Managing Director, Development & External Affairs

Help shape the future of learning. Build the partnerships that make it possible. KID Museum is at an exciting inflection point. Over the past decade, we have grown from a beloved local museum into a nationally recognized learning lab that develops, tests, and shares innovative approaches to helping young people thrive in a rapidly changing world. We work at the intersection of education, creativity, technology, workforce readiness, and youth development, engaging thousands of students, educators, families, and community partners every year. As we enter our next chapter of growth, we're seeking a Managing Director, Development & External Affairs to help expand our impact, our visibility, and the network of champions who believe in this work. This is more than a traditional fundraising leadership role. We're looking for an entrepreneurial relationship-builder, strategist, storyteller, and fundraiser who is energized by creating opportunities, opening doors, and turning vision into investment. You'll help shape how KID Museum shows up with philanthropists, institutional funders, corporate leaders, government supporters, and education innovators while building the philanthropic engine that fuels our mission. What Makes This Opportunity Different This is a rare opportunity to: Join a mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment of growthPartner directly with an entrepreneurial founder and executive leadership teamShape organizational strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership TeamBuild and expand a sophisticated fundraising operationPlay a visible role with Board members, community leaders, and national partnersHelp define how a growing organization engages philanthropists, funders, and thought leadersContribute to work that is influencing the future of education and youth development If you are motivated by purpose, excited by growth, and ready to help build something that matters, we'd love to meet you. What You'll Do Lead KID Museum's Next Phase of Fundraising Growth You'll Develop And Execute a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy Spanning Major giftsFoundationsCorporate partnershipsGovernment fundingCampaign givingEmerging philanthropic opportunities Working closely with the Founder & Executive Director, Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer, Board members, and senior leadership team, you'll help create the strategies, systems, and relationships necessary to sustain and accelerate organizational growth. Build and Advance High-Impact Relationships Role You'll personally manage a portfolio of major donors, funders, and strategic partners, cultivating relationships that lead to transformational investments and long-term engagement. This role requires someone who enjoys being in the room, making connections, creating momentum, and developing trusted relationships with: Philanthropic leadersCorporate executivesFoundation partnersGovernment supportersEducation leadersCommunity stakeholdersNational funders Strengthen KID Museum's Philanthropic Presence As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you'll serve as a key external ambassador for KID Museum, helping expand our visibility and influence among current and prospective donors, funders, and partners across the Washington region and nationally. You'll help position KID Museum not only as a destination for learning but as a leader in reimagining how young people develop the skills, mindsets, and experiences needed for the future — in ways that inspire deeper philanthropic investment and partnership. Tell a Story People Want to Invest In Working Closely With Colleagues Across Programs, Communications, And Leadership, You'll Translate KID Museum's Impact Into Compelling Cases For Support That Inspire Donors, Partners, And Advocates. You'll Help Communicate a Powerful And Consistent Message KID Museum is a learning lab that develops, tests, and shares innovative approaches to future-ready learning. What We're Looking For We're seeking a leader who brings a combination of fundraising expertise, strategic thinking, and relationship-building excellence. Ideal Candidates Will Have 10+ years of experience in fundraising, development, external affairs, partnerships, or related leadership rolesA track record of securing significant philanthropic investments, partnerships, sponsorships, or major giftsExperience developing and executing fundraising strategySuccess managing donor and prospect portfoliosStrong communication, presentation, and storytelling skillsExperience leading teams and collaborating across functionsThe ability to move comfortably between strategy and executionA collaborative, entrepreneurial, and highly relational leadership style Additional Experience That Would Be Especially Valuable Includes Relationships across the Washington DC, Maryland, or broader DMV philanthropic communityConnections to education, technology, workforce development, or social impact sectorsExperience supporting capital campaigns or transformational growth initiativesExperience working closely with founders, CEOs, boards, or highly visible external leaders About KID Museum KID Museum is a leading experiential learning organization dedicated to empowering the next generation with the skills, creativity, and confidence needed to shape the future. Through hands-on programs, workshops, educator partnerships, community engagement, and innovation initiatives, we help young people become creators, problem-solvers, and changemakers. Ready to help build the partnerships, resources, and momentum that will shape the future of learning? We'd love to hear from you.