Edhat StaffMOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, has hired Amanda Allen, a veteran Santa Barbara museum and nonprofit leader, as its director of development. In this role, Allen will oversee all aspects of the museum’s fundraising efforts including annual, major and planned giving, membership, corporate relations, and special and private events. MOXI, recently named one of the “10 Best New Museums in the World” by Fodor’s Travel, opened earlier this year and has already welcomed more than 120,000 guests in its first six months. The nonprofit museum relies on revenue from daily ticket sales and memberships as well as contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations to fund its ongoing operations and educational programming. Allen will work closely with MOXI’s Board of Directors and staff to seek local, regional and national support for the museum’s mission to ignite learning through interactive experiences in science and creativity. 
“Amanda brings the perfect mix of experience, creativity and passion for education to MOXI. We’re excited to have her on our team as MOXI wraps up its first summer and gears up for a new school year,” said Alixe Mattingly, interim president and CEO of MOXI. “I look forward to helping Amanda craft strategies to allow us to offer world-class programming and ensure MOXI is accessible to all.”
Allen brings more than 15 years of experience in the science education field to MOXI. Prior to joining the MOXI team, Allen was the Sea Center Director for the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History where she served for almost 10 years overseeing the administration, operations, sales, maintenance, fundraising and strategic planning for the marine science facility on Stearns Wharf. Prior to that, she was the events and membership manager for the Waikiki Aquarium and has also held a variety of leadership roles in Santa Barbara with The Princeton Review and Ocean Adventures.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining a team of dedicated and talented professionals working in such a dynamic space. MOXI is clearly meeting a very important need in our community,” said Allen. “I look forward to meeting the many donors who have helped get MOXI to where it is today and am excited to inspire others to continue to support this true gem for the Santa Barbara community.”
Allen holds a master’s degree in business administration from California State University Channel Islands and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She resides in Santa Barbara with husband Simon and their three sons.
About MOXI
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation is a 21st century museum dedicated to igniting learning through interactive experiences in science and creativity. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara’s redeveloped tourist area at 125 State Street, it is LEED-certified Gold and serves children of all ages as well as lifelong learners. The museum’s interactive exhibits, designed by award-winning museum planning firm Gyroscope, Inc. align with the national agenda to boost student achievement in math and science. MOXI is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, or to learn how to get involved, visit moxi.org or contact MOXI at 805-770-5000.
