Job Listing: Executive Director of Regional Philanthropy

The https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/ seeks a dynamic, distinguished executive to serve as its next Executive Director of Regional Philanthropy. This is a unique opportunity at the largest and one of the most respected premier living history institutions in the U.S.

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Development and serving on the development leadership team, the Executive Director leads a team of seven major gifts officers and provides the overall strategic vision for the rebranded Regional Philanthropy team. This is a newly reimagined role that will manage complex internal and external relationships and multiple projects simultaneously to ensure strong coordination of all major gifts and campaign activities, as well as staff and Foundation-wide collaborative partnerships, for regionally based philanthropy, while meeting their own aggressive fundraising goals. Leading by example, the Executive Director works to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors and prospects who can make philanthropic gifts and commitments of $100,000+ in support of the mission and priorities of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. The Executive Director is expected to develop a robust portfolio of donors and prospects by the end of year two of the incumbent’s tenure in the position.

The new Executive Director will enjoy the partnership of colleagues across the Foundation and a loyal donor base who understand the importance of a strong culture of philanthropy. This is an exciting time to join a storied institution, playing a seminal role in its promotion and preservation. As Colonial Williamsburg prepares to celebrate its centennial and the country celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, the Executive Director will play a principal role in its $600 million Centennial Campaign and carry a targeted portfolio of six and seven-figure gift prospects. Success in this endeavor requires a leader with significant and sophisticated knowledge and experience across the development enterprise. The Executive Director will demonstrate a track record of raising transformative gifts and leadership experience in a comprehensive campaign.

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic and cultural institution that receives no regular state or federal funding. It owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. The Foundation’s mission is to “feed the human spirit by sharing America’s enduring story” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital, and by engaging, informing and inspiring people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred there, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation. Today, it is the largest living history museum in the U.S., with annual paid visitation of more than 550,000 people (over 30% of whom are 12 or under).

This position allows the candidate to work a hybrid schedule, with a minimum of two days in the office per week. Having or establishing a residency in the state of Virginia will be expected of the new Executive Director.

The successful candidate will have an engaging, outgoing and positive personality, willingness to coach and mentor, strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style. This person will also be a dynamic, high performing executive who is an instinctual bridge builder. At least eight years of progressive professional experience, including management of staff, in a non-profit fundraising environment working directly with donors for engagement and philanthropy is required as is a bachelor's degree; an advanced degree is preferred.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Application materials should be submitted using the WittKieffer https://apptrkr.com/4076912. The Candidate Portal is a secure, easy way to nominate a colleague, express interest, or apply for a position.

WittKieffer is assisting The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in this search. The search process is currently underway and will continue until the position is filled.

Nominations and inquiries can be directed to:

Jessica Cummings and Ashley Buderus at

https://tinyurl.com/3n96mxmm

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.