Senior Development & Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser

About The Explorers Club

Since 1904, The Explorers Club has served as a multidisciplinary, professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research, scientific exploration, and the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore. With a legacy that includes the first to the poles, the first to the summit of Everest, and the first to the surface of the moon.

As we look toward the future of conservation and discovery, we are seeking a visionary fundraiser to bridge the gap between corporate innovation and the Club's 501(c)(3) non-profit objectives.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Development & Corporate Partnerships Officer who will be responsible for identifying, securing, and managing high-level corporate sponsorships and major gifts to fund The Explorers Club's ambitious nonprofit goals—from field grants, supporting our operational budget and climate initiatives to the preservation of our world-renowned archives.

Key Responsibilities

• Corporate Strategy: Design and execute a global corporate engagement strategy that aligns brand values with our mission of exploration and sustainability.
• Revenue Generation: Secure six- and seven-figure sponsorships and philanthropic donations to meet annual and long-term operational and capital campaign goals.
• Global Expansion Support: Work closely with leadership to fund the operational and programming needs of our expanding chapters and new facilities.
• Relationship Management: Act as the liaison for existing corporate partners, ensuring high-touch stewardship and measurable ROI for their social impact goals.
• Mission Alignment: Collaborate with our Board of Directors and Board of Trustees to ensure all fundraising efforts directly support the Club’s nonprofit objectives and goals.

Qualifications

• Experience: 8–10+ years in senior development or corporate relations, preferably within a high-profile nonprofit, museum, or scientific institution.
• The "closer" Mindset: A proven track record of closing major gifts and navigating complex corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) landscapes.
• Communication: Exceptional storytelling abilities; you can translate complex scientific research into a compelling case for support.
• Passion: A genuine interest in exploration, conservation, and the advancement of human knowledge.
• Global Fluency: Experience working with international markets (particularly Europe and Asia) is a significant plus.