Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer Charleston, SC

Executive Director and Chief Philanthropy Officer job at USS Yorktown Foundation. Charleston, SC.

About the USS Yorktown Foundation

The USS Yorktown Foundation is the designated nonprofit organization supporting Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, a state agency. Our mission is to inspire children, visitors, the community, and the world by promoting America's proud long-standing traditions of service, leadership, duty, and sacrifice through education, exhibits, programming, and community outreach.

Position Summary

The Executive Director & Chief Philanthropy Officer (ED/CPO) is the Foundation’s top executive leader, responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s strategic direction and overseeing all aspects of philanthropy, development, operations, and community engagement. Reporting to the Foundation’s Board of Directors and Executive Director of Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, this individual will lead a high-performing team in driving sustainable financial growth, developing impactful donor relationships, and advancing the Foundation’s visibility, mission, and reach.

The ED/CPO must be a visionary and entrepreneurial leader with demonstrated experience in major gift fundraising, nonprofit management, cross-sector partnerships, and team leadership. This position will guide strategy while fostering a dynamic and donor-centric culture of innovation.

Job Requirements

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Develop and implement the Foundation’s long-term strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors and Museum leadership.
• Provide visionary leadership and stewardship for capital campaign initiatives that align with the Foundation’s mission and the museum’s future growth.
• Oversee operational and financial strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and mission alignment.
• Serve as a key thought partner to the Board and stakeholders, offering strategic insight on all philanthropic and organizational matters.
• Monitor trends in philanthropy and nonprofit innovation, evolving strategies accordingly.

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Lead all development initiatives, including major and planned gifts, capital campaigns, corporate partnerships, grants, and annual giving.
• Spearhead the design, planning, and execution of a comprehensive fundraising capital campaign to support the museum’s master plan, including feasibility studies, campaign case development, donor solicitation strategies, and campaign leadership.
• Oversee fundraising events such as Holes Fore Heroes and campaigns aligned with mission impact and revenue goals.
• Drive donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship strategies across all levels of giving.
• Design and implement compelling donor campaigns featuring strong messaging, impact storytelling, and data-driven insights.

Donor Relations & Community Engagement

• Serve as the Foundation’s primary ambassador at community, civic, and donor events.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and legacy supporters.
• Build alliances with regional and national philanthropic partners to expand visibility and support.
• Implement recognition and stewardship programs tailored to donor preferences and levels.

Team & Board Leadership

· Position acts as liaison between the Foundation Board and Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, and reports to the Foundation Board of Directors and Patriots Point Executive Director.

· Directly supervise the Director of Membership, aligning goals with strategic priorities and KPIs.

• Oversee staff recruitment and development to ensure a cohesive and high-performing team.
• Support fundraising committees, board development, and engagement, ensuring volunteer leadership is strategically aligned and activated.
• Collaborate with cross-functional Museum staff to ensure integrated planning and mission-forward programming.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee budget creation and financial planning in partnership with the Board and Finance Committee.
• Ensure legal compliance and risk mitigation across fundraising and operational activities.
• Establish systems for CRM, performance monitoring, and donor data tracking to support…