Executive Director & Chief Advancement Officer

Des Moines Public Library Foundation; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Des Moines Public Library Foundation seeks an Executive Director & Chief Advancement Officer to lead the Foundation’s strategy and donor engagement. You will drive fundraising, cultivate major gifts, and serve as the principal spokesperson, aligning resources with Library priorities.

You will oversee a small team covering development, donor services, and operations, while partnering with the Board to sustain diverse funding streams and advocates for the Library’s mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree as required; master’s preferred for leadership.
• Minimum five years of fundraising experience.
• Experience in major gifts and corporate, foundation, or planned giving.
• Background in nonprofit leadership, grant development, and working with a Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising strategy and personally cultivate donor relationships, securing major gifts.
• Build diverse, sustainable revenue sources and broaden the donor base.
• Collaborate with Library leadership and Boards to align priorities and advocate for the Library’s value.
• Lead a small team in development, donor services, and operations, with accountability to the Board.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Major gifts

Donor relations

Board collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public/business administration

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Location

Des Moines, Iowa

Schedule

Full time

Anticipated Start Date

January 2027

Salary

\$110,000–$120,000

About the Foundation

The Des Moines Public Library Foundation connects donors and community partners with possibilities to support the Des Moines Public Library. Through philanthropy and advocacy, the Foundation helps advance Library priorities and communicates the value of the Library’s work to the community.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director & Chief Advancement Officer serves as the Foundation’s strategic and visionary leader, principal fundraiser, and primary spokesperson. In this role, they set organizational direction, build strong relationships with the Foundation’s highest-potential donors and funders, and lead a small team responsible for development, donor services, and operations.

The role brings together organizational leadership and hands-on fundraising. The next leader will maintain an active portfolio of donor relationships and giving opportunities, while working alongside the Board to align Foundation resources with Library priorities.

Leadership Priorities

Expand Philanthropic Support

• Lead fundraising strategy and personally build donor relationships; solicit and secure major, corporate, foundation, and legacy gifts.
• Broaden the Foundation’s donor base and develop diverse, sustainable sources of revenue.
• Work alongside Board members and community partners to build connections and inspire philanthropic support.
• Connect fundraising initiatives and storytelling focusing on the Library’s impact.

Advance Library Priorities

• Collaborate with Library leadership and both governing Boards to identify shared funding priorities.
• Build strategic partnerships that connect Library needs with philanthropic opportunities.
• Lead Foundation advocacy and communicate the Library’s value to donors and the broader community.
• Demonstrate how Foundation support advances shared goals and achieves meaningful results.

Strengthen Foundation Leadership and Operations

• Lead and develop staff with clear responsibilities, shared accountability, and sustainable workloads.
• Guide financial planning and resource decisions in partnership with the Treasurer and Board of Directors.
• Support effective Board governance with timely information and a strong partnership between staff and Board members.
• Maintain sound operations and accountability for fundraising results, donor commitments, and organizational performance.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of five years of fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success building donor relationships and soliciting and securing significant gifts, with experience in major gifts and corporate, foundation, or planned giving.
• Proven ability to develop and manage organizational strategy, goals, programs, and budgets; to lead staff; and to achieve results.
• A background in nonprofit leadership, grant development, and working with a Board of Directors.
• Familiarity with libraries and library operations preferred.
• A collaborative, thoughtful leader who brings emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive organizational culture.

WHY THE LIBRARY FOUNDATION? WHY NOW?

From a child’s first book to an adult’s next career move, the Library opens doors. The Foundation brings community generosity behind that work, helping Library services reach further and do more. This is your chance to lead that momentum. As Executive Director & Chief Advancement Officer, you will:

• Inspire donors to turn their passion for public libraries into gifts that make a difference.
• Connect community generosity with the Library’s next big possibilities.
• Help shape a future for the Foundation as ambitious as the community it serves.
• Elevate the Foundation’s voice and champion the value of public libraries.
• Lead a dedicated team and work alongside the Board to strengthen the Foundation’s future.

Bring your vision. Build the relationships. Help write the next chapter.