Head of Major Gifts & Philanthropy (Eastern US)

Acumen; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 180.000 - 260.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Health insurance

Vision & dental insurance

Paid time off

Holidays & observance days

401k retirement plan

Performance-based bonus

Commuter benefits

Zusammenfassung

Acumen in New York seeks Head of Philanthropy & Principal Giving (Eastern US) to lead individual philanthropy across the Eastern United States, focusing on major gifts for the $250M campaign. A senior, externally facing role for an accomplished relationship builder who can expand Acumen's network and inspire transformational giving.

Working with the CEO and D&P leadership, you will shape fundraising strategy, cultivate new donors, and grow a sustainable pipeline.

Qualifikationen

• At least 15 years of experience in major gifts, philanthropy, relationship management, or a closely related field.
• A meaningful network of high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic influencers, or clear evidence of having built new networks and converted relationships into major support.
• Credibility with sophisticated donors and the ability to engage them in substantive conversations about philanthropy, investing, entrepreneurship, and global challenges.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, emotional intelligence, and judgment, including the ability to navigate complex dynamics with discretion.
• A strong, authentic communicator who can make complex ideas clear, tell compelling stories, and tailor a case for support to different audiences.
• Experience partnering with a CEO, founder, board members, or other senior leaders to advance major donor relationships and secure gifts.
• A builder's mindset: entrepreneurial, proactive, resilient, and energized by creating new opportunities rather than relying only on an established portfolio.
• Strong personal accountability and comfort balancing long-term relationship development with ambitious near‑term fundraising goals.
• A collaborative, low‑ego approach and willingness to work across teams while taking direct ownership of results.
• Deep alignment with Acumen's values, including moral imagination, generosity, humility, accountability, and respect for the dignity of others.
• Authorization to work in the United States and ability to travel as needed.

Aufgaben

• Lead the strategy for individual major gifts across the Eastern United States, with clear goals for pipeline growth, donor engagement, and revenue.
• Build and steward a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, families, founders, and family offices, securing significant unrestricted and campaign commitments.
• Design thoughtful, individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that reflect each donor's interests, motivations, and potential relationship with Acumen.
• Secure meaningful 6- and 7-figure contributions to support Acumen's ongoing $250M campaign in service of our 10 year vision.
• Open new philanthropic networks and deepen Acumen's presence among established and next-generation donors who are drawn to entrepreneurship, ending extreme poverty, investing, climate, and systems change.
• Create compelling opportunities for engagement through intimate gatherings, salons, events, field experiences, hands‑on advisory roles, and peer-to-peer introductions.
• Serve as a visible and credible ambassador for Acumen in East Coast philanthropic circles, representing our mission, values, and investment approach with clarity and conviction.
• Maintain disciplined portfolio and pipeline management, using data and judgment to prioritize relationships, forecast revenue, and drive consistent follow-through.
• Partner closely with the CEO, Chief Development & Partnerships Officer, and other senior leaders to prepare for and lead high‑stakes donor conversations, asks, and follow‑up.
• Work with Marketing & Communications and program colleagues to translate Acumen's strategy, portfolio, and impact into stories and materials that move donors to act.
• Collaborate with colleagues across regions and donor channels to strengthen campaign strategy, share insights, and create a coordinated experience for supporters.
• Act as a key thought partner and close collaborator to the Chief Development & Partnerships Officer and other fundraising leaders on strategy, goals, and tactics for the team.
• Effectively manage a small team of direct reports in New York who provide support on regional fundraising and donor engagement, and coordinate with our head of D&P Operations to leverage Acumen's CRM and fundraising tools.

Kenntnisse

Major gifts

Donor engagement

Storytelling

Executive leadership

Relationship management

Communication

Entrepreneurial mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Jobbeschreibung

Acumen in New York seeks Head of Philanthropy & Principal Giving (Eastern US) to lead individual philanthropy across the Eastern United States, focusing on major gifts for the $250M campaign. A senior, externally facing role for an accomplished relationship builder who can expand Acumen's network and inspire transformational giving.

Working with the CEO and D&P leadership, you will shape fundraising strategy, cultivate new donors, and grow a sustainable pipeline.