Vice President of Development

Space Center Houston is a nonprofit science and space exploration learning destination with extensive education programs. The center is the cornerstone of the nonprofit 501(c)(3) Manned Space Flight Education Foundation’s science learning mission and offers unique exhibits, space exploration artifacts, immersive experiences, public programs, learning programs for youth and adults, live presentations and hands-on activities that tell the story of NASA’s human space flight program from its beginnings to the challenges and opportunities of today and plans for the future. A Smithsonian Affiliate, Space Center Houston has the largest collection of space artifacts in the American southwest. It is also the official visitor center for NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC).

Space Center Houston’s 250,000-square-foot educational complex welcomes 1.2 million visitors annually, including more than 250,000 teachers and students through field trips and facilitated educational programs. Visitors from around the world enjoy opportunities to view more than 400 space artifacts and changing exhibits related to America’s achievements in space as well as go behind the scenes on tours of JSC laboratories and research facilities, including the historic Apollo Mission Control Room, the Vehicle Mock Up Facility housing a full-scale replica of the International Space Station, astronaut training areas, a robotics laboratory, a robotics laboratory, and a Rocket Park where a Saturn V rocket is on exhibit.

Space Center Houston seeks a senior development executive with proven management and leadership experience in a similar position in a museum, science center or related non-profit organization.  This individual’s background and experience would include proven expertise and a record of achievement in development and fundraising practices including major, principal and planned gift development. This person will have a demonstrated track record in a leadership role in the conceptualization, planning and realization of large-scale capital campaigns. They must have strong leadership and managerial skills with experience directing a team of fundraising professionals. Experience in researching, writing and securing grants is desired.

The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills, oral and written, along with stellar public speaking and presentation abilities. The skill to build and nurture relationships, internally and externally, and a willingness to master a thorough understanding of NASA Johnson Space Center’s and Space Center Houston’s goals and strengths and express these clearly and effectively to prospects, donors and constituents is critical.

The VP of Development is a vital member of the staff leadership team who will work closely with an active volunteer Board of Directors. The successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to understand and operate effectively within a 501c3 nonprofit governing environment while providing strong leadership in the implementation of best practice management techniques in development/fundraising.

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university is required. A proven record of successful fundraising and demonstrated experience in securing major contributions is required.