Head of Philanthropy

Honolulu Academy of Arts • Honolulu, HI

7h • $120,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Head of Philanthropy is a senior fundraiser responsible for setting and executing major gift strategy, driving development revenue production, and leading team performance in support of the Honolulu Museum of Art’s mission and long-term sustainability.

This role manages a leadership-level portfolio and contributes annually to philanthropic revenue production. The Head of Philanthropy establishes portfolio standards, ensures disciplined moves management, and aligns fundraising execution with annual and multi-year institutional campaign planning.

As the Honolulu Museum of Art approaches its centennial and a broadscale campaign, the Head of Philanthropy will be a key driver of the daily strategic actions of the Advancement department. Over time, they will assume expanded leadership responsibility in talent development, performance oversight, and strategic revenue forecasting.

Opened in 1927, the Honolulu Museum of Art is a home for art and education created for the benefit of the entire community. Founder Anna Rice Cooke envisioned a museum that would bring people together through the power of art and “the deep intuitions that are common to all.” The museum was conceived of as a place of meaningful exchange and dialogue, celebrating the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of Hawai‘i’s multi-ethnic population. From this founding intention grew the museum of today, with a world-class encyclopedic collection of more than 55,000 works of art, representing a stunning breadth of places and eras, from all corners of the globe and from the ancient past to the present day.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business, non-profit management, marketing or related field.
• Eight to ten years of progressively responsible fundraising experience securing major and leadership gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to close $2 million+ annually in major gift revenue.
• Experience supervising frontline fundraising staff.
• Strong background in strategic planning, forecasting, and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in CRM systems, Tessitura preferred.
• Honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic supported by commitment, enthusiasm, and follow-through.
• Ability to work within and support a diverse community of visitors, artists, and employees.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in comprehensive campaign environments.
• CFRE certification or progress toward certification.
• Experience in a museum, arts and culture, or nonprofit organization with multiple worksites.
• Understanding of and dedication to advancing the Honolulu Museum of Art’s identity, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

• Manages and advances a portfolio of 40–60 leadership-level donors and prospects.
• Secures major gifts aligned with annual, programmatic, capital, and future campaign priorities.
• Conducts 120–150 meaningful donor visits annually
• Develops and executes a multi-year major gift strategy aligned with institutional priorities.
• Leads prospect strategy sessions and establish portfolio assignment standards.
• Monitors pipeline health, qualification pace, upgrade movement, and revenue forecasting.
• Sets and reinforces moves management standards across the team.
• Supervises and evaluates fundraisers, setting clear revenue expectations and performance metrics.
• Provides coaching and strategic guidance to frontline staff.
• Reviews portfolio composition to ensure capacity balance and performance discipline.
• Partners with the CAO in hiring, onboarding, and promotion planning.
• Partners with Trustees and the Advancement Committee in cultivation, solicitation, and reporting.
• Prepares revenue forecasts and pipeline updates for leadership review.
• Supports trustees as philanthropic ambassadors.
• Partners across Advancement and other departments to ensure coordinated donor engagement.
• Aligns membership-to-donor upgrade pathways with Annual Giving & Membership.
• Upholds best practices in stewardship and ethical fundraising.
• Demonstrates a commitment to fostering cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility through respectful communication and cooperation with others, continuous training, and the modeling of inclusive behaviors.
• In partnership with HR, supports the leadership team in ensuring equitable experiences, strengthening inclusion acumen and promoting a culture of belonging that embraces the contributions of all staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees.
• 12 paid holidays.
• 15 days of vacation accrued in the 1st year, increasing to 20 days in the 2nd year.
• 15 days of sick leave accrued annually.
• Group retirement plans with employer matching after 12 months of service.
• Shop, Museum Café, and Art School discounts.
• Onsite parking provided.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive