Vice President / Chief Advancement Officer

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation•Scottsdale, AZ

42d•$140,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation welcomes dynamic, mission-driven individuals to apply for the role of Vice President of Advancement, joining an iconic American cultural institution dedicated to preserving and advancing Wright’s enduring legacy. The Vice President of Advancement serves as the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s chief fundraising strategist and relationship architect, working with the President and CEO to shape a comprehensive philanthropic vision that fuels the organization’s mission. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the VP of Advancement partners closely with the President and CEO to align fundraising with strategic objectives, strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the organization, and deepen engagement with stakeholders locally, nationally, and globally. The Foundation’s annual contributed revenue currently ranges between $2 million and $3 million, with strong potential for meaningful growth as the organization advances its next phase of strategic priorities. This role leads the continuing modernization of an integrated advancement program, encompassing major and leadership giving, annual support, memberships, institutional partnerships, development operations, and campaign readiness. The VP of Advancement manages a high-value portfolio of donors and prospects, builds and stewards relationships at the highest levels, and develops compelling cases for support across preservation, education, Public Engagement, the Taliesin Institute, and key initiatives at both Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona and Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Joining the Foundation at a moment of meaningful momentum, the VP of Advancement plays a central role in elevating the organization’s philanthropic presence and supporting the multi-year strategic plan that will guide the Foundation’s long-range growth and opportunities for future investment. This leader will continue to strengthen systems, expand the donor community, and advance a culture of gratitude, connection, and engagement that reflects the enduring power of Frank Lloyd Wright’s ideas.

Requirements

5+ years of progressive fundraising or advancement leadership, with demonstrated success securing major and leadership gifts.
Experience in mission-driven cultural, educational, design, or preservation organizations; familiarity with architecture or the arts is a plus.
Proven ability to partner effectively with senior executives, Boards, and volunteer leaders to advance philanthropic priorities.
Exceptional relationship-builder with outstanding communication skills and the ability to inspire donors and stakeholders.
Demonstrated strength in team leadership, portfolio management, and moves-management discipline.
Strong strategic, analytical, and financial acumen, including proficiency with CRM systems (ideally Salesforce NPSP) and data-informed fundraising practices.
Inclusive, values-driven leadership style that fosters a culture of gratitude, engagement, collaboration, and cross-campus cohesion across Arizona and Wisconsin.
Bachelor’s degree required

Nice To Haves

advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee an annual fundraising program that generates between $2 million and $3 million in contributed revenue, with an emphasis on growing this philanthropic base strategically over time.
Lead a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with the Foundation’s mission, values, and multi-year strategic plan.
Partner with the President & CEO and SLT to integrate philanthropic priorities across Preservation, Public Engagement, the Taliesin Institute, and any other institutional efforts.
Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, using disciplined moves management process and clear revenue goals.
Build and steward relationships at the highest levels, securing leadership, restricted, and unrestricted annual support for initiatives in both Arizona and Wisconsin, and beyond.
Grow the Foundation’s recently developed major gifts program and strengthen the donor pipeline at all giving levels.
Develop compelling cases for support that articulate the impact and relevance of the Foundation’s work.
Play a leading role in the planning, development, and execution of any capital campaigns, including shaping campaign strategy, establishing goals, coordinating internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring disciplined donor engagement and solicitation efforts throughout all phases of campaign activity.
Collaborate with the President & CEO on shared donor strategies and preparation for cultivation and solicitation.
Equip Board members to play active roles in relationship-building and philanthropy.
Lead, mentor, and develop the Advancement team across major gifts, grants, membership, and operations.
Ensure ethical, transparent, and donor-centered fundraising practices.
Oversee the effective use and continued optimization of the Foundation’s CRM (currently Salesforce NPSP) to support moves management, portfolio discipline, analytics, and reporting.
Build a metrics-driven advancement operation through strong data practices and accountability.