Chief Strategic Advancement Officer

Who we are

Our mission is to spark creativity, exploration and a sense of belonging through interactive art experiences. Located in downtown San Diego, the New Children’s Museum collaborates with contemporary artists to design and create art installations and educational programs for children. The Museum brings families together in a rich educational environment that fosters creativity and expression. 2.4 million guests have visited the downtown location since doors opened in 2008, including 232,386 visitors in 2022.

Our vision is to be the most innovative, most loved, most inspiring and most sustainable children’s museum in the world. Our interactive art installations and hands-on art programming provide creative and educational experiences for children and families. We work with artists to reimagine our spaces so that there is always something “new” to discover when you visit. As a nonprofit institution, we rely on daily admissions, memberships, and community support to fund our daily operations. In 2023, the Museum is celebrating 40 years serving San Diego and 15 years as The New Children’s Museum in its downtown location.

Our building is a dramatic, multi-level 50,000 square-foot building that includes a series of transparent, flexible spaces which visibly expose the building’s construction and design. Designed by visionary and award-winning architect Rob Wellington Quigley, the dynamic space is one of the first green museums in California.

Our commitment is to providing a welcoming space for all families. We believe that diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion are integral to fulfilling our mission and empowering children’s innate creativity through hands-on exposure to art and the creative process. Last year, 69,455 visitors attended the Museum through access programs. Please visit: https://thinkplaycreate.org/ to learn more.

LEADERSHIP & CULTURE

This newly created position will report to our Chief Executive Officer, Elizabeth Yang-Hellewell. Elizabeth joined the Museum last year and brings over 15 years of non-profit leadership and development experience within the art and education sectors. She has a passion for creating organizational structures that foster the development of diverse audiences, partnerships, and creative programming. This is an exciting time to join the organization, as we are poised for our next transformative phase of growth and organizational development. In 2023, the Museum will celebrate 40 years of serving San Diego kids and families. 

BENEFITS & FEATURES

  • Salary – $150,000 – $175,000 DOE/NEG
  • Medical, dental, and vision Insurance and Flexible Spending Account
  • 403(b) retirement account
  • 10 paid days off
  • 10 paid sick days
  • 11 paid holidays, plus 2 floating holidays

LOCATION

This role will primarily be in-person, with some flexibility to work remotely. The New Children’s Museum is located at 200 W. Island Ave. in San Diego.

POSITION SUMMARY

As mentioned earlier, the Chief Strategic Advancement Officer (CSAO) is a newly created role within the Museum, designed to both elevate and integrate our development, membership, marketing, branding and events efforts. The CSAO will be a key member of our executive team, participating in every major decision across the organization, and serving as a key thought partner and sounding board to the CEO in all areas of external affairs. As the lead fundraiser for all contributed income efforts, the CSAO will set messaging standards and strategies across the organization, driving revenue through philanthropy, events and other innovative new income streams. The CSAO will oversee an annual revenue goal of $5M, leading, supporting, and collaborating with a total team of 15 staff members, including 3 direct reports: Director of Philanthropy, Director of Marketing & Communications and Events Manager. Our vision is for them to be an extremely high profile leader both within our organization, and across the broader community.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

  • Lead innovative high-level philanthropy efforts with new and existing prospects and donors in the areas of individual giving, foundation giving, corporate sponsorships, and government support.
  • Serve as a high profile leader within the organization, instilling a culture of philanthropy into every area of the Museum.
  • Oversee development and execution of a Museum-wide marketing plan.
  • Ensure consistent messaging across multiple platforms by working with staff members and consultants in the areas of public relations, marketing, social media, and our website.
  • Develop innovative new earned revenue streams, such as special events and partnerships.
  • Play an active role in short and long-term strategic planning.
  • Conduct data-driven research to help inform Museum-wide initiatives and messaging.

COVID-19 VACCINATION POLICY

In compliance with the New Children’s Museum’s mandatory vaccination policy, the Museum requires proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Accommodations based on medical and religious exemptions will be considered.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY, PLEASE CONTACT:

Sarah Thompson, Senior Director, Blair Search Partners
1855 1st Ave., Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92101
sarah@blairsearchpartners.com