The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking an Assistant Director of Philanthropy who will raise funds to support our mission to preserve nature and biodiversity in this amazing place we call home.  

The Assistant Director of Philanthropy is focused on expanding philanthropic revenue through active grants management of foundation and corporate donors. Primary responsibilities include writing proposals and reports for a portfolio of 85-100 foundation and corporate donors and actively researching for new prospective donors for the museum. The position reports to the Senior Director of Philanthropy and is an integral member of the development team.

• Manages a portfolio (85-100) of foundation and corporate donors and prospects. 
• Writes LOIs, grant proposals, cover letters, prepares budgets, and compiles requested information to create complete solicitation packages. 
• Tracks, prepares, and submits grant solicitation and reporting requirements through mail, email, and online channels. 
• Develops identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for new and current foundation and corporate donors and prospects. 
• Plans and implements customized cultivation and stewardship activities for portfolio, including reporting, meetings, Museum tours and events, and other appropriate activities. 
• Thanks donors in personal, thoughtful, and creative ways. 
• Tracks organizational funding priorities and keeps current on Museum strategic priorities and departmental programs to write strong narratives for support. 
• Works closely with development team to determine fundraising strategies for prospective donors.  
• Sends timely contact reports and gift alerts to Museum team.  
• Keeps physical and electronic donor files up to date. 
• Attends all development department hosted events. 
• Actively participates in department’s capital campaign activities.  
• Performs other duties and participates in special projects as needed.

• Tracks organizational funding priorities and keeps current on Museum strategic priorities and departmental programs to better identify new prospective donors. 
• Research foundation prospects for museum priorities using Foundation Directory, iWave and similar tools. 
• Reviews business journals and other nonprofit annual reports to identify corporate and foundation prospects.
• Attends relevant industry events in San Diego to learn first-hand about current and prospective local donors.
• Writes reports on research for museum record keeping.

You are results-oriented with excellent writing and project management skills. You are a self-starter and a team player with energy, enthusiasm, and flexibility. You love to find new ways to connect donors with an organization’s mission.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3-5 years professional nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to present information in a variety of formats. 
• Demonstrated ability to resolve problems. 
• Ability to keep track of the overall picture while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a variety of situations. 
• Ability to work well independently and within a team environment. 
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills. 
• Ability to complete projects accurately and completely within deadlines. 
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required. 
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Altru or other constituent records management database systems is preferred. 

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History 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.

This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, sick-time, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums, and more. 

Salary: $65,000/yr

This position requires you to work on site in Balboa Park no less than three days per week, with the option to work remotely two days per week. 

Applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and two fundraising writing samples to hr@sdnhm.org .

The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) was founded by amateur naturalists in 1874 and has played a major role in the conversation of our region. Having recently completed a strategic plan, The Nat is looking forward to an exciting new era as it approaches its 150th anniversary, focused on innovative audience engagement and an increased role in conservation. sdnat.org 

Reporting to the Senior Director of Education, the Nature Education Manager will be responsible for the development of a new 5^th grade outdoor education curriculum in Balboa Park as well as student resources and teacher training.

The position will collaborate with the Education Departmental staff to lead the management, development, coordination, and evaluation of youth, adult and family-focused outdoor, nature-based programming and resources offered by The San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat). The position will support the development of outdoor interpretive activities and train staff and volunteer personnel on conducting engaging, nature-based programming outside at Balboa Park, at The Nat’s outdoor spaces/interpretive garden or in the field.

This role works collaboratively with the Education Department, Exhibits Department and Volunteer Department to encourage lifelong learning and environmental stewardship. 

• Develop and facilitate outdoor/nature-based curriculum for K-12 students, including:
  • Design, test and develop a flagship outdoor education field trip program and accompanying resources for 5^th grade students that takes place in Balboa Park and around the outdoor spaces of The Nat.
  • Establish an outdoor education advisory committee comprised of internal and external community stakeholders.
  • Work with the Senior Manager of Education and Education staff to update other grade-level field trips, School-in-the-Park and camp programs to incorporate outdoor/nature-based learning experiences.
  • Lead formative and summative evaluation of 5^th grade nature-based school-based program, acting as lead on developing Requests-for-Proposal (RFP) and selecting evaluators and overseeing project management. 
  • Develop and implement regular evaluations and assessments of all nature-based programs, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  • Work with Volunteer Department staff and volunteers to plan for interpretive opportunities for volunteers amongst the outdoor spaces of The Nat; review and update Outdoor Access Fund student programming; and facilitate school-based Canyoneer training. 
  • Work with Community Engagement Manager to plan for community science training, and resources for 5^th grade outdoor education and the interpretive garden.
  • Work with Public Programs Manager to identify nature-based programming for adults. Support the development and facilitation of public-focused outdoor workshops and field trips.
  • Develop informal, nature-based programming for Park and Museum visitors.
  • Stay current on national trends in nature-based education, curricula and current learning theories and practice.

• Teach youth and adult nature-based programs with a focus on experiential and inquiry-based learning experiences.
• Work with Senior Manager of Education to hire, train, schedule and supervise part-time educators to lead nature-based programs. 
• Support Exhibits and Volunteer staff in monitoring and maintaining outdoor garden spaces.
• Develop annual budget and calendar of planned nature-based programs and action items.
• Track budgets of all Nature Education projects to ensure they are meeting targeted benchmarks.
• Submit reports in a timely fashion for all funded activities.
• Maintain and analyze participant records for all programs.
• Work with the Education and Communications Departments to create, gather, and update website content/printed materials related to nature-based education programs.
• Work with Institutional Advancement to develop proposals and reports for funding, including grants, foundation and sponsorship materials for all programs.
• Assist with Education and Volunteer Departments at events on and off campus.
• Attend Museum All Staff meetings and Education department meetings; represent The Nat at nature-based collaboratives and with partnerships.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

• Experience designing and leading nature-based and/or informal education programming.
• Working knowledge of regional natural history and associated categories (e.g. entomology, botany, ornithology etc.).
• Experience developing and evaluating education programs.
• Safety and risk minded.
• Highly organized and detail oriented with strong administrative skills.
• Skilled in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Windows, Excel, MS Teams and Zoom.  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Must have the ability to compose clear and concise correspondence regarding the relevant subject matter.
• Experience developing new programs and protocols.
• Experience planning, overseeing and reporting on sizeable budgets.

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of two or more years’ experience developing and leading informal education curriculum. In addition, two years of experience supervising and training volunteers/staff is highly preferred.
• OR four years or equivalent experience developing and leading informal education curriculum. In addition, two years of experience supervising and training volunteers/staff is highly preferred.
• Experience working successfully with a wide range of ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds.
• A background in education and/or science background is desirable.
• Bi-lingual and/or ability to speak and write in Spanish is desirable.
• CPR/First Aid Certified (or willingness to obtain within first three months of position).

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History 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.

• Standard office environment with frequent work throughout the Museum’s facilities and outdoor spaces
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending with occasional lifting of light loads (10 lbs)
• Able to work, stand and walk for prolonged periods of time in outdoor environments that may have uneven terrain, incremental weather conditions and exposure to hazards including plants and animals.
• Significant telephone and computer work (repetitive movement – typing)

This is a 2.5-year grant funded position (Full-time, Non-exempt). Additional weekends, evenings and holidays may be required.

This position is required to be on-site but may be able to work remotely one day per week upon approval by the Senior Director of Education. This policy is subject to change at the discretion of the Director and the Museum.

Salary Range: The starting salary for this position is $23.00/hr. 

This is a full-time, temporary, non-exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

To Apply: Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that highlights your relevant experience to  hr@sdnhm.org. No phone calls or drop-ins please.

The San Diego Natural History Museum is seeking an Operations Coordinator to provide support to the CFO/COO and to the Museum’s operations departments. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys a variety of tasks, working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and who has an interest in developing as a project manager or analyst. If you are interested in Museums or science this is a great way to be a part of our mission.

• Support the CFO/COO with preparation of paperwork, analysis, reports and presentations, and with the coordination of various projects throughout the Museum.
• Monitor voicemail and mail, answer phones, manage meetings and minute taking, and coordinate internal staff meetings and events.
• Coordinate general operational activities for the Museum including: mail and package shipping and receiving, processing purchase requisitions,
• Coordinate purchasing of office and break-room supplies, manage vendors, and analyze and make recommendations regarding cost effectiveness and sustainability.
• Assist with café, store and e-commerce order processing, shipping and tracking, inventory and product ordering.
• Manage Museum cell phone program including working with vendor, ordering new phones, and transferring lines.

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in an operational coordination or administrative support position.
• Must have ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Must be organized, efficient and able to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information in a discrete and professional manner.  Strong communications (verbal and written) and customer service skills. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 including Outlook, SharePoint and Teams. Experience in Sage Intacct accounting software a plus, but not required.
• Commitment to diversity and ability to effectively work with a diverse range of people.
• This is a full-time (non-exempt) hourly position with benefits. Work schedule is 5 days a week, Monday – Friday with flexible hours between 7 AM – 7 PM. There is occasional need to work evening events 2 – 4 times per year and perform weekend inventories 3 – 4 times a year.

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History 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.

Employees enjoy free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums as well as free admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Learn more about the Museum’s benefits here.

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter that highlights your relevant experience to  hr@sdnhm.org. 

This position is predicted to start at the beginning of August 2023. No phone calls or drop–ins, please.

Pay rate is $22 per hour.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Fellowship position in the Department of Paleontology at the San Diego Natural History Museum (SDNHM). The James R. Colclough Paleontology Postdoctoral Fellowship supports research in marine mammal paleobiology and evolutionary biology. The Fellowship was created to honor the memory of James R. Colclough, longtime volunteer in the Department of Paleontology, and is funded by the James R. Colclough Paleontology Endowment.

The Fellowship is designed to advance the academic and professional training of the next generation of vertebrate paleobiologists by providing them with the funding and facilities to pursue specific, time-limited research projects in association with Museum scientists and utilizing vertebrate fossil specimens housed in the SDNHM Department of Paleontology.

Duties will include conducting original research in marine mammal paleobiology, providing research assistance to the Curator of Paleontology, and introducing new technologies and analytical methods into the Museum setting. Postdoctoral Fellows are expected to be in residence at SDNHM full time and actively engaged in the SDNHM community. The position will include opportunities for interactions with colleagues at nearby San Diego State University, University of California-San Diego, and University of San Diego.

To be considered for this position, applicants must have received a PhD degree within the past six (6) years. Soon-to-graduate PhDs may apply, but all formal requirements for a Ph.D. must be completed before the start of the appointment.

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History 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. 

This is a full-time, exempt position with benefits such as health insurance, vacation, 15 paid holidays, reciprocal free admission to all of Balboa Park’s museums, as well as to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Annual compensation is $64,480, plus fringe benefits. Supplemental research funds also may be available. Appointments will typically be made for two years contingent on satisfactory progress in year one.

On or about October 1, 2023

Applicants should submit a cover letter (1-2 pages), a succinct statement (~700 words) detailing current work and research interests, an up to date curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and the names and contact information for two professional references.

Please submit materials to tdemere@sdnhm.org by February 12, 2023.

Founded as—and still officially named—the San Diego Society of Natural History, our organization traces its roots to an enthusiastic group of amateur naturalists who came together in 1874 to study the unique flora and fauna of our region. Now known as the San Diego Natural History Museum (and affectionately referred to as The Nat), the organization focuses on the natural history and unique biodiversity of our binational region of southern California and the Baja Peninsula. The Nat has more than eight million specimens, a $12M annual budget, 170 employees, and welcomes nearly 300,000 people to the Museum each year. In addition to our location in Balboa Park, The Nat hosts environmental education programs in the community, and we are engaged in scientific research throughout Southern California and the Baja California Peninsula. 

While many people know The Nat as a flagship institution in Balboa Park, we are much bigger than our building. The world we live in is an amazing place. We want everyone to understand it better, enjoy it more, and love it as much as we do, so we’ll all protect it for the future. Because we believe that nature is the biggest exhibition of all. For more information, please visit: sdnat.org.

As a member of the executive team, the VP of Conservation and Science will report to CEO, Judy Gradwohl, who joined the Museum in July 2016 as the organization’s first woman president and CEO, following more than 30 years at the Smithsonian Institution. Judy’s passion for and wide range of experience in natural history research, science communication, and museum management has taken the organization to new heights. Under her leadership, the Museum developed a new strategic plan focused on regional science, collections, education, and conservation. Culture is everything at The Nat, where we work hard to create an environment that gives team members a voice in the strategic direction of the institution. We celebrate innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and collaboration, without ever losing our sense of humor and camaraderie. The VP will join a convivial and dedicated Science department of 55 exceptionally talented staff, working collaboratively to help shape The Nat’s future as we head into our 150^th anniversary next year.

• Salary: $120,000 - $135,000.
• Medical, Dental and Vision Coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Health, Dependent and Transit.
• Life Insurance for annual salary up to $150,000.
• AD&D and Long-Term Disability.
• 401K with match.
• PTO: 10 paid days off, 10 paid sick days, 15 paid holidays.
• Park employee discounts at stores, coffee carts, and restaurants.
• Free admission into all of Balboa Park’s museums and the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.
• For more information on The Nat’s benefits please visit: https://www.sdnat.org/about-us/employment/why-work-here

This role will need to work primarily on-site in Balboa Park, there is some flexibility for remote work. Because the mission region includes Mexico travel to the Baja Peninsula or mainland Mexico will be required.

Our leadership team took the opportunity to reimagine the VP of Conservation & Science position, significantly expanding the scope to focus on broader organizational development and scientific advancement. The new VP will focus in 5 critical areas:

1. Leadership: refine and drive the Science Department’s mission, research, conservation activities, operations and business strategy. Oversee collections policy and ensure the quality and integrity of research.
2. Advocacy: serve as an ambassador, spokesperson and subject matter expert for The Nat through panels, public speaking, accompanying and leading tours and stewardship events, and through publishing research, white papers and position pieces.
3. Convene: develop and expand the Museum’s ability to serve as a recognized leader in the field of science and conservation.
4. Advancement: support efforts to expand and diversify revenue through grants, contracts, and other new and innovative sources, including our extremely successful Paleo Sciences and Bio Sciences divisions.
5. Management: coach, mentor, and develop the Science Department team working in the Museum and in the field on both sides of the Border.

As a member of the executive team, the VP of Conservation & Science will report to the CEO and serve as head of our Conservation and Science Division They will have wide latitude to shape their role, including strategy and tactics in the areas listed above, as well as integrating science and conservation across Museum activities, and developing the overall culture across the organization. The VP will also oversee The Nat’s business services division, which includes our well-established Paleo Services and Bio Services, with a combined budget of nearly $3M annually.

What does success look like for the new VP of Conservation & Science? Looking out over a 3–5-year time horizon, we would envisage the following achievements:

1. Vision: play a key role in the creation of a Natural History Museum that remains extremely relevant now, and into the future; establish The Nat as the leading authority in all areas of conservation science and biodiversity in the San Diego-Baja California region.
2. Strategy: create a strategic plan for The Nat’s Research Department, as well as individual plans for the Paleo Services, Bio Services, and other potential new businesses added to our portfolio.
3. Talent: lead a proactive succession planning strategy to prepare the department ahead of future retirements and enable us to attract and retain talented and diverse new team members.
4. Advancement: grow and diversify The Nat’s consulting practices/business services, identifying other potential earned revenue opportunities to support our research agenda, including NSF funding and other grant sources.
5. Leadership: ensure that the Conservation and Science division is well-integrated into the Museum as a whole, and significantly contributes to the well-being and functioning of the Museum and its full range of staff.

• Develop and manage a $3.5M annual budget, comprised of grant-funded and fee-for-service revenue.
• Serve as a conservation and scientific spokesperson, speaking to current and potential partners, the Board of Directors, elected officials, donors, media, and other Museum stakeholders.
• Participate in the Museum’s overall strategy planning, policy and advocacy activities, priority setting, and budget development.
• Serve as an ambassador from the department to the rest of the Museum.
• Monitor relevant scientific literature and conservation activities to ensure the Museum remains up-to-date with current trends and findings in the field.

• Demonstrated experience successfully leading a scientific research or science-based conservation organization. Ideally has experience working with natural history research and collections, and field studies.
• Familiarity with scientific contracting or consulting work.
• Strong leadership and business skills with an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to develop strategy, multi-task, motivate, set objectives, and manage the performance of a multi-disciplinary science and conservation staff.
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, staff, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including experience with major donors, foundations, corporations, and government funders, and ability to identify new funding streams.
• Committed to the Museum’s mission, maintaining perspective, a professional demeanor, and a sense of humor.  
• An advanced degree in natural sciences, biological conservation or a related field.  A Ph.D. is preferred, but not required.
• Spanish-speaking is a plus.

In compliance with the San Diego Natural History 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.

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