Advancement Senior Specialist

Company: Society for Science & the Public
Location: Washington
Posted on: March 26, 2025

Job Description:

Founded in 1921, Society for Science (Society), is a champion for science, dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education, and scientific research. The Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.The Society is most well-known for the award-winning journalism of Science News Media Group and world-class STEM research competitions: Regeneron Science Talent Search, Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. For the past nine years, the Society has focused more than $4 million annually on a suite of STEM Outreach programs aimed at expanding access to authentic and high-quality STEM experiences for all students. Our efforts in this area are already impacting millions of students at thousands of schools and education programs in all 50 states and throughout the world.The Society is seeking an Advancement Senior Specialist to support efforts to identify and build new institutional funding partnerships, with an emphasis on fundraising for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).About ISEFProduced annually since 1950 by Society for Science (Society), the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is the world's largest, precollegiate STEM research competition. High school finalists representing approximately 400 affiliated fairs from around the world compete in 22 categories that are supported by foundations and corporations committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. ISEF competitors join the Society's international network of 80,000+ alumni-this accomplished group includes 15 Nobel Prize winners, 27 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, and 13 National Medal of Science recipients. At ISEF 2024 in Los Angeles, CA, 1,660 finalists competed for more than $9 million in awards and scholarships. The full week of programming was made possible by 730 judges representing higher education and industry, 200+ interpreters covering 19 languages and a total of 850 volunteer shifts covered by general volunteers. ISEF 2024 attracted 9,000+ total attendees, including nearly 4,000 local students and educators that attended Education Outreach Day and representatives of 70+ colleges, universities, educational institutions, and scientific organizations.ISEF 2025 will be in Columbus, OH, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center May 10-16. Regeneron is the title sponsor, and additional confirmed sponsors include Howmet Aerospace, HP, Intel, Jacobs, Jane Street, and Siemens Energy. Phoenix, AZ, is hosting ISEF 2026 and ISEF will return to Los Angeles, CA, in 2027.Position OverviewThe Advancement Senior Specialist is an integral member of the Advancement Department and executes a full range of operational and administrative activities to effectively support the organization's fundraising and engagement goals.The ideal Advancement Senior Specialist candidate will have experience creating visually compelling, high-quality pitch decks for a variety of institutional funders, including corporations, corporate foundations, and private foundations. Additional responsibilities will include writing correspondence, drafting ISEF marketing collateral, collaborating with leaders and team members to develop relationships with key stakeholders, and tracking opportunities in the donor database. This position requires strong writing, data analysis, and project management skills, with an emphasis on clear writing and outcome measurement.The Advancement Senior Specialist will report directly to the Director of Philanthropic Partnerships in the Advancement Department, a highly-collaborative, fast-paced office of seasoned development professionals, advancing an organization that excels in cutting-edge science journalism, STEM education, and STEM research competition experiences for middle and high school students around the world.Primary Responsibilities

• Develop effective outreach communications, including pitch decks, letters of inquiry, and other proposal materials.
• Work with Advancement Operations team to maintain grant compliance and reporting, including funder reporting schedules and requirements.
• Assist Advancement Engagement team and other internal colleagues in drafting compelling targeted program updates (e.g. newsletter content, blog posts, press releases, social media posts).
• Prepare materials for internal and external meetings.
• Maintain proficient knowledge of the organization's history and programs.
• Research potential new institutional giving funders based on the Society's needs.
• Track opportunity data in the fundraising database, including contacts, action items, prospect information, appeal and solicitation coding, and gift agreements.
• Provide in-person support for events related to Institutional Giving, particularly during the International Science and Engineering Fair.
• Other responsibilities as developed over time.Qualifications
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • High level of professionalism and time management capacities.
  • Excellent analytical and reasoning skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, to multi-task, and to be a self-starter.
  • Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources.
  • Ability to work independently and under tight timelines.
  • Excellent knowledge of proposal submission and fundraising process.
  • Flexible, collaborative and collegial work style.
  • Ability to handle confidential matters with utmost integrity.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher.
  • Familiarity with prospect research tools (Foundation Directory, Candid/Guidestar, iWave, Research Point or similar systems).
  • Familiarity with Raiser's Edge, Microsoft Dynamics or comparable donor management software a plus.
  • Understanding of and affinity for the core values of the Society.Required Education and Experience
    • 1 to 3 years of experience in grant writing, development/fundraising or related experience.Position Type and Expected HoursThis is a full-time, exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal office hours of the Society. Light travel for some of the organization's events is necessary in this position.While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. Society for Science is operating on a hybrid work schedule, which includes two days in the office per week. This position is based in the DC metropolitan area.Physical DemandsThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment.Additional InformationSociety for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.How to ApplySubmit a professional resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Society for Science is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
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Keywords: Society for Science & the Public, Washington DC , Advancement Senior Specialist, Other , Washington, DC