Job Description
Executive Director (Full-Time) - Portsmouth Museums Foundation, Inc. About the Organization The Portsmouth Museums Foundation, Inc. (PMF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1992 to support the cultural and educational mission of Portsmouth’s museums, with a primary focus on the Children’s Museum of Virginia. PMF generates private and public funding to support museum programs, exhibitions, and capital initiatives while serving as a philanthropic partner to the City of Portsmouth. Governed by a 16-member regional Board of Directors, the Foundation has raised more than $10 million in support of the Children’s Museum of Virginia and other museum initiatives. The Foundation works collaboratively with the City of Portsmouth’s Department of Museums & Tourism to expand the reach, impact, and sustainability of Portsmouth’s museum assets. The Position The Portsmouth Museums Foundation seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the organization’s full-time Executive Director (ED). This individual will provide strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the Foundation while leading all fundraising and philanthropic initiatives. Reporting to the PMF Board President and working closely with the Board of Directors, the ED will design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, fundraising events, and individual giving - with clear accountability for generating a minimum of $275,000 in year one. The ED will serve as the Foundation’s primary ambassador and spokesperson, strengthening relationships with donors, partners, civic leaders, and the broader philanthropic community throughout Hampton Roads. This role requires a strategic, relationship-driven leader who is comfortable both developing high-level fundraising strategy and executing hands-on development activities. The ED will work collaboratively with the City of Portsmouth’s Director of Museums & Tourism to align philanthropic support with museum priorities and community impact. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management Partner with the Board of Directors to advance the Foundation’s mission and strategic priorities Develop and implement long-term fundraising and organizational growth strategies Identify new philanthropic and partnership opportunities that support the sustainability and expansion of Portsmouth’s CMVA initiatives Implement and maintain DonorPerfect CRM system with 100% donor tracking compliance Actively utilize Google Drive internal file storage system and support in file migration process Ensure strong operational management and financial stewardship of the Foundation Fundraising Strategy & Development Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the Foundation’s annual revenue goal of $275,000 in year one Lead all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, and individual giving Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects Cultivate and steward relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and public agencies Identify new funding opportunities and develop strategies to secure philanthropic support Grants & Sponsorships Research, write, and submit grant proposals and reports to foundations, corporations, and government entities Develop compelling sponsorship proposals and partnership opportunities Manage relationships with current and prospective sponsors to ensure strong engagement and long-term partnerships Oversee reporting and compliance requirements related to grants and city funding support Individual Giving & Donor Engagement Guide the strategy and execution of annual appeals and donor communications Cultivate meaningful relationships with donors and prospects to grow philanthropic support Partner with museum leadership to strengthen member engagement and philanthropic participation Lead donor stewardship and recognition programs Fundraising Events Plan and execute fundraising events, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, that advance philanthropic goals and community engagement Work with vendors, volunteers, and board members to ensure successful events Manage logistics, sponsorships, and donor engagement related to events Board Engagement Attend and support all Board of Directors meetings Provide monthly performance updates to the board - including fundraising progress, financial performance, and organizational priorities