Admiral Nimitz Foundation - Director of Development

Job Description

About the Admiral Nimitz Foundation

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.

Director of Development 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 5–10 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

Membership & Giving Societies

Events & Campaigns

Leadership & Management

Qualifications

Compensation & Benefits