Director of development

Director of Development, The Athenaeum of Philadelphia , Philadelphia

Job Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director
Direct Reports: Development Database Administrator (PT); Social Media Assistant (PT)

The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, a 211-year-old, member-supported library, research center and learning community located in a National Historic Landmark on Washington Square, seeks an experienced Director of Development to join our team and provide strategic direction and guidance for the Development department. We are a vital cultural resource in Greater Philadelphia, with a robust circulating library, a renowned special collection focused on Philadelphia architecture, and more than 150 programs annually, including speaker series, reading and discussion groups, arts and architecture-focused exhibits, intimate concerts, films, that shape us as an intergenerational learning community and third space. The Director of Development will play a crucial role in advancing this mission.


The Athenaeum is launching a new strategic plan in 2026 and the Director of Development will build a fundraising and communications plan to implement it. As a frontline fundraiser, the Director of Development’s fundraising priorities include growing individual and major gifts; annual fund and membership support; and foundation, corporate and government support; implementing a planned giving strategy; and creating strategies for special events and special project fundraising.

Why join us


As Director of Development at The Athenaeum, you will be part of a collaborative, strategic and forward-thinking environment that supports your professional growth while charting the path in a newly-created position. You will work closely with our Executive Director, Board and staff to drive organizational growth and sustainability for an exciting organization with high member satisfaction and increasing “buzz.”

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to reach annual and long-term goals while advancing The Athenaeum’s mission, vision and values.
• Identify and cultivate major gift prospects, corporate and foundation donors to create a robust major gifts pipeline. Collaborate closely with the Executive Director to implement cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual donors.
• With support of staff, manage and maintain all membership levels; oversee membership mailings including solicitations, renewals and acknowledgements.
• Plan and execute special events that engage donors and raise funds for the organization.
• Steward existing donors and create new opportunities for engagement.
• Manage and lead a development and communications team, providing guidance, training and support as needed.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Board, staff and Development Committee to optimize fundraising efforts and effectiveness. Serve as staff liaison for the Development Committee.
• Work closely with the Development Database Administrator to ensure proper acknowledgement, recording and tracking of donations and dues payments, and produce timely fundraising progress reports using DonorPerfect.
• Oversee the marketing and communications strategy, ensuring communications are donor and member centered and contribute to a well-rounded fundraising and promotional strategy.
• As a member of The Athenaeum staff, serve as a strategic and creative collaborator for long-term direction and short-term decision making for the organization.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience and measurable success in nonprofit fundraising, including setting and meeting goals.
• Demonstrated managerial experience leading a strong team and creating a positive work environment.
• Successful track record of personally identifying, cultivating and soliciting significant contributions of $25,000 or more from a single donor.
• Superb written and oral communication skills.
• Experience in development marketing and communications strategy that is donor and member centered.
• Previous experience leading campaigns desirable.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with fundraising software and donor databases (familiarity with DonorPerfect preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, Board members and volunteers.
• Strong commitment to ethical responsibility and donor confidentiality.
• A deep commitment to the mission and values of The Athenaeum of Philadelphia.

• Salary Range: $75,000-$100,000, depending on experience.
• Benefits: The Athenaeum offers competitive benefits, including health, dental and vision insurance; disability and life insurance; employer contribution to retirement plan after 2 years; generous PTO; and paid holidays.
• Commitment: typical schedule is Monday-Friday 9-5, with participation in extended hour scheduling, some early mornings, evenings and weekends as necessary to support programs, events, networking and donor meetings. This position may include some remote work where appropriate.
• Location: The Athenaeum is located at 219 S. 6th St, in Philadelphia.

Deadline to apply: 11/24/25

Interested candidates may submit their cover letter, resume, references, and 2 relevant writing samples to [email protected]. Please put “Director of Development” in the subject line. No phone calls please. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.


The Athenaeum of Philadelphia is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates.


The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
219 South Sixth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106


(Posted 11/5)