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 by September 10. 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, Exempt
Department: Community Engagement
Reports To: Events and Venue Manager
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Events and Venue Coordinator oversees venue rentals for external clients in collaboration with the Events and 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.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate venue rental events from pre-event through post-event phases
• Serve as the primary point-of-contact during venue rental events, anticipating and communicating client needs, promptly addressing concerns, problem-solving and providing excellent customer service
• Oversee events and 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
• Manage cash transactions during events when needed
• Collaborate with clients, caterers, event planners, vendors, service providers and SCI staff to ensure excellent guest experiences at SCI
• Research, schedule and conduct sales calls and appointments, following up as needed
• Successfully promote SCI events and venue rental offerings across multiple platforms
• Support SCI staff through administrative service and office coordination
• Manage short-term and long-term priorities in an effective and organized manner
• Balance day-to-day museum operations and events and venue rentals program needs
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends through research and inquiry to create competitive events and venue rental offerings
• Keep and maintain accurate, detailed records for each event and client
• Assist the Events and Venue Manager with revenue and expense reporting
• Approach events and venue rentals with creative and innovative thinking
• Perform other duties as assigned by Events and Venue Manager

Requirements:

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
• Experience with point-of-sale and donor database software
• Project and/or event management is a plus

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 written and oral communication skills
• Ability to solve complex problems and independently make decisions
• Experience working with both big picture concepts and minute details, in both short- and long-term projects
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite

Licenses and Certificates

• Valid Drivers’ License preferred
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check

Schedule and 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 resume, cover letter, completed application materials and three references to scihr@sciowa.org by September 22. Only electronic applications are accepted. No paper applications will be considered.

Classification: Part-Time, Non-exempt
Department: Membership
Reports To: Community Engagement Manager
Direct Reports: No

Position Overview:

The Membership Associate position provides data entry and customer service support to the Science Center of Iowa Membership team.

Responsibilities:

• Enter and verify membership sales from the weekly transfers from the Blank Park Zoo and Living History Farms
• Review daily membership sales for accuracy and correct any errors
• Print and mail membership cards and thank-you letters
• Send monthly renewal letters and emails
• Answer membership questions via email and phone calls
• Sell memberships over the phone and at the SCI Box Office
• Provide assistance at events for member check-in
• Perform essential membership duties on weekends and when Membership Specialist is out of office
• Other duties as assigned by membership team

Expectations:

• Understand and support the purpose and policies of the Science Center of Iowa
• Understand the structure of the membership program of the Science Center of Iowa
• Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information
• Offer the use of your skills or experience
• Be flexible in accepting assignments and guidance
• Perform assigned responsibilities willingly and courteously to the best of your ability
• Provide timely notification of tardiness or absence to the Membership Specialist
• Comply with rules and guidelines outlined by the Science Center of Iowa

Qualifications:

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Highly proficient on computers and database management
• Detail oriented, and self-motivated
• Availability to work 15-20 hours per week

Working Hours: Part-time, which will include, but not be limited to weekends. Schedule will range from 15-20 hours per week, including at least one weekend day per week.

To Apply: Email your resume and completed application materials to scihr@sciowa.org by July 1.

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.

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 of the Science Center of Iowa, especially at any special events, to guests or clients. Under guided leadership from the Café Coordinator and the Director of Retail Operations, the Bartender Associate will also be responsible for operational duties as assigned, to ensure a satisfactory experience for all guests, patrons and clients of the Science Center of Iowa.

Responsibilities:

• Independently execute bar operations for internal and external events and facility rentals
• Accurately process all cash and credit card transactions
• Consistently check identification of guests to ensure patrons meet minimum age requirements for alcohol purchases
• Maintain cleanliness of work area
• Maintain optimal food safety practices
• Stock merchandise and inventory as needed
• Assist Cafe Coordinator with tasks and duties related to events
• Additional duties as assigned

Requirements:

•  Must be of legal age to sell alcohol in accordance with Iowa Laws
•  Must have food & beverage service, retail and strong customer service experience
•  Must have a personable, enthusiastic and engaging personality
•  Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment
•  Must be able to multi-task and accomplish various duties
•  Must be flexible, open-minded and able to react to guest and organizational needs
•  Ability to lift a minimum of 35 lbs.
•  Knowledge of alcoholic beverages
• Well groomed, clean and presentable
• Must uphold the integrity of SCI

Working Hours: Part-time hours will be assigned to support special events in addition to daily operations. Shifts may include some evenings, weekends and holidays.

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