Stewardship Manager

The National Aquarium

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium's award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

Stewardship Manager

Job Title: Stewardship Manager

Posting Date: November 2026

Job Department: Philanthropy

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site/Hybrid

Location: Candler 111 Market Pl Suite 800 Baltimore MD 21202

JOB SUMMARY:

The National Aquarium is seeking a Stewardship Manager as a key position for the Aquarium's growing philanthropy program and is responsible for activities necessary to achieve annual fundraising goals exceeding $15.6 million. Provide high quality and timely oversight of day-to-day major gifts activities and initiatives. Coordinate action lists, oversee project plans, update and manage task lists and calendar items for CEO, senior staff and senior volunteers. Manage the preparation and distribution of major gift related correspondence, publications, and other written materials, such as call memos, draft letters, and contact reports. Participate in devising strategy and ensuring full and high-quality implementation. Manage a portfolio of up to 20 donors and prospects.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Essential responsibilities include:

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Management of National Aquarium Leadership Portfolios

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In coordination with development leadership staff, create prospect strategy development by sharing ideas for engagement informed by the prospect's background, known interests and prior activities, in conjunction with knowledge of Aquarium programs and opportunities.

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Coordinate donor facing activities for CEO and other leadership staff and volunteers.

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Maintain current list of actions for CEO and volunteers; ensure that they are up to date for weekly meetings and work sessions.

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Working with department colleagues, ensure CEO and volunteers have necessary support materials for each development activity through the creation of call memos, meeting prep, and draft correspondence.

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Working with Executive Office, coordinate development activities on CEO calendar; maintain inventory of "development holds"; ensure calendar is accurate and complete

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Facilitate timely debriefs of CEO and volunteer development actions; capture all activities and contact reports in SalesForce.

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Provides Senior Vice President/Chief Philanthropy Officer (SVP/CPO) with high quality support.

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Provides support to SVP/CPO by drafting personalized correspondence and other documents, initiating telecommunications, and collecting and analyzing information.

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Maintains SVP/CPO's schedule by planning and scheduling meetings, conferences, teleconferences, and travel.

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Provides support with expense reports, travel planning and meeting planning to the SVP/CPO.

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Works as liaison and record keeper for board committees support by the SVP/CPO.

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Create materials for major gifts meetings and solicitations, including presentations, proposals, reports, and letters, working with colleagues across the organization to as necessary to gather materials and information.

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Manage arrangements for major donor meetings, tours and events as necessary, including reserving space, and coordinating catering, materials and logistics. Greet guests, join visits and serve as primary tour guide when necessary.

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Support SVP in ensuring complete and accurate information on major gifts donors and prospect in Sales Force, including moves management, proposal status and action information.

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VIP Tour Engagement: Establish and lead a robust donor engagement program and act as a single point of contact for the Aquarium's Board, Leadership Team, External Affairs, and Philanthropy stakeholders. Work with appropriate staff to ensure a program that dramatically, consistently, improves the guest experience and is designed for continuous evaluation and improvement, leading to better experiences, strong connections to conservation, and more dynamic relationships with donors and key stakeholders. Create tours and experiences that can be replicated by other members of the staff.

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Support company mission.

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Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.

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Other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

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BA/BS in related field and at least three years of experience working on a major gifts program.

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Experience working with senior level volunteers required.

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Experience managing complex projects, calendars and timelines required.

Competencies:

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Knowledge of the major gift development and stewardship process

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Ability to manage multiple projects on overlapping timelines and demonstrate flexibility with priorities

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High attention to detail

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Strong writing and editing skills

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Expert facility with standard office software

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Outstanding communication skills, both oral and written

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Creative problem-solving abilities

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Knowledge of the Aquarium, its operations, leaders and vision for the future

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Ability to discretely manage a variety of confidential information

Human Relations:

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Work effectively with colleagues across the organization, in addition to organizational leadership, Board Members, volunteers and donors.

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Highly responsive and eager to support projects and requests.

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Sincere interest in stewarding donor relationships and investments, and a desire to work in a donor-centered development culture and produce products of exceptionally high quality.

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Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures

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Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Salary range ($45,000-$55,699 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

The National Aquarium is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. Our compelling exhibits, science-based education programs and hands-on field initiatives engage more than 1.2 million people annually. One of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland, the Aquarium generates more than $430 million annually in economic impact to the state. The National Aquarium has hosted over 60 million guests since it opened in 1981.

Today, the National Aquarium builds on a history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Care and Welfare teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to connect a global community of hopeful conservationists, united to restore our planet.

How to Apply

Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org or calling 410-576- 8532.

Perks

Medical, Dental, Vision, Parking, 401K match, Family Membership, Development Reimbursement, and MORE!!

Salary

$45,000-$55,699 Annual

How to Apply

Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing HR@aqua.org or calling 410-576- 8532.

The National Aquarium

Baltimore, MD 21202

Phone: 4106594281

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