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 growth
Partner directly with an entrepreneurial founder and executive leadership team
Shape organizational strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
Build and expand a sophisticated fundraising operation
Play a visible role with Board members, community leaders, and national partners
Help define how a growing organization engages philanthropists, funders, and thought leaders
Contribute 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 gifts
Foundations
Corporate partnerships
Government funding
Campaign giving
Emerging 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
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 leaders
Corporate executives
Foundation partners
Government supporters
Education leaders
Community stakeholders
National 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 roles
A track record of securing significant philanthropic investments, partnerships, sponsorships, or major gifts
Experience developing and executing fundraising strategy
Success managing donor and prospect portfolios
Strong communication, presentation, and storytelling skills
Experience leading teams and collaborating across functions
The ability to move comfortably between strategy and execution
A 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 community
Connections to education, technology, workforce development, or social impact sectors
Experience supporting capital campaigns or transformational growth initiatives
Experience working closely with founders, CEOs, boards, or highly visible external leaders
Compensation and Location: The salary range for this position is $140,000-$150,000 (commensurate with experience) and it is offered along with a competitive benefits package. The position is based in Bethesda, MD.
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.

Employment type
Full-Time

Work arrangement
No