Employment

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Department: Community Engagement
Reports To: VIce President of Community Engagement
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Director of Major Gifts is responsible for strategy, cultivation and solicitation of individual major gifts, which advance the fundraising for major campaigns and the organization. The Director will work with staff and campaign volunteers to reach identified goals outlined in campaigns and the organization’s strategic plan.  

The position reports directly to the Vice President of Community Engagement and will be:

• Passionate about the mission of SCI and the community served by its assets and programs;
• Committed to building meaningful relationships;
• Highly motivated to raise funds to support the organization;
• Able to develop strategies for successfully closing major gifts;
• Comfortable working with SCI donors, staff, volunteers and clients; and highly collaborative with the science center staff and volunteer leadership to achieve overall goals

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned.

• Develop strategy in concert with the organization’s case for support and in collaboration with the advancement team and volunteers
• Develop and recommend a strategy for major gift donors that will: Engage and retain existing donors; increase the average gift size; and expand the number of donors.
• Create and manage a major gift donor plan for an assigned portfolio of dedicated prospects
• Communicate the donor plan tactics and goals to the Vice President of Community Engagement to ensure the plan is accepted and incorporated into the overall advancement plans and operations
• Engage donors through effective communications (e.g., written, face-to-face, web and social media, events).
• Build relationships with donors
• Cultivate major gift donors and solicits gifts to maximize philanthropic giving for targeted segments
• Work closely with the team to ensure overall success of the advancement function
• Support team members with parallel fundraising activities, such as mid-level, annual fund, events, planned-giving and campaigns
• Develop appropriate metrics and reports for major gifts
• Maintain donor tracking and systems via the CRM system
• Develop documentation and work closely with donor communications, finance, annual fund and grants
• Utilize the approved messaging and brand of the Science Center of Iowa to promote the amenities of the campaign in order to elevate the organization and position it for success

Requirements:

Education and Experience

• A bachelor's degree in an appropriate field
• Extensive fundraising preferred with 5-10 years of experience in related fundraising practices (e.g., donor relations, engagement, planned-giving, annual fund, event management)

Competencies, Skills and Abilities

• Deep, passionate commitment to SCI’s mission and the ability to communicate its objectives enthusiastically to potential donors
• Strategic mindset and ability to develop plans to maximize philanthropic giving from the assigned portfolio and major-gift donors
• Knowledge of fund development principles, strategies and tactics
• Customer focus – ability to engage donors, staff, volunteers and community constituents
• Drive for results
• Interpersonal savvy and ability to establish relationships with integrity and trust
• Persuasion skills
• Political savvy in working with donors, funders, community leaders and volunteers
• Ability to work independently and collaborate
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Communicate effectively (verbal, written and presentation)
• Manage ambiguity and be flexible in responding to the needs of a fast-moving, dynamic and complex department
• Proficient with computer software with preference to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and donor data base management

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid drivers' licence preferred
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Working Hours: Full time, which will include, but not be limited to nights, weekends and possible holidays. Schedule will vary based upon SCI events and organizational needs. 

To Apply: Email your cover letter, resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the candidate is hired. Only electronic applications are accepted. No paper applications will be considered.

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Department: Community Engagement
Reports To: Events & Venue Manager
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Events & Visitor Services Associate assists with venue rentals for external clients and internal events in collaboration with the Events & Venue Manager. This role collaborates with SCI staff, caterers and vendors to exceed the expectations of potential clients. Responsibilities include pre-event coordination with service providers, enforcing facility rules and protocols during events and serving as the point-of-contact for event clients. In addition, this position will work with the Box Office Manager to assist with sales and general admissions services. 

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and perform other duties as assigned.

• Coordinate venue rental events from pre-event through post-event phases
• Work with multiple departments to create, project manage and execute new and recurring events
• Serve as the primary point-of-contact for internal and venue rental events, coordinating from pre-event through post-event phases anticipating and communicating client needs, promptly addressing concerns, problem-solving and providing excellent customer service
• Oversee venue rentals including set-up, maintenance of rental space, teardown/clean-up of event spaces and securing the building at the end of events
• Ensure total compliance with the SCI contracts, rules and regulations
• Maintain cash transactions during events, when needed
• Complete training and act as Manager On Duty at events
• Collaborate with clients, caterers, event planners, vendors, service providers and SCI staff to ensure excellent guest experiences at SCI
• Track and report attendance and identify trends
• Support SCI staff through administrative service and office coordination
• Prioritize short-term and long-term priorities in an effective and organized manner
• Balance day-to-day museum operations and venue rental needs
• Keep and maintain accurate, detailed records for each event and client
• Approach internal and venue rental events with creative and innovative thinking
• Ensuring Participant Services team members deliver exceptional customer service
• Effectively addresse inquiries from visitors, prioritize challenges and resolve any issues in a timely manner
• Responsible for access to cash room, safes and securing daily revenues
• Implement and maintain policies and procedures to maintain high retail standards
• Utilize and implement the use of the point-of-sale system daily and customer relations management system

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required for this position.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in event management, business, hospitality or related field of study preferred
• Minimum of two years experience in an events position at a cultural attraction or corporate environment (preferred)
• Experience with point-of-sale and donor database software
• Experience working with both big picture concepts and minute details, in both short- and long-term projects
• Project and/or event management, preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Understanding of basic mathematical concepts such as algebra, geometry and bookkeeping
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to solve complex problems and independently make decisions
• Deadline- and detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Team player, positive attitude and service-oriented
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid drivers' licence preferred
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Working Hours: Full-time, which will include, but not be limited to nights, weekends and possible holidays. Schedule will vary based upon SCI events and organizational needs, based on Wednesday through Sunday work schedule.

To Apply: Email your cover letter, resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org. Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until the candidate is hired. Only electronic applications are accepted. No paper applications will be considered.

Classification: Full-Time; Non-Exempt
Department: Science Learning
Reports To: Director of Learning Experiences
Direct Reports: This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities

Position Overview:

This position provides an exceptional visitor experience as a member of a versatile team that handles: programming and presentations, orientation and support of visiting groups and professional development to external groups. Responsibilities include scheduling, safety and materials oversight and volunteer support for science learning department.

Responsibilities:

• Oversees the daily communication of programming with the public through printed and digital signage
• Establishes and monitors scheduling by coordinating with the Director of Learning Experiences to ensure coverage of various areas within the Science Learning division
• Provides thorough and timely responses to internal and external customers surrounding programming questions, requests and service needs
• Communicates effectively with schools and outside organizations; knowledgeable of the slate of Science Learning offerings
• Navigates through various software specific to SCI for scheduling and communication purposes
• Presents live programs and demonstrations as needed
• Oversight of materials and documentation of safety procedures
• Implements and ensures compliance with departmental processes, policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned - Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; uties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Creative, curious, innovative and passionate about learning
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and negotiating skills
• Customer-centric approach to engaging customers, donors and team members
• Effective problem-solving skills and strong organizational skills
• Must be able to multitask and work with great attention to detail
• Be well-organized, demonstrate attention to details
• Ability to manage and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Trustworthy and of high integrity, showing high respect for confidential information
• Must uphold the values and integrity of the Science Center of Iowa
• Obtain and maintain a Chauffeur's License
• Self-starter; ability to work proactively and independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment

Preferred:

• Previous customer service experience preferred
• Bachelor degree from an accredited institution
• Knowledge of Versai software, Microsoft Office Suite and general data analysis

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer but is occasionally active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing. The employee must regularly lift and/or move items up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. A Tuesday-Saturday schedule is typical, with standard hours of 9 am - 5 pm.  Typically, no travel will be required.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org by January 31.

Classification: Full-Time; Non-Exempt
Department: Finance and Administration
Reports To: Accounting Manager
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

This position will support a variety of general accounting tasks related to accounts payable, accounts receivable, bookkeeping, payroll processing, credit cards reconciliations, HR related responsibilities and daily deposits recording.  

Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactory, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform other duties as assigned.

• Review and process accounts payable invoices, assign purchase orders and confirm correct GL accounts were used
• Set up new vendors in accounting system and process weekly payments to vendors as approved
• Daily credit cards, cash and check transactions recording and reconciliation
• Check and ACH positive pay administration and monthly business credit cards reconciliation
• Process bi-monthly payroll for 100+ employees and perform all associated tasks including but not limited to - new hire set up, data entry, time sheets collection, generating payroll reports and other payroll related items; all payroll is processed through a third party payroll vendor
• Perform administrative functions for the time and attendance tracking system
• Basic office duties such as answering calls to provide information to customers and file and maintain documents or records
• Please note this job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

Education, Experience and/or Other Requirements

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with some accounting coursework
• Minimum of one (1) year of related experience
• Basic understanding of accounting practices and procedures
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to details and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently while also constructively contributing in a team environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks to meet all deadlines
• Impeccable judgment and ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic setting
• Successfully pass background check

Preferred:

• Associate’s degree in a related field
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks and ADP
• Experience with Virtual Time Recording System

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position requires prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer but is occasionally active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling and climbing. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Hours & Work Schedule: Hours will vary based on business needs and may include days, evenings, weekends and holidays. Primary hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Occasional local travel may be needed.

To Apply:

Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org by February 10.

Classification: Part-time, Non-exempt
Department: Retail Operations
Reports To: Cafe Coordinator
Direct Reports: None

Position Overview:

This position is expected to provide exceptional guest service to all patrons visiting SCI’s Food Chain Cafe. Under guided leadership from the Cafe Coordinator and the Director Retail Operations, the Cafe Associate will also be responsible for operational duties, as assigned, to ensure a satisfactory experience for all guests and patrons visiting SCI.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain a commitment to excellent guest service in Cafe and all areas of SCI
• Greet and tend to the needs of all guests in a timely manner
• Processing all cash and credit card point-of-sale transactions accurately
• Provide knowledgeable information regarding product offerings and general SCI information for guests
• Accurately check all identification necessary to ensure patrons meet minimum age requirements for the purchase of alcohol products
• Maintain the cleanliness of tables, floors, counters and windows
• Maintain optimum food safety standards as required
• Stock, merchandise and inventory Cafe supplies and products
• Assist Cafe Coordinator with various tasks and duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Must be of legal age to sell alcoholic beverages in accordance with the State of Iowa
• Must have food service, retail, and/or strong customer service related experience
• Must maintain a professional and polite demeanor at all times
• Enjoy working with people in a public setting
• Have great problem solving skills
• Needs to have accurate and efficient bookkeeping/money handling skills
• Well groomed, clean and presentable
• Ability to multi-task various duties and projects
• Ability to lift 35 lbs. 
• Must uphold the values and integrity of the Science Center of Iowa

Working Hours: Part-time hours varying between the hours of operation for SCI and the Blank IMAX Dome Theater. This may include a combination of shifts during days, nights, weekends and holidays.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org.