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 by October 28. 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, Non-exempt
Department: Membership
Reports To: Community Engagement Manager
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Membership Associate position provides data entry and customer service support to the Science Center of Iowa Membership team.

Responsibilities:

• Enter and verify membership sales from the weekly transfers from the Blank Park Zoo and Living History Farms
• Review daily membership sales for accuracy and correct any errors
• Print and mail membership cards and thank-you letters
• Send monthly renewal letters and emails
• Answer membership questions via email and phone calls
• Sell memberships over the phone and at the SCI Box Office
• Provide assistance at events for member check-in
• Perform essential membership duties on weekends and when Membership Specialist is out of office
• Other duties as assigned by membership team

Expectations:

• Understand and support the purpose and policies of the Science Center of Iowa
• Understand the structure of the membership program of the Science Center of Iowa
• Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information
• Offer the use of your skills or experience
• Be flexible in accepting assignments and guidance
• Perform assigned responsibilities willingly and courteously to the best of your ability
• Provide timely notification of tardiness or absence to the Membership Specialist
• Comply with rules and guidelines outlined by the Science Center of Iowa

Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Highly proficient on computers and database management
• Detail oriented, and self-motivated
• Availability to work 15-20 hours per week

Working Hours: Part-time, which will include, but not be limited to weekends. Schedule will range from 15-20 hours per week, including at least one weekend day per week.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org by July 1.

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.

Position Overview:

The Science Center of Iowa serves more than 300,000 people each year and has a mission of engaging and inspiring Iowans along their journey of lifelong science learning. With both full-time and part-time staff helping in every area of SCI’s mission, the need for volunteer support through internship opportunities is essential. The Community Engagement Team at SCI consists of a development team and communications team, among other areas. We are seeking a qualified intern to support development by identifying, initiating, researching, compiling and completing written charitable grant proposal applications, leading and supporting events including fundraising events as well as ongoing SCI events such as our Mixology and Girls in Science Initiatives. Additionally, the internship would include supporting communications and social media for the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Work with Director of Advancement and Special Events/Community Engagement Coordinator to plan, execute and attend fundraising events, special events and ongoing events at SCI
• Help with creating content for donor newsletters and solicitations
• Distribute information about SCI events and programs to community partners and news organizations
• Work closely with the SCI Grant Writer to develop and implement the charitable initiatives for the Science Center of Iowa
• Assist in the daily operations and planning calendar for proposal writing and due dates
• Identify new funding opportunities and implement strategies for securing new commitments and renewing existing grants and partnerships
• Collaborate with SCI staff and subject matter experts to ascertain accurate information and identify opportunities for funding support
• Write, edit, prepare proposals and applications for funds sought from individuals charitable foundations and corporations, as well as other funding sources, both locally and nationally, to support SCI strategic initiatives
• Assist with other marketing and communications tasks as needed

Qualifications:

• Enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with a good vision for opportunities to enhance the mission of SCI and its overall development goals
• Excellent writing and editing skills, able to present information concisely and persuasively
• Must be able to work on multiple proposals simultaneously, providing detail-oriented work, troubleshooting, writing, editing and planning guidance while consistently meeting deadlines
• Demonstrates strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills; excellent listener with excellent follow-through skills
• Must be trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential donor information
• Demonstrates general computer proficiency with access to a PC compatible-systems
• Punctuality and dependability are key
• Ability to learn how research items
• Other duties as assigned

Expectations

• Understand and support the purpose, structure and policies of the Science Center of Iowa
• Conduct yourself in accordance with the standards of conduct and ethics of SCI
• Be flexible in accepting assignments, perform assigned responsibilities willingly and courteously to the best of your ability, and accept the guidance of the Director of Advancement
• Comply with the dress requirements of the Science Center of Iowa
• Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information
• Provide timely notification of tardiness or absence to the Volunteer Manager

Working Hours: Generally will be Monday through Friday during normal operating hours of 9:00 or 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Will need to attend events on evenings/weekends when necessary. A total of 10 hours per week would be necessary for this position. This is an unpaid internship.

To Apply: Email your cover letter and resume to volunteer@sciowa.org.

Classification: Part-time
Department: Preschool
Reports To: Director of Early Childhood

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for assisting the development and implementation of the Science Center of Iowa Preschool program.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with classroom activities
• Prepare and maintain classroom for daily use
• Meet with classroom teacher to devise daily plans and prepare materials for daily use
• Communicate daily with parents
• Meet with preschool staff once a month for planning and activities of the ensuing month
• Attend and assist with all parent/preschooler special events during the school year
• Create and design classroom games and materials

Requirements:

• Maintain current First Aid, Universal Precautions, CPR and Mandatory Reporter credentials
• Pass a physical examination and TB test every two years
• Excellent teaching and communication skills
• Love of children
• A desire to work with and teach preschoolers
• Inexhaustible patience
• Must enjoy working as part of the Science Center of Iowa team
• Must be able to pass background checks and DCI fingerprinting

Working Hours: Varies based on class schedules – typically Monday through Friday 12:30-5:30 pm.

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