Get to know our new VP of Development
Get to know Jaymee Jacoby, OMSI’s new Vice President of Development. In her role, Jaymee will help lead OMSI’s next phase of growth, leading the strategy, planning, and implementation of all aspects of OMSI’s development programs. She brings over twenty-four years of nonprofit development and management experience, including her last role at the Portland State University Foundation. Learn more about Jaymee’s history with OMSI, what drew her to fundraising, what she enjoys outside of work, and more!
What is your background with OMSI? Were you an OMSI kid?
My family and I have been members of and engaged with OMSI in many ways over the years. We’ve, of course, enjoyed special exhibitions, the permanent exhibits and labs, and we spent a lot of time at the Science Playground when my kids were little. We’ve also visited the submarine and the planetarium, attended many movies at the Empirical Theater, and participated in countless OMSI and community events. OMSI is so woven into the fabric of our region’s culture that it has become an important part of my family’s connection to our community.
“I am thrilled to join the OMSI team at such a transformative moment. I’ve long admired OMSI for its pivotal role in making STEAM learning accessible and engaging for our community. As the organization continues to reimagine boundaries and embarks on an ambitious vision to create a vibrant district that will center innovation, culture, arts, and science learning, I am deeply honored to step into the role of Vice President of Development. I look forward to helping bring this bold vision to life and to expanding OMSI’s reach, inclusivity, and impact across our region.”
—JAYMEE JACOBY
What excites you most about this role?
OMSI’s mission resonates deeply with me. I believe that curiosity is one of the most powerful tools we have and that everyone deserves access to experiences that spark wonder and discovery. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for people to engage with innovation, culture, arts, and science education in ways that are relevant, inspiring, creative, and fun.
OMSI is a tremendous asset to both residents and visitors of our region and is well-loved and respected for that. I feel so lucky to have this amazing place in our community, and I know that sentiment is widely shared.
Now, as the museum team continues to make strides towards their bold vision—one that will shape the OMSI District and continue to reimagine what a museum can and should be for our community—I’m even more compelled by the mission and work. For all of these reasons, I am thrilled to be joining the OMSI team and to contribute to this important work!
What drew you to fundraising?
I was drawn to nonprofit administration as a way to support and engage in work that aligns with my values and the issues I believe in.
As my career in nonprofit administration progressed, I realized that my skills and interests were well-suited to fundraising. I see fundraising and nonprofit development as—at its core—matchmaking. As a development professional, I strive to connect nonprofit organizations, their people, and their programs with individuals and institutions that care about the work and want to support it philanthropically.
This requires deep relationship-building—both internally, to understand an organization’s mission, programs, and needs so I can effectively represent them, and externally, to connect with those who care about the work, learn about their passions, and help them make an impact through philanthropy. I love making these mutually beneficial matches!
Of course, there’s much more to the work than this simplified version. I also thrive in the strategy, planning, analysis, operations, and team coordination, support, and leadership aspects of the field.
I have spent my career advancing missions related to arts, culture, education, and community, collaborating with colleagues and supporters who share my passion for this work—which is pretty great.
Outside of work, what do you love to do?
I am an avid reader, mostly of fiction. I spend what may be an exorbitant amount of time in my vegetable and herb gardens each spring and summer. With my husband, two kids (9 and 14), and our dog, I cherish time in nature—hiking and camping whenever we can.
I love to travel—and I enjoy planning trips almost as much as taking them. I’m a fan of many genres of music, especially live performances, and I appreciate most performing and visual arts. I’m crafty and am currently rekindling my interest in crochet. I’m also a passionate baker, take pride in my creative salads, and am working on improving my cooking skills.