decisions
• Deadline- and detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Team player, positive attitude and service-oriented
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid drivers' licence preferred
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Working Hours: Full-time, which will include, but not be limited to nights, weekends and possible holidays. Schedule will vary based upon SCI events and organizational needs, based on Wednesday through Sunday work schedule.

To Apply: Email your cover letter, resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the candidate is hired. Only electronic applications are accepted. No paper applications will be considered.

Classification: Part-Time
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Director of Learning Experiences
Direct Reports: None

Position Overview:

The Program Presenter is responsible for delivering presentations of SCI programs for public and group participants. This may include both onsite and offsite delivery, throughout the week, weekend and evenings.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver a varied and changing repertoire of live programs and demonstrations ranging from small to large format presentations
• Provide support with the Program Coordinators on program and project development
• Maintain individual training log on program presentations and demonstrations
• Coordinate with the Director of Learning Experiences to keep schedules up to date
• On-floor supervision of program supplies in experience platforms and work alongside volunteers
• Responsible for daily programs operation troubleshooting
• Report consistent program attendance records and monitor their impact in supporting SCI’s mission and existing exhibits
• Function as a direct representative from the Science Learning Team to the public
• Support exhibit staff; including but not limited to opening and closing of the experience platforms
• Program Department daily operational support including but not limited to printing daily program guides, conducting live programs and labs and orientations for visiting schools/groups, including Outreach presentations
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Awareness and sensitivity in interacting with diverse populations
• High school diploma with an interest in the sciences, education or theater
• Experience in program presentation to small and large groups
• Ability to communicate complex science concepts in a fun and interesting fashion
• Motivated and resourceful self-starter with effective multitasking skills
• Excellent communication skills; engaging, entertaining and confident public speaker
• Able to work as part of a creative team, being flexible, dependable and creative
• Proactive; able to identify and improve product quality and development
• Service-oriented; upholds Science Center of Iowa values and integrity
• Willing to travel, if necessary, for Outreach presentations
• Working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Working Hours: Hours will vary based on business needs and will include some evenings, weekends and holidays.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt
Department: Retail Operations
Reports To: Cafe Coordinator
Direct Reports: None

Position Overview:

This position is expected to provide exceptional guest service to all patrons visiting SCI’s Food Chain Cafe. Under guided leadership from the Cafe Coordinator and the Director Retail Operations, the Cafe Associate will also be responsible for operational duties, as assigned, to ensure a satisfactory experience for all guests and patrons visiting SCI.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a commitment to excellent guest service in Cafe and all areas of SCI
• Greet and tend to the needs of all guests in a timely manner
• Processing all cash and credit card point-of-sale transactions accurately
• Provide knowledgeable information regarding product offerings and general SCI information for guests
• Accurately check all identification necessary to ensure patrons meet minimum age requirements for the purchase of alcohol products
• Maintain the cleanliness of tables, floors, counters and windows
• Maintain optimum food safety standards as required
• Stock, merchandise and inventory Cafe supplies and products
• Assist Cafe Coordinator with various tasks and duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Must be of legal age to sell alcoholic beverages in accordance with the State of Iowa
• Must have food service, retail, and/or strong customer service related experience
• Must maintain a professional and polite demeanor at all times
• Enjoy working with people in a public setting
• Have great problem solving skills
• Needs to have accurate and efficient bookkeeping/money handling skills
• Well groomed, clean and presentable
• Ability to multi-task various duties and projects
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. 
• Must uphold the values and integrity of the Science Center of Iowa

Working Hours: Part-time hours varying between the hours of operation for SCI and the Blank IMAX Dome Theater. This may include a combination of shifts during days, nights, weekends and holidays.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.