Description: ECHO inspires and engages families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. ECHO is a dynamic, nationally acclaimed, science center committed to engaging diverse public audiences and providing experiential, relevant and lifelong educational experiences for all our guests. ECHO employees contribute to a productive, respectful, inclusive workplace by modeling humor, communication, cultural responsiveness, collaboration and accountability to our colleagues, animals and guests.

The Development Manager is charged with dynamically supporting the financial sustainability of ECHO. In partnership with the Director of Development, this role works to find and maintain important funding channels; engage and appreciate donors and members; and encourage grantors, foundations, donors, and members to generously and regularly support the important work of the organization.

Responsibilities include:

• Corporate partnerships: cultivate and maintain relationships with corporate partners on all levels.
  • Establish partnerships which create value for ECHO and for the partner corporation
  • Work creatively to build programs and opportunities to meet ECHO’s and the partner’s needs
• Development events: collaborate with Director of Development and Events staff to host meaningful, compelling, and successful development events
  • Leverage relationships to build successful auctions
  • Imagine and execute compelling thank you events for corporate partners and donors to build engagement
• Grant Writing: responsible for sourcing, writing, submitting, tracking, and reporting grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
  • Track grant applications, award outcomes, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance
  • Work collaboratively with ECHO program employees to write clear, compelling, and accurate grant applications
  • Maintain positive relationships with granting organizations
• Department support: participate in important functions of the Development team including brainstorming, strategic planning, financial tracking, and appreciation activities
• Other duties as assigned: be open to participating in a wide variety of tasks to add value and support to ECHO’s mission and work.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 5 years experience in a comprehensive Development role or demonstrated experience with the required functions
• Comfort with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
• Database management and reporting experience
• Knowledge of relevant organizations, foundations, and government bodies
• Exceptional organizational skills, including excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong customer service orientation
• Sophisticated written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to use considerable tact and diplomacy
• Fluency with data and using data to support project objectives
• Clear decision making and problem solving techniques to identify opportunities or unique ways to reach conclusions or find alternative solutions
• Demonstrated experience proactively and efficiently managing several projects at once to meet deadlines
• Creative thinking with the ability to execute new ideas and improve existing ones
• A clear understanding and appreciation of the role of ECHO in the community and commitment to its philosophy, mission and objectives