Director of Philanthropy

Full Job Description

DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Philanthropy leads the strategy and execution of annual fundraising initiatives that support the mission, programs, and long-term sustainability of the South Carolina State Museum.

This role is responsible for building a robust culture of philanthropy through major gifts, annual giving, and special campaigns.

The Director reports to the SCSM Foundation Executive Director and works closely with the Foundation team, the Foundation Board of Directors, and museum staff to secure philanthropic investment in exhibitions, education programs, collections, and capital initiatives.

The position plays a key role in expanding the Foundation’s donor pipeline, strengthening stewardship practices, and positioning the museum as a leading cultural institution worthy of philanthropic support.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Annual Giving, Major Gifts & Individual Philanthropy

• Build a sustainable donor pipeline and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with the capacity to give $1,000+ annually.
• Oversee strategies that grow the museum’s annual giving base, including leadership-level membership and mid-level donors.
• Build and implement an annual recurring giving program to support long-term sustainability.
• Implement strategy that moves annual supporters into consecutive year donors and major giving levels.
• Support integrated fundraising campaigns that connect membership, annual appeals, and capital projects.

Donor Stewardship & Engagement

• Design and implement a comprehensive stewardship program that recognizes and retains donors at all levels.
• Assist with donor recognition opportunities including naming opportunities, events, and publications.
• Assist with regular donor cultivation and stewardship activities including private museum experiences and exhibitions previews.

Data Management & Performance Measurement

• Maintain accurate donor records and prospect tracking within the Foundation’s donor management system (DonorSnap).
• Utilize donor data and analytics to guide strategy, measure performance, and refine fundraising approaches.
• Monitor key fundraising metrics including donor retention, portfolio activity, pipeline development, and revenue performance.
• Generate regular reports to evaluate progress toward fundraising goals.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success securing major gifts.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience with donor database/CRM systems and fundraising analytics.

Qualifications

• Experience in arts, culture, or educational nonprofit organizations strongly preferred.

Additional Information

Skills & Competencies

• Proven ability to cultivate and solicit donors and manage complex fundraising strategies.
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including solicitation development.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate institutional priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities; Creative mindset in identifying new fundraising approaches.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work across departments.
• High integrity, discretion, and commitment to ethical fundraising practices.