Head of Philanthropy & Principal Giving (Eastern US)

Acumen • New York, NY

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Acumen is seeking a Head of Philanthropy & Principal Giving for the Eastern US to lead its individual philanthropy strategy. This senior role focuses on building new relationships and securing major gifts for Acumen's $250M campaign, aiming to support its 10-year vision. The position requires an accomplished relationship builder who can expand Acumen's network, inspire significant giving, and shape engagement with major philanthropists. The Head of Philanthropy will work closely with the Chief Development & Partnerships Officer, Directors of European and West Coast fundraising, and the CEO, taking ownership of fundraising strategy, relationships, and results. The goal is to significantly expand Acumen's visibility across the Eastern US and secure flexible capital for early investments and risk-taking to maximize impact. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience engaging high-net-worth individuals, a strong track record of closing major gifts, and an existing network or the ability to build one quickly. They should be able to connect Acumen's mission and patient capital model with the ambitions of sophisticated philanthropists. This role demands a persuasive storyteller and trusted advisor, comfortable in one-on-one conversations, convening groups, and working with senior leaders to secure commitments. The position offers a rare opportunity to shape the next chapter of individual philanthropy at Acumen and contribute to a campaign designed to expand its impact over the next decade. It is ideal for an entrepreneurial frontline fundraiser motivated by ambitious goals and passionate about leveraging philanthropy to solve global poverty.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of experience in major gifts, philanthropy, relationship management, or a closely related field, with a strong record of securing significant (6- and 7-figure) individual gifts.
• A meaningful network of high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic influencers, or clear evidence of having built new networks and converted relationships into major support.
• Credibility with sophisticated donors and the ability to engage them in substantive conversations about philanthropy, investing, entrepreneurship, and global challenges.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, emotional intelligence, and judgment, including the ability to navigate complex dynamics with discretion.
• A strong, authentic communicator who can make complex ideas clear, tell compelling stories, and tailor a case for support to different audiences.
• Experience partnering with a CEO, founder, board members, or other senior leaders to advance major donor relationships and secure gifts.
• A builder's mindset: entrepreneurial, proactive, resilient, and energized by creating new opportunities rather than relying only on an established portfolio.
• Strong personal accountability and comfort balancing long-term relationship development with ambitious near-term fundraising goals.
• A collaborative, low-ego approach and willingness to work across teams while taking direct ownership of results.
• Deep alignment with Acumen's values, including moral imagination, generosity, humility, accountability, and respect for the dignity of others.
• Authorization to work in the United States and ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Candidates are advised to follow the below link to apply to the role: CLICK HERE TO APPLY.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy for individual major gifts across the Eastern United States, with clear goals for pipeline growth, donor engagement, and revenue.
• Build and steward a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, families, founders, and family offices, securing significant unrestricted and campaign commitments.
• Design thoughtful, individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that reflect each donor's interests, motivations, and potential relationship with Acumen.
• Secure meaningful 6- and 7-figure contributions to support Acumen's ongoing $250M campaign in service of our 10 year vision.
• Open new philanthropic networks and deepen Acumen's presence among established and next-generation donors who are drawn to entrepreneurship, ending extreme poverty, investing, climate, and systems change.
• Create compelling opportunities for engagement through intimate gatherings, salons, events, field experiences, hands-on advisory roles, and peer-to-peer introductions.
• Serve as a visible and credible ambassador for Acumen in East Coast philanthropic circles, representing our mission, values, and investment approach with clarity and conviction.
• Maintain disciplined portfolio and pipeline management, using data and judgment to prioritize relationships, forecast revenue, and drive consistent follow-through.
• Partner closely with the CEO, Chief Development & Partnerships Officer, and other senior leaders to prepare for and lead high-stakes donor conversations, asks, and follow-up.
• Work with Marketing & Communications and program colleagues to translate Acumen's strategy, portfolio, and impact into stories and materials that move donors to act.
• Collaborate with colleagues across regions and donor channels to strengthen campaign strategy, share insights, and create a coordinated experience for supporters.
• Act as a key thought partner and close collaborator to the Chief Development & Partnerships Officer and other fundraising leaders on strategy, goals, and tactics for the team.
• Effectively manage a small team of direct reports in New York who provide support on regional fundraising and donor engagement, and coordinate with our head of D&P Operations to leverage Acumen's CRM and fundraising tools.

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored health insurance via Oxford, with Acumen contributing 75%–85% of the monthly premium, depending on plan tier.
• Employer-sponsored vision & dental insurance, provided via VSP (vision) and Guardian (dental).
• 20 paid-time off days per year, as well as 11 paid U.S. holidays and 4 observance days per year.
• Up to 12 weeks paid family leave as well as 9 sick days and 5 bereavement days as needed.
• 401k retirement benefits provided via Voya, including 3% employer contribution regardless of employee participation.
• Excellent annual performance is rewarded with a discretionary, performance-based bonus ranging from 1%-18%.
• Monthly commuter benefits to support the cost of train, subway, bus, ferry, or parking services.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed