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Vice President for
Development
New England Aquarium
Boston, MA | Winter 2017
February 21, 2017
Kieran McTague
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PRINCIPAL
Development Guild DDI
617-277-2112 x305
[email protected]
developmentguild.com
BOSTON | NEW YORK
About New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is a catalyst for global change through public engagement, commitment to
marine animal conservation, leadership in education, innovative scientific research, and effective
advocacy for vital and vibrant oceans.
The New England Aquarium (the “Aquarium”), opened its doors to the public in 1969 and is the only
Boston-based cultural institution with a mission focused primarily on the environment, promoting the
importance of protecting the blue planet through innovative exhibits and educational programs. These
are some highlights of the Aquarium’s mission in action, on exhibit, and through its education and marine
conservation and research programs on Central
Wharf and around the globe:
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The Trust Family Foundation Shark and
Ray Touch Tank and the New Balance
Foundation Marine Mammal Center
showcase the diversity and importance
of marine animals.
The Giant Ocean Tank inspires visitors
with the beauty and complexity of
marine habitat through replication of a
Caribbean coral reef.
Aquarium educators lead a nationwide
initiative on climate change and inspire
future ocean protectors with hands-on
programs such as Harbor Discoveries Camps and live blue™ Ambassadors. The Aquarium’s
Marine Animal Rescue Team leads regional efforts annually to rehabilitate and release hundreds
of endangered species of sea turtles at our state-of-the-art Animal Care Center in Quincy, MA.
Aquarium scientists advise some of the nation’s largest seafood companies on methods to
enhance the sustainability of commercial fisheries worldwide.
The Aquarium is home to the world’s longest-running right whale research program, coordinating
efforts along the East Coast of the U.S. to restore the population of this endangered species.
The Aquarium collaborates with partners around the world to protect ocean ecosystems, such as
coral reefs. In 2008, it partnered with the island nation of Kiribati and Conservation International
to create the 158,000 square mile Phoenix Islands Protected Area.
Welcoming close to 1.3 million annual visitors, The Aquarium is a $45 million operating organization that
combines education, engagement, and action to address the most challenging problems facing the
oceans.
This is evidenced through the almost 50,000 participants
in student and youth programs; more than 1,200
volunteers contributing 125,000 hours of service time;
and the 680 educators who participate in teacher
services, including workshops, professional development
programs, one-on-one consultations, and so much more.
The combination of The Aquarium’s exhibits, public
outreach and marine conservation and research
initiatives are catalyzing large-scale change across the
globe.
To build on this wealth of experience and knowledge, the
Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New
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England Aquarium (the “Anderson Cabot Center”) was launched this past summer. It is a groundbreaking
initiative designed to better highlight and expand the Aquarium’s cutting-edge applied marine research
and data-driven conservation solutions. The Anderson Cabot Center will use innovative research and the
Aquarium’s convening power as a public institution to advance cross-sector solutions – helping to build
collaborations among scientists, policymakers, engineers, fishermen, conservation advocates, and the
seafood industry. The Anderson Cabot Center will advocate for these science-based solutions in New
England waters and beyond, building on the Aquarium’s nearly 50-year legacy of protecting this blue
planet and ensuring vital and vibrant oceans.
About Philanthropy at The Aquarium
There is ever-increasing competition for philanthropic support, and over the last few years the Aquarium
has realized significant growth in its fundraising revenue. Philanthropic support was just under $8 million
in FY14, increased to $10 million in FY15 and escalated to just under $14 million in FY16. Private
philanthropy supports the Aquarium’s annual operating budget, specific mission programs, and capital
projects primarily through foundation and corporate support, government grants, membership, and annual
gifts via direct mail and online outreach. The “Mission Blue” Campaign, completed a few years ago,
raised more than $40 million for capital needs at the Aquarium including the full renovation of the Giant
Ocean Tank. Despite a strong foundation, The Aquarium needs to
expand this base of support over the coming years to ensure the
sustainability, growth and impact of its vital education and marine
conservation and research programs.
About the Position
Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President for
Development (“VPD”) will oversee and manage the Development
functions of the organization, including: Major Gifts, Corporate and
Foundation Giving, Membership, Annual Giving, Government
Grants and Planned Giving. In addition, the VPD will be playing the lead role in preparing the organization
for the next capital campaign. The VPD will be a primary contributor to setting the strategy of the
organization through participation on the Executive Management Team.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
• Partner with President & CEO and Board in taking the Aquarium’s development program to the
next level, particularly in the area of individual and foundation major gifts.
• Review, enhance and implement comprehensive development plan that supports the goals of the
Aquarium’s strategic plan. Provide leadership to all facets of the development department
including planning, analysis, implementation, major donor identification and cultivation,
coordination of Board efforts, and related activities.
• Serve as a key strategist and member of the Aquarium’s senior leadership team.
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Participate at meetings of the Board of Trustees and select Board committees to provide counsel,
and report on development related issues and operations. Work closely with President & CEO
and Board Members on development activities and Board recruitment and engagement.
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Coach, mentor and motivate development team members, and draw upon their potential and
talent, individually and collaboratively.
Fundraising
• Manage top philanthropic relationships with a portfolio of leading individual, corporate and
foundation supporters and prospects.
• Oversee and manage all development functions, including major gifts, corporate and foundation
gifts, annual giving and direct mail, membership, government grants, planned giving, and an
upcoming capital campaign. Ensure effective cultivation and stewardship of donors.
• Identify donor funding opportunities that match the Aquarium’s institutional priorities and
operational needs.
• Develop and implement plan for a more targeted planned giving program.
• Attend special events as a key representative of the Aquarium.
Management
• Assess current development program and evaluate department performance to ensure
achievement of department revenue goals to support the Aquarium’s mission and strategic
direction.
• Develop strong and collaborative working relationships with the Vice Presidents of other
departments to best understand the Aquarium’s mission and programs, and effectively articulate
this information to donors and the public.
• Oversee the development of a best practice development infrastructure, including systems,
policies, and procedures to ensure effectiveness and accountability across the program.
• Prepare and monitor the annual Development budget.
• In addition to advancing the fundraising potential of the current staff, create strategies and
opportunities to attract talented professionals to join growth oriented development team.
Key Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
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Strong passion and enthusiasm for
the Aquarium’s mission of protecting
our blue planet and ensuring vital and
vibrant oceans
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15+ years of development experience
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Minimum of 8 years of management
experience
Strategic Fundraising and Management:
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Demonstrated success building
philanthropic relationships and
support through individual, corporate,
and foundation donors at six and
seven figure levels
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Track record of strategically building programs, pipelines, and volunteer networks to serve
organizational objectives and maximize revenue
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Demonstrated experience leading a comprehensive development team that includes major gifts,
corporate and foundation support, annual giving and planned giving
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Strong management skills that include the ability to motivate, unify, influence, and hold staff
accountable to high standards and achievement of goals
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Demonstrated ability to establish solid working relationships with Board members, high level
volunteers and senior staff
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Knowledge and appreciation of the key roles of planned giving, membership, and stewardship
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Leadership experience in a successful capital campaign
New England Aquarium is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to diversity in the
workplace. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disability
Please email your cover letter and resume in confidence to:
[email protected]
Kieran McTague
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PRINCIPAL
Development Guild DDI For more information about The New England Aquarium please visit www.neaq.org
For more information about Development Guild DDI, please visit www.developmentguild.com
About Development Guild DDI
Development Guild DDI is a national management consulting firm partnering with leading
nonprofits to deliver the strategy, talent, and philanthropic resources that impact organizations
and mission delivery. We focus our work across the nonprofit sector, particularly in the fields of
education, health & science, the environment, the arts, and social justice.
More than 500 clients have shaped the regional, national, and global reach of our extensive
relationships, knowledge, and results. Leveraging our work with nonprofit governance and
leadership development, we deliver service in two areas: fundraising and executive search.
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