Director of Development

The Giant Magellan Telescope is one of the most powerful ground-based telescopes ever engineered. It is designed to push the boundaries of human knowledge and explore the unknown. Now under construction at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile’s Atacama Desert, one of the premier locations on Earth for astronomy, the telescope will deliver the highest-performing combination of image quality, field of view, and light sensitivity ever achieved. From this southern hemisphere location, the Giant Magellan Telescope will use seven of the world’s largest mirrors to uncover the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy, investigate the origins of chemical elements, and search for signs of life on distant exoplanets.

When complete in the 2030s, the Giant Magellan Telescope will be one of the largest public-private funded science projects in history. It is the work of the GMTO Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and international research consortium, founded by 16 universities and research institutions from the United States, Chile, Australia, Brazil, Israel, South Korea, and Taiwan.

Our culture is impactful, inclusive, and fearlessly innovative. We tackle the most complex engineering challenges and scientific questions alongside talented individuals who share a passion for advancing humanity’s understanding of the Universe.

We invite you to join our team and leave your mark on the future of astronomy and beyond.

The Universe Awaits®

Development and Communications

Vice President for Development & External Affairs

The Director of Development reports to the Vice President for Development and External Affairs to lead and manage the organization’s development operations and strategic events. This position plays a critical role in cultivating relationships with current and prospective donors, consortium partners, and government stakeholders. The Director will plan, execute, and oversee integrated cultivation efforts, high-level events, federal relations activities, and internal development operations.

This role requires excellent judgment, strong initiative, and exceptional organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. The Director must be adept at managing multiple priorities independently and effectively engaging with diverse external audiences to support GMTO’s mission and fundraising goals.

Strategic Development and Federal Affairs Events

• Collaborate with GMTO’s VP for Development and External Affairs and Sr. Director of Communications and Outreach to create and implement a strategic events roadmap annually.
• Plan and execute key events including:
  • VIP site visits to Las Campanas Observatory in Chile and the University of Arizona’s Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab;
  • Regional VIP donor cultivation events;
  • Subject-specific advocacy salons involving federal relations or consortium institutions;
  • Astronomy retreats and trips aligned with astronomical phenomena.
• Lead logistics for all events, including venue selection, budgeting, management, invitations, and travel arrangements.
• Work closely with Communications to coordinate messaging, program content, briefing materials for senior staff, and guest profiles.

Development Operations and Federal Relations

• Manage GMTO’s donor database in partnership with the VP for Development and External Affairs, including data entry, report generation, and donor/prospect research.
• Coordinate and facilitate key external working group meetings, such as the Government Affairs Working Group and Joint Development Officers Working Group.
• Support Founders and major donor prospecting efforts by managing relevant materials and tracking engagement.
• Assist with the creation and dissemination of donor communications and cultivation materials, such as video updates, newsletters, social media content, and personalized thank-you letters.
• Ensure a positive and responsive donor experience by handling special donor and Founder requests in a timely and professional manner.

Stewardship and Donor Recognition

• Partner with the Development and Communications team to deliver individualized stewardship experiences for institutional Founders and donors.
• Oversee donor recognition strategies, including but not limited to:
  • Implementation of naming opportunities
  • Sending customized thank-you packages, personal notes, and recognition gifts
• Maintain regular engagement with donors, donor assistants, and institutional representatives across various platforms (in person, via email, telephone, etc.).

• Demonstrate strong planning, organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and balance multiple priorities.
• Maintain accuracy and confidentiality in all development and donor-related records.
• Exhibit initiative, teamwork, and adaptability, while leveraging organizational assets in marketing, communications, and donor engagement.
• Engage consistently and professionally with key stakeholders, board members, scientists, partners, and potential donors.
• Build and sustain trusted, strategic relationships with policymakers, agency officials, and external partners to advance the organization’s priorities.
• Coordinate and implement effective advocacy strategies, including preparation of briefing materials, talking points, and direct engagement with key government stakeholders.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards in fundraising, governance, and leadership conduct.
• Embody the qualities of a successful advancement professional: integrity, sound judgment, strategic thinking, and a strong work ethic.

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, or a related field required.
• A minimum of 5-7 years of professional experience in development, fundraising events, donor stewardship, or external relations.
• Demonstrated success in planning and managing high-level cultivation events and donor programs.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or a related field preferred.
• 8-10 years of professional experience in development, fundraising events, donor stewardship, or external relations.
• Experience working with major gifts or capital campaigns is a plus.

Normal office environment. Remote working location is possible.

No direct reports at start; it is expected that the responsibility level will increase with time.

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance

$125,000- $175,000

The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.

To apply send your resume or CV and a cover letter to careers@gmto.org.

If your skills and experience are a match for the position or if we need additional information, we will contact you. If we do not see a suitable match between your qualifications and the position, we will keep your information on file in the event future positions become available that are more suitable to your qualifications.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation Human Resources Representative.