Intro
- At a pivotal moment where Philanthropy is evolving, Acumen is seeking a seasoned philanthropic leader with a strong existing network of potential individual supporters – or proven ability to build such networks – to play a central role in a $200 million fundraising effort. This leader will drive the mobilization of philanthropic capital from individuals to create a base on which we will leverage and build a new financial vehicle focused on investing in solutions of poverty that scales and achieves financial sustainability
About the Role The Director of Philanthropy will play a pivotal role in leading Acumen’s efforts to build and engage a vibrant community of high-net-worth supporters at a time of significant growth in scale and ambition, with an emphasis on the West Coast and Western United States.
- We are seeking a seasoned philanthropic leader and relationship builder with at least 20 years of experience engaging high-net-worth individuals. Guided by moral imagination and strategic acumen, this leader will align Acumen’s mission and the power of patient capital with the aspirations of the world’s boldest philanthropists to inspire transformational giving.
- The ideal candidate will bring a distinguished record of securing major gifts and deep expertise in relationship-driven fundraising. Someone who thrives in nuance and brings networks of individuals with capacity for both giving and investing. A persuasive storyteller and trusted advisor, who is equally adept at one-on-one cultivation and convening influential communities around a shared vision for change and solving problems of poverty.
- This leader will cultivate deep relationships within their network, and bring a new philanthropic network to engage with Acumen’s work while strategically positioning and working with our CEO and senior leaders to inspire transformative giving. As a trusted advisor and results-driven partner, the Director of Philanthropy will elevate and expand Acumen’s visibility, deepen relationships with potential supporters to unlock unrestricted capital, and meaningfully contribute to our mission.
Accountabilities include :
- Build and grow Acumen’s community of high-net-worth supporters on the West Coast, cultivating deep personal relationships and securing major unrestricted gifts.
- Represent Acumen’s mission with integrity and inspiration to the world’s most influential and visionary philanthropists.
- Play a central role in a $200M fundraising effort.
- Cultivate deep, long-term relationships, creating high-impact engagement opportunities, and secure major gifts that expand our base of unrestricted funding in service of driving transformational philanthropy to strengthen Acumen’s patient capital approach.
- Develop and execute engagement strategies that position the CEO and senior leaders in front of high-potential prospects at targeted events, salons, and donor gatherings to inspire giving.
- Identify and connect with new philanthropic networks, peer groups, and donor communities aligned with Acumen’s mission.
- Partner with the Communications team to create compelling experiences, stories, and materials that inspire action from prospective and existing donors.
- Collaborate with the Development & Partnerships team to align regional efforts with global priorities and share best practices for HNWI engagement.
- Serve as a visible ambassador for Acumen in key philanthropic circles, building trust and visibility for the organization’s work.
Qualifications and Skills
- Minimum of 20 years of experience in philanthropic fundraising and relationship management, with a strong record of securing major gifts.
- Demonstrated ability to engage and inspire high-net-worth individuals and their networks.
- Strong understanding of how to design and execute strategic engagement moments with senior leadership participation.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including managing up to the CEO.
- Adept at both one-on-one conversations and high-profile events, and skilled at collaborating with senior leadership to maximize fundraising outcomes.
- Effective storyteller with strong verbal and written communication skills.
- A self - started with experience in entrepreneurial environments and a readiness to adapt to evolving opportunities.
- This role will be supported by and be a part of a team. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a hands-on approach to execution.
- Self- reflective and Aligned with Acumen values.
- Authorized to work in the US
- Ability to travel as needed
