Senior Director of Philanthropy

National Museum of Wildlife Art; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Monterey Museum of Art seeks a Senior Director of Philanthropy to lead and execute comprehensive fundraising programs. This hands-on executive role requires direct donor engagement, major gifts, and campaign leadership to ensure financial sustainability and growth in a lean development team.

You will work with the Executive Director, Board, and staff to build strategy, mentor the team, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while upholding the museum's mission and values.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred in business/nonprofit management or philanthropy.
• Experience leading an institutional or capital campaign of at least $25M.
• Proven fundraising results across major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and planned giving.
• Strong leadership to inspire and develop a high-performing team.
• Experience with boards, volunteers, and high-net-worth donors.

Responsibilities

• Directly execute fundraising strategies and campaigns.
• Lead and mentor the development staff and Associate Director.
• Interact with the Executive Director, Board, and senior leaders to align priorities.
• Plan and oversee donor asks, events, and campaign administration.

Skills

Campaign leadership

Donor relations

Major gifts

Strategic fundraising

Leadership & mentoring

Communication with stakeholders

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Blackbaud Altru

Job description

The Senior Director of Philanthropy (SDP) is a working executive leadership role responsible for overseeing and directly executing the strategic planning, development, and implementation of comprehensive fundraising and advancement programs to support the financial sustainability and growth of Monterey Museum of Art (MMA).

Because MMA operates with a lean and nimble development team, this role is intentionally designed as a highly hands‑on, active-participation position. We are looking for more than a high‑level executive strategist—we are seeking a collaborative team player who leads by example from the front lines. All members of the development team—including, and especially, the Director—are expected to take an active, hands‑on role in direct donor asks, event execution, campaign administration, and the shared day‑to‑day responsibilities that drive the team’s success.”

The SDP will directly manage the Associate Director of Philanthropy. They will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and other senior leaders to execute fundraising strategies that align with the organization's mission, values, and strategic priorities, while building, mentoring, and directly working alongside the Development staff.

• Bachelor's degree required, master’s degree preferred, in a relevant field such as business, nonprofit management, or philanthropy.
• Experience leading and actively executing an institutional or capital campaign of at least $25M.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor relations, including experience in major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and planned giving.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
• Demonstrated “lead-by-example” leadership style with a passion for working in a lean team structure where leaders actively participate in execution alongside their team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a practical, execution-oriented mindset.
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, industry trends, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience working with boards of directors, volunteers, and high-net-worth donors.
• Proficiency in Blackbaud Altru donor database and fundraising software.
• Ethical and professional conduct with a commitment to integrity, confidentiality, and respect for diversity.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.