Development Officer

Requisition ID: 47773Work Location: Museums - Aquarium (General Booth Blvd)Pay Range: A.15, $72,763.24 - $112,783.02Starting Salary: Depending upon QualificationsWork Schedule: See posting for detailsPart Time Hours/Wk: Job Open Date: 1/14/26Application Deadline: Job Duties:Development Officer | Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science CenterOur Culture:The mission of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is to connect people to the marine environment, inspiring a more sustainable future. With over 633,000 guests in fiscal year 2025, the Virginia Aquarium is the third most visited cultural attraction in the Commonwealth of Virginia and aspires to be a driver in conservation, education, tourism and sustainability - leading the charge to save wildlife and their ecosystems.Position Overview:The Development Officer provides executive leadership for all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a key member of the leadership team, the Development Officer develops and executes strategies to expand and diversify revenue across all giving portfolios, including major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, endowments, annual fund, and capital campaigns.This role directs the overall development function and staff, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and strategic priorities while fostering a culture of philanthropy to support long-term institutional growth. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success in leading a high-performing development program, cultivating transformational gifts, and advancing mission-driven organizations through strategic fundraising initiatives.Essential Functions include:Direct the fundraising activities of the Virginia Aquarium, including major gifts, corporate and foundation grants, annual and capital campaigns, planned giving and special events.Guide and support Board fundraising activities.Supervise development staff.Provide development training to staff to build a culture of philanthropy across the organization.Coordinate and support Executive Director's fundraising efforts, including prospect outreach efforts, meeting preparation and follow-up, strategy development, pipeline management and gift proposals.Organizational Structure & MissionPublic-private partnership between the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center FoundationThe Foundation handles annual and capital fundraising, animal populations, exhibits, the Stranding Response Program, conservation, scientific research, and mission-related education programsImpact & ScaleGenerating $257 million in economic impact for Virginia Beach in fiscal year 2022Supported more than 3,000 jobs and nearly $85 million in labor incomeGenerated $5.8 million in tax revenues for Virginia Beach and $8 million for the Commonwealth of Virginia$2.9 million total fundraising in fiscal year 2025Major Capital Campaign OpportunityVirginia Aquarium Future Renovation (VAFR) project is an approximately $150 million investment to replace aging infrastructure and enhance visitor experienceProjected to increase operations supporting 3,400 jobs and nearly $300 million in annual economic activity upon completionConservation & Education ProgramsNationally recognized Stranding Response Program that responded to over 107 marine mammal cases, 9 whale events, and 280 sea turtle strandings in 2024Led more than 250 education programs reaching over 14,000 students in fiscal year 2024CredentialsAccredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and World Association of Zoos and AquariumsVirginia Aquarium Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report (link)What we offer:The City of Virginia Beach offers a generous benefits package such as health, dental and life insurance, retirement and savings plans. Other key benefits include:Maternity/Paternity and Parental LeaveEmployee Wellness ProgramTuition ReimbursementProfessional DevelopmentEmployee Assistance ProgramOfficial City Job Description:Conditions:Requirements:MINIMUMS: Requires any combination of education (above the high school level) and/or experience equivalent to eight (8) years in fields utilizing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: All employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.Additional Requirements:DMV Transcript: RequiredCDL: Not Required DOT History: Not Required CPS Check: Not RequiredPhysical: Not Required Respirator: Not RequiredPolygraph Review: Not RequiredPsychological Screening: Not RequiredAttachments Required: Preferences:• Proven track record in fundraising, donor engagement, and securing major gifts for a nonprofit• Strong background in donor relations, retention, stewardship, and cultivation across all giving levels• Experience developing and managing large capital campaigns• Experience managing endowments with multiple designations• Experience in creating comprehensive fundraising strategies• Familiarity with Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs and gifts of appreciated securities, with a strong understanding of the associated financial and tax considerations• Demonstrated experience cultivating and securing planned gifts, including bequests, charitable trusts, legacy commitments, and complex gifts• Experience in researching, writing, and/or submitting grant proposals to secure funding• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) and donor database managementSpecial Instructions:Recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. The first review of applications will take place on February 6, 2026. Applications received after this date will be reviewed and interviews conducted ONLY if the candidate pool needs to be expanded.Please complete the application in its entirety and include your resume if required by the posting. Your responses to any "Supplemental Questions", if attached to this requisition, must be supported by the information you provide on your application and/or resume; or otherwise demonstrated during the hiring process.You will not be able to access the details of this job ad once the closing date has passed. If you would like to retain this information, please take a screen shot or print using your browser's printing capability.VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction. Drug Free Workplace: The City of Virginia Beach maintains a drug free workplace.

Created: 2026-04-02