Chief Philanthropy & Engagement Officer

Missouri Historical Society; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Historical Society is seeking a Managing Director of Philanthropy to guide fundraising and engagement for the Museum, Soldiers’ Memorial, and Library/Research Center. You’ll lead a team, shape strategies, and steward major donors to advance a $28M budget and reach $2.5–$3M annual giving targets.

Based in St. Louis, MO, the role requires a Bachelor’s degree (CFRE/CAP preferred) and at least 7 years in fundraising, including major gifts and campaigns.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience including major gifts and events.
• Experience planning and executing multi-million-dollar campaigns.
• Knowledge of museum or nonprofit philanthropy best practices.
• Proven track record closing 7- to 8-figure gifts.
• Experience serving as institutional spokesperson; comfortable with media appearances.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the philanthropy program and foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing philanthropy team with a collaborative environment.
• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies including capital campaigns, major gifts, annual giving, membership, and planned giving.
• Personally manage a portfolio of highest-capacity donors (Tier 1) and partner with the President for cultivation and solicitation.
• Coach gift officers in identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and long-term engagement.
• Set fundraising goals, metrics, and monitor progress; lead annual planning and budgeting for the department.
• Oversee annual giving, membership, donor engagement, and stewardship strategies; strengthen relationships and investments.
• Collaborate with Marketing/Communications to craft donor messaging; represent the organization at events and public engagements.

Skills

Major gifts

Team leadership

Fundraising strategy

Donor stewardship

Campaign management

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE or CAP

Tools

Altru

Financial Edge

Job description

Missouri Historical Society is seeking a Managing Director of Philanthropy to guide fundraising and engagement for the Museum, Soldiers’ Memorial, and Library/Research Center. You’ll lead a team, shape strategies, and steward major donors to advance a $28M budget and reach $2.5–$3M annual giving targets.

Based in St. Louis, MO, the role requires a Bachelor’s degree (CFRE/CAP preferred) and at least 7 years in fundraising, including major gifts and campaigns.