Director of Development & Executive Director, Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) Foundation

Position Summary

This dual role serves as chief development officer of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Executive Director of the DISL Foundation, providing strategic leadership for all fundraising, philanthropy, and foundation activities that advance the mission and long-term sustainability of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

The position partners with DISL leadership, the Foundation Board of Trustees, donors, corporations, and community stakeholders to secure philanthropic support and advance the organization’s educational, research, and campus facility goals.

Essential Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising and advancement strategy aligned with DISL’s strategic priorities.
  • Lead the operations and strategic direction of the DISL Foundation.
  • Partner with executive leadership and the Foundation Board to identify and pursue funding opportunities.
  • Represent DISL and the Foundation with donors, community leaders, and external partners. Fundraising & Donor Relations
  • Lead all fundraising efforts, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects.
  • Establish fundraising goals, monitor performance, and oversee donor recognition and stewardship programs.

Foundation Leadership & Administration

  • Oversee Foundation governance, operations, finances, policies, and compliance.
  • Support the Foundation Board and committees through meeting coordination, strategic planning, and board development.
  • Manage Foundation assets, endowment activities, budgets, and financial reporting.

Partnerships & Operations

  • Build strategic relationships with corporations, foundations, government agencies, and community organizations.
  • Maintain accurate donor records, fundraising analytics, and financial accountability.
  • Develop strategic partnerships that increase visibility, resources, and support for DISL.
  • Supervise Development and Foundation staff.

Required Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, nonprofit management, marketing, higher education, environmental sciences, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience

  • Five or more years of progressive leadership in fundraising, advancement, nonprofit management, or executive leadership.
  • Demonstrated success securing major gifts and leading comprehensive fundraising programs.
  • Experience working with boards of directors/trustees, managing budgets, and leading strategic initiatives.
  • Supervisory experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Comprehensive fundraising experience, including major gifts, capital campaigns, grants, and planned giving.
  • Strategic leadership, organizational planning, staff supervision, and budget management.
  • Strong written, verbal, presentation, and public speaking skills.
  • Proven ability to build relationships with donors, board members, community leaders, and institutional partners.
  • Proficiency with donor CRM systems, fundraising analytics, Microsoft Office, and financial reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in a related field.
  • Experience in higher education, marine science, environmental education, research institutions, or nonprofit foundations.
  • Knowledge of nonprofit governance, charitable giving regulations, endowment management, and philanthropic best practices.

Reporting Relationship

  • Reports to the DISL Executive Director and the DISL Foundation Board of Trustees.
  • Supervises Development and Foundation staff.

Physical Requirements

Work is primarily performed in an office environment using standard office equipment. Occasional standing, walking, bending, lifting (up to 25 pounds), and travel to Dauphin Island are required.

Salary: Competitive/commensurate with experience and other qualifications.

Benefits: Potential State Retirement, Health Care

Office Location: Mobile, AL. Occasional trips to Dauphin Island Sea Lab as required.

Application Review: Review of applications will begin July 13, 2026 and will continue until an acceptable candidate is found.

Background Check Statement:
All applicants who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to execute a release and authorization for a background screening.

Equal Employment Opportunity
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

The DISL and DISLF are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact us prior to your interview.

Application Instructions: Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest in DISL and how your experience, skills, and approach to major gifts fundraising would position you for success in this role. Submit to devjob@disl.org.