Executive Director

Jan 09 2025
Hawaii Children's Discovery Center |Honolulu|Full Time, $85,000 - $95,000 / year
Job Description
The Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center is seeking an Executive Director to lead our mission-driven nonprofit organization and continue the legacy of our visionary founder, Loretta Yajima.  Loretta’s dream was to create a hands-on, interactive space where Hawaii’s children could explore, imagine, discover, and dream.  As we celebrate over 25 years of impact, we are looking for a dynamic, compassionate, and collaborative leader to build on this legacy and guide the Center into its next phase of growth.  The Executive Director will oversee day-to-day operations, financial stability, and strategic planning, while inspiring a passionate team to ensure that the Center remains a vital resource for children and families in Hawaii.  This role requires someone with a heart for people, both inside and outside the organization, fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration.  With a true love for youth, the Executive Director will ensure that every program, exhibit, and initiative continues to inspire and engage the children of Hawaii, shaping the future of early childhood education.  This is a unique opportunity to lead a critical and joyful institution with purpose, passion, and a deep appreciation for the impact the Center has on the lives of our keiki.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

Fundraising & Development

  • Lead and execute fundraising strategies:  Develop and implement both short-term and long-term fundraising strategies, including identifying and securing new revenue streams such as individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, and special events.
  • Collaborate with the Board and President to set financial goals:  Work with the President and Board to define and achieve fundraising goals that align with the Center’s operating and program budgets, supporting both current and future initiatives.
  • Manage donor relationships and stewardship:  Build and nurture relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring appropriate donor stewardship through personalized communication, recognition, and events.
  • Grant writing and foundation support:  Oversee the research, writing, and submission of grants to support the Center’s programs and operations, identifying new opportunities for financial support.
  • Assist with the creation and execution of annual and long-term financial goals:  Work with the Center President to ensure financial sustainability through long-term financial planning, endowment management, and investment strategies.
  • Support fundraising efforts for special initiatives and capital campaigns:  Engage in special fundraising projects, particularly for new exhibits, expansions, or capital improvement campaigns.

Marketing & Communications

  • Brand and Community Engagement:  Serve as the key spokesperson for the Center, developing and maintaining the Center’s public image and relationships within the community.  Ensure consistent, engaging messaging across all platforms, both online and offline.
  • Drive awareness and engagement:  Oversee the design and execution of marketing campaigns to increase attendance, membership, and community involvement.
  • Social Media & Digital Presence:  Lead the Center’s digital strategy, including social media presence, email marketing, and website updates, ensuring they are aligned with the Center's mission and goals.
  • Collaborate on event planning and promotions:  Work with marketing staff to develop promotional strategies for events like Founder’s Day, camps, and memberships, ensuring maximum visibility and participation.
  • Media Relations:  Establish and maintain relationships with local media outlets to secure press coverage that elevates the Center’s profile and highlights its impact on the community.

 

Operations & Organizational Management

  • Financial Management:  Oversee the creation and implementation of the Center’s annual budget, ensuring financial stability through effective management of accounts payable, expenses, and revenues.
  • Audit and Compliance:  Supervise the annual audit process and ensure compliance with tax and nonprofit regulations, including overseeing the preparation of the 990 form.
  • Employee Leadership & HR Management:  Cultivate a positive and collaborative organizational culture that fosters respect, accountability, and professional growth. Manage employee recruitment, training, development, and retention, in collaboration with the Center’s HR partner, Altres.
  • Facilities Management:  Oversee the maintenance of the Center’s physical space, ensuring that it is clean, safe, and conducive to learning.  Manage capital improvements and work closely with vendors and contractors for building maintenance and exhibits.
  • Operational Efficiency:  Streamline internal processes, from financial systems to program management, ensuring that all operational functions are efficient and support the mission and goals of the Center.
  • Develop and oversee the 5-year facilities and exhibits strategic plan: Create and manage a plan to enhance the Center’s physical space, exhibits, and grounds, ensuring that they reflect the vision of the Center and are up to date with the latest educational trends.

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaboration with the Board:  Regularly meet with the Board of Directors to provide updates on operational, financial, and strategic matters, and collaborate on planning and decision-making.
  • Program Evaluation & Impact Measurement:  Oversee the assessment of program outcomes to ensure the Center’s offerings meet educational and community needs, driving continuous improvement and innovation in programming.
  • Volunteer Management:  Develop and implement volunteer recruitment and retention strategies, ensuring that volunteers are well-supported and engaged in the Center’s mission.

 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s Degree required, MBA preferred.
  • 6-10 years of progressively responsible experience in non-profit, sales, marketing, or related experience setting.  
  • Non-profit experience is preferred with proven success in Annual Giving, Fundraising Events, Donor Relations, Data Management & Analysis, Grant Writing & Management, Corporate Partnerships, Communications, and Major Gifts. 
  • Successful supervisory experience required.