Hands-on House Children's Museum of Lancaster Director of Development and Communications Lancaster, PA · Full time Company website

Apply for Director of Development and Communications

Hands-On House Children’s Museum of Lancaster (HOH) has been a touchstone of childhood in Lancaster County for nearly 40 years. Built on the understanding that play is essential to learning, creativity, and connection, HOH is Lancaster County’s only museum designed and dedicated to fostering the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children under 10.

Hands-On House is not just a destination, but a gathering place that unites families with young children from every corner of our community in joyful, hands-on learning – with exhibits and programs that inspire them to connect, create, and learn together through immersive, independent, and purposeful play.

Key Responsibilities 

Corporate Donations and Sponsorships 

• Execute and grow our corporate partnership program, developing strategies for new, renewed, and increased support annually. 
• Identify new sponsorship and corporate giving opportunities; prepare and submit proposals; and manage follow-up. 
• Coordinate with staff, board members, and community volunteers to cultivate relationships, fulfill sponsorship commitments, and meet revenue targets. 
• Provide timely recognition, stewardship, and reporting that demonstrate the mutual benefit of corporate support. 

Annual Giving and Membership Drives 

• Plan and execute annual giving appeals, including HOH’s participation in ExtraGive. 
• Create compelling appeals, acknowledgments, sponsorship materials, impact reports, and other fundraising communications. 
• Partner with the Director of Programs and Operations to increase membership sales, engagement, and retention. 
• Partner with the Executive Director, board members, colleagues, and consultants to prepare for a future capital and sustainability campaign. 
• As needed, assist in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and/or stewardship of prospective and current donors through personal meetings, calls, correspondence, and meaningful engagement. 

Special Events 

• Lead the planning and execution of our 40th anniversary event(s) in collaboration with board leadership, staff, and volunteers.  
• Establish and track fundraising event revenue and expense targets. 
• Secure event sponsors and participants and coordinate promotion, logistics, and donor follow-up.  
• Evaluate financial results and relationship-building outcomes to improve future events. 

Communications and Community Engagement 

• Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy that increases awareness of HOH, communicates its nonprofit mission and impact, and supports fundraising and visitation. 
• Collaborate with the Director of Programs and Museum Operations to balance promotional, educational, and philanthropic content across Museum channels. 
• Manage social media, website content, email newsletters, advertising, public relations, and print materials, maintaining a consistent voice and visual identity. 
• Plan and oversee content creation for Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other relevant platforms. 
• Keep the website and third-party listings accurate, accessible, user-friendly, and aligned with Museum priorities. 
• Develop graphics independently or in collaboration with colleagues and outside designers. 
• Build relationships with media outlets, community organizations, and content partners to reach local families, regional residents, and tourists. 
• Create pathways for visitors, members, volunteers, and community partners to become more deeply involved as advocates and donors. 
• Represent the Museum at community events and meetings. 

Administration, Data, and Collaboration 

• Maintain accurate donor records, activity histories, acknowledgments, and reports. 
• Track fundraising and communications results, interpret data, and adjust strategies and resources accordingly. 
• Follow professional standards for ethical fundraising, donor confidentiality, and responsible stewardship. 
• Provide responsive, thoughtful service to donors, visitors, partners, and colleagues. 

Required Qualifications 

• Three years of relevant experience in fundraising, development, and/or communications, including proactive relationship development and network-building. 
• Demonstrated experience and success meeting revenue, campaign, or project goals. 
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to develop original proposals, appeals, articles, and engaging public-facing content. 
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with people from varied backgrounds. 
• Strong project management skills, including setting priorities, coordinating multiple projects, and meeting deadlines. 
• Comfort using donor databases or content management systems, Microsoft Office, and standard workplace software. 
• Ability to use data to evaluate results and adjust plans. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a busy, public-facing environment. 
• A commitment to HOH’s mission and to advancing community, sustainability, access, and equity.  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Knowledge of Lancaster County’s philanthropic and business communities. 
• Experience with donor research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 
• Experience securing corporate gifts and sponsorships. 
• Experience planning fundraising events and managing budgets. 
• Familiarity with website management, email/direct mail marketing, social media analytics, and graphic design tools. 
• Experience implementing marketing or communications strategies and creating content for digital/print platforms. 
• Strong customer service skills, sound judgment, and a growth mindset.