Director of Development

Department: Development
Reports to: Executive Director
Location
:
Onsite in Marfa, Texas

Overview
The Director of Development is an experienced fundraising professional and a key member of the Chinati Foundation's leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director and working closely with the Chief Financial and Operating Officers, this role helps shape and sustain the philanthropic support that makes Chinati's work possible. Through thoughtful leadership and collaboration, the Director of Development builds meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, trustees, and other supporters, serving as a strategic partner in strengthening the organization's culture of philanthropy and advancing its mission.

This position oversees the full range of development activities, including individual, foundation, corporate, and government giving; major gifts and planned giving; fundraising campaigns and special events; donor stewardship and communications; prospect research; and development operations, reporting, and database management. In partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and senior staff, the Director of Development develops and implements strategies to grow philanthropic support, deepen engagement with the organization, and communicate the significance and impact of Chinati's programs, collections, and ongoing stewardship of its site and mission.

Fundraising Strategy and Institutional Priorities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports annual and long-term goals, working closely with the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer.
• Lead the Development Department in meeting agreed goals for annual operating support, capital gifts, and endowment contributions, balancing solicitation priorities and staff time across these needs.
• Maintain a written annual fundraising plan, calendar, and prospect pipeline with clear revenue goals, assignments, deadlines, and regular progress reviews.
• Work with senior staff and the Board of Trustees to set fundraising priorities that support Chinati's strategic and preservation plans and align with its vision, ethos, and history.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with other departments.
• Perform other duties as necessary to ensure effective functioning of the organization.

Development Operations and Leadership

• Produce regular reports, evaluations, and forecasts on Chinati's fundraising for the Executive Director, senior staff, and Board of Trustees, assessing revenue, donor retention, and progress toward agreed goals.
• Directly supervise, mentor, and evaluate Development staff and manage the work of consultants and other outside professionals within the approved staffing plan and budget.
• Ensure accurate donor records in the CRM, timely gift acknowledgments, donor recognition, documented donor contacts, pledge schedules, and organized departmental files. Maintain donor confidentiality and appropriate access to records. Establish written procedures and cross-training to support continuity.
• Reconcile fundraising records with Finance and review revenue forecasts regularly, distinguishing gifts received, outstanding pledges, and prospective support. Coordinate gift agreements, donor restrictions, and complex or planned gifts with the Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer.
• Set staff priorities, hold regular departmental meetings, provide constructive feedback, and remain accountable for the department’s work, including activities delegated to staff or consultants.
• Model collaborative leadership by stepping into operational or administrative duties when circumstances require.
• Prepare development sections of board materials, annual reports, and funder communications.
• Build and manage the development department budget; track expenses throughout the fiscal year.

Donor Cultivation and Board Engagement

• Take a central role, alongside the Executive Director, in identifying and cultivating prospects, soliciting and closing gifts, and stewarding donors.
• Serve as the Development staff liaison to the Board of Trustees and support the Executive Director and trustees in identifying and cultivating prospective board members.
• Represent Chinati at donor and foundation meetings, events, and visits and tours, communicating its mission and needs with knowledge, care, and professionalism.
• Maintain an active donor portfolio and coordinate the Executive Director's and trustees' fundraising participation through briefings,…