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Aquarium Director information

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$17K

$66.1K

$171K

How much do aquarium director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for aquarium director in the United States is $66,122.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,000.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Aquarium Director vs Aquarium Curator?

AspectAquarium DirectorAquarium Curator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in marine biology, zoology, or related field; advanced degrees preferredUsually holds a degree in biology, zoology, or related discipline; often has specialized experience in collections
Work EnvironmentOversees entire aquarium operations, staff management, and strategic planningFocuses on collection management, exhibit development, and research within the aquarium
Employer & Industry UsageFound in large aquariums, zoos, and marine parks; leadership roleCommon in museums, aquariums, and research institutions; specialized curatorial role

The Aquarium Director is responsible for overall management, strategic planning, and staff oversight of the entire facility, while the Aquarium Curator specializes in managing collections, developing exhibits, and conducting research. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience, but their focus areas differ significantly.

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Aquarium Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquarium Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,122 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

New England Aquarium | Director, Institutional Giving

ThinkingAhead

Boston, MA • On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

About the New England Aquarium
Located on Boston's historic waterfront, the New England Aquarium is a globally recognized leader in marine science, conservation, education, and public engagement. Through its Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, the Aquarium advances research and conservation efforts that protect marine species and inform ocean policy worldwide. Each year, the Aquarium welcomes nearly 1.3 million visitors while inspiring future generations of ocean stewards.
As the Aquarium continues to expand its conservation impact and philanthropic capacity, it is investing in new fundraising leadership roles and further strengthening its development infrastructure to support long-term growth and future campaign readiness.
About the Opportunity
The Director of Development, Institutional Giving is a highly visible fundraising leadership role responsible for securing philanthropic support from corporations, foundations, and other institutional partners. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy and partnering closely with Vice President of Development Piper Hollis, this individual will cultivate and steward strategic funding relationships while helping advance the Aquarium's next chapter of fundraising growth.
This role offers the opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team during a period of significant organizational momentum. The successful candidate will help expand the institutional donor pipeline, identify new funding opportunities, and connect funders to impactful work spanning marine science, conservation, animal care, education, and public engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Manage and grow a portfolio of 75-100 corporate, foundation, and institutional funders.
  • Develop and execute institutional fundraising strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and institutional investments.
  • Partner with scientists, program leaders, finance staff, and executive leadership to develop compelling funding opportunities.
  • Lead proposal development, grant writing, sponsorship opportunities, and stewardship reporting.
  • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities and emerging philanthropic trends.
  • Represent the Aquarium with funders, business leaders, and community stakeholders throughout the region.

Qualifications
Qualified candidates should bring:
  • Seven or more years of fundraising experience, preferably in corporate and foundation relations.
  • Demonstrated success building and stewarding institutional donor relationships.
  • Experience securing and managing six- and seven-figure philanthropic investments preferred.
  • Strong proposal writing, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Experience developing fundraising strategies and managing donor pipelines.
  • Ability to build productive relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Compensation & Location
Our compensation philosophy is rooted in fairness and rewarding excellence. Base salary is individually tailored to match the exact depth of your expertise, ensuring you are compensated exactly for the value you bring to the team. The salary range is $107,000 to $140,000.
This role is based locally in Boston, Massachusetts, and operates within an in-office/hybrid work model, with regular on-site presence at the Aquarium and in-person donor meetings. The New England Aquarium offers a collaborative, mission-driven culture and a comprehensive benefits package.
Application Information:
The New England Aquarium has retained ThinkingAhead Executive Search to lead this search.
For more information, please contact:
Kay Linder
Partner, Nonprofit Division
ThinkingAhead Executive Search
[email protected]
Heather Campbell
Partner, Nonprofit Division
ThinkingAhead Executive Search
[email protected]

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