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Director of Development

Director of Development

Admiral Nimitz Foundation, Fredericksburg TX

Founded in 1971 as a 501(c)(3), the Admiral Nimitz Foundation (ANF) manages and provides

financial support to the National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), in partnership with the

Texas Historical Commission. The Foundation’s mission is to engage and inspire present and

future generations with the story of World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, while interpreting

the continued global relevance of its lessons.

The Museum spans a six-acre campus in Fredericksburg, Texas, with four gallery buildings, six

outdoor exhibit areas, and immersive experiences. ANF also operates three museum stores,

manages rental and event spaces, and supports educational and community programs. With an

annual operating budget of approximately $7.5 million, the Foundation is a critical steward of

Pacific War history, education, and remembrance.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is a key member of the Foundation’s leadership team and reports

directly to the President & CEO. This individual is responsible for building, managing, and

executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure the financial resources necessary for

the Museum’s growth and long-term sustainability.

The Director oversees all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual fund drive, planned

giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, membership, and campaigns. They also supervise the

Deputy Director of Development and the development team, while serving as staff liaison to the

Board’s Development Committee.

This position requires 5–10 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, with a proven

record of success in major gift solicitation, campaign leadership, and donor engagement. The

successful candidate will bring advanced skills in leadership, strategic planning, relationship

management, staff supervision, financial acumen, and persuasive communication. They must

also demonstrate integrity, creativity, self-confidence, and a personal commitment to fostering a

culture of inclusion, teamwork, and respect. Above all, the Director will embody a deep passion

for the Foundation’s mission and its enduring relevance.


Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Strategy

• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive engagement and

development plan for the Foundation and Museum.

• Set annual and long-range fundraising goals and strategies across all functions

to maximize donor engagement and support.

• Design and execute strategies to retain, renew, and upgrade donors, while

expanding the donor base locally, regionally, and nationally.

• Build and manage a robust planned giving and endowment program, including

cultivation of legacy donors and stewardship of existing commitments.

• Identify and pursue grant opportunities; lead proposal development and ensure

compliance with reporting requirements.

• Develop and implement corporate and foundation sponsorship opportunities

aligned with the Museum’s mission.

• Explore and implement additional revenue strategies to strengthen long-term

financial sustainability.

• Design, develop, plan, coordinate, and execute capital campaigns to support new

construction, expansion, or renovation of National Museum of the Pacific War

facilities and programs.

• Partner with the President & CEO and Board members to cultivate, solicit, and

steward major and transformational gifts.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Develop compelling proposals, cases for support, and key communications for

fundraising initiatives.

• Ensure accurate gift processing, donor database management, and financial

reporting, maintaining strict accountability to donor intent.

• Cultivate and steward donor relationships through personal outreach, cultivation

events, recognition programs, and ongoing communication.

• Represent the Foundation at community events, donor functions, and media

opportunities, raising visibility and strengthening partnerships.

• Lead donor recognition initiatives that honor contributions and inspire continued

support.


Membership & Giving Societies

• Provide strategic leadership for the membership program, ensuring growth,

engagement, and philanthropic upgrades.

• Oversee and expand giving societies, including:

o major giving society.

o planned giving society.

o corporate membership.

• Develop and refine benefits strategies to increase member loyalty and

philanthropic investment.

Events & Campaigns

• Lead and support the design and execution of fundraising events, cultivation

programs, and donor recognition activities.

• Manage and support capital campaigns and other major fundraising initiatives,

ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

• Collaborate with staff across the Foundation to integrate fundraising opportunities

into programs, retail operations, and rentals.


Leadership & Management

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Deputy Director of Development and other

Development staff.

• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee, preparing progress

reports and engaging trustees in fundraising efforts.

• Provide regular updates on fundraising performance, membership, grants, and

events to the President & CEO and Board of Directors.

• Ensure fundraising operations reflect the highest standards of ethics,

accountability, and transparency.


Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.

• CFRE designation preferred.

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with

demonstrated success in major gift solicitation, campaign leadership, grants, and

donor engagement.

• Proven track record of cultivating and closing gifts of $50,000+, with preference

for candidates experienced in six-figure or transformational gifts.

• Advanced skills in leadership, strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, team

management, financial planning, and communications.

• Familiarity with museums, cultural institutions, or history-based organizations is

strongly preferred.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising CRM systems (Salesforce,

Raiser’s Edge, Veevart, or equivalent).

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire

support through storytelling and case-making.

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage

multiple projects and deadlines.

• A collaborative leader with integrity, creativity, and a personal commitment to

teamwork and inclusion.

• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and occasional travel as required for

donor and event engagement.


Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $115,000 – $135,000, commensurate with experience.

• Benefits include health insurance, paid vacation and holidays, sick leave, and a

403(b)-retirement savings plan.

• Relocation assistance may be considered.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, résumé/CV, and three professional references

via email to hiring@nimitzfoundation.org. Please include Director of Development Application

in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Additional Info

Job Type : Full-Time

Education Level : Bachelors Degree, Masters

Experience Level : Director

Job Function : Development

Where to Apply : hiring@nimitzfoundation.org

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