Director of Development

Director of Development

Admiral Nimitz Foundation
Fredericksburg, Texas

Organization Overview

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 7–10 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:
  • major giving society.
  • planned giving society.
  • corporate sponsorship.
• 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.
• 7-10 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.

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.