Chief Development Officer: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

For over 200 years, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) – the oldest art museum and school in the nation – has supported a close-knit community of curators, faculty, critics, scholars, museum professionals, and alumni and created a home for contemporary artists to reinvent tradition and make their own mark on the future. PAFA is a national leader in fine arts education that brings together artists and the public through exceptional teaching programs, a world-class collection of American art, major exhibitions, and widely accessible public programs.

PAFA’s museum is internationally known for its collections of American paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, and for its exhibitions that help to broaden the story of American art to include women and artists of color. Its archives house important materials for studying American art history, museums, and art training. The education offerings at PAFA attract some of the most committed and promising art students from across the country and around the globe to study painting, drawing, printmaking, illustration, animation, and sculpture with a distinguished faculty of working artists. The school holds a position of national prestige, with cutting-edge studio and classroom facilities, private studios for students, a historic cast collection, and the opportunity for students to exhibit in a world-class museum.

PAFA is on the brink of a historic event. In 2026, we will be reinstalling our renowned collection, a momentous occasion that coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This unique opportunity allows us to commemorate and celebrate America’s rich history while honoring the contributions of all Americans. PAFA has been a significant part of America’s cultural and artistic heritage, paralleling the nation’s journey from its early years to the present day. The upcoming reinstallation, during PAFA 250, will highlight the academy’s extensive collection of American art and serve as a reflective pause to appreciate the nation’s past, celebrate its achievements, uncover the untold stories, and envision a brighter future for the next generation and beyond.

As we approach this historic milestone, PAFA 250 is committed to creating an immersive experience that bridges the gap between history and the present. We aim to showcase the evolution of American art and its role in shaping our national identity. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to engage with works that span from the early 19th century to contemporary pieces, each telling a story of resilience, innovation, and the diverse voices that have contributed to the fabric of our nation.

PAFA seeks an entrepreneurial and collegial fundraising leader to serve as the Chief Development Officer. Reporting to the President & CEO (who is also the Edna S. Tuttleman Director of the Museum), the successful candidate will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. The successful candidate will partner with PAFA stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, senior leadership, faculty, curatorial team and staff, and colleagues to achieve strategic and campaign funding goals.

The Chief Development Officer, in conjunction with the President & CEO, will direct and lead PAFA’s efforts to advance philanthropy, community understanding, and goodwill for the programs and priorities of the organization. With primary responsibility to expand funding, the CDO’s key responsibilities include:

• Guided by PAFA’s mission, priorities, vision for the future, and organizational core values (education, community, traditions, stewardship, and diversity), execute and manage diverse activities that provide inspirational and effective fundraising leadership that promotes increased philanthropic support;
• Understand the PAFA’s mission, culture, values, history, key stakeholders, programs and finances;
• In partnership with the President & CEO, Board of Trustees, and Development Committee of the Board, establish a strategic vision for fundraising and development activities;
• Serve as the chief development officer and lead the strategic expansion of the fundraising program, as well as the structure and staffing to make it successful;
• Design and execute a long-term, comprehensive fundraising plan that is focused on increasing philanthropic revenue from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government;
• Build and expand the planned giving program;
• Partner with the President & CEO, board members, and volunteers to secure principal, major, corporate, foundation, and government gifts and grants;
• Identify, engage, cultivate, and solicit a portfolio of prospects;
• Communicate effectively with the Board of Trustees and draw on their talents, resources and ideas to enhance fundraising activities;
• Ensure effective, ongoing, and productive communication with donors and donor prospects, including proper outreach, follow-up, and stewardship of donor relationships;
• Lead and manage the development team, balancing staff resources and priorities to ensure that campaign and annual fund-raising goals for individual and institutional giving are achieved;
• Systematically identify and build relationships with new sources of support and develop a national donor constituency;
• Manage and mentor a team of professional staff: utilizing clearly defined goals, objectives, and transparent methods with which to measure success and instill the importance of stewarding all gifts in ways that strengthen donors’ interests in and satisfaction with PAFA.

PAFA seeks an experienced fundraiser with a demonstrated track record to respond effectively to the abovementioned responsibilities. To fulfill the requirements of this position, a candidate must possess the following professional experience and personal qualities:

• Passion for the mission of PAFA and the ability to communicate this mission in an inspiring manner to prospects and donors;
• Fundraising vision and capacity to take PAFA to its next level of excellence, including a proven track record of creating and leading fundraising initiatives, which resulted in significant revenue growth, an expanded constituency base, and improved operations;
• Demonstrated ability and creativity in high-level strategic planning for capital, annual, endowment, and special campaigns;
• Stature, credibility, and interpersonal skill to effectively engage and support the Senior Leadership Team, academic leadership and faculty, curatorial leadership and staff, colleagues, and staff to achieve strategic funding goals;
• An entrepreneurial spirit, with the ability to think creatively and strategically to solve problems and address challenges as they arise;
• Demonstrated record of personal solicitations from individuals, corporations, and foundations, including the design and execution of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies;
• Experience in Board recruitment and development;
• Experience in leading and managing a staff of development professionals, instilling team spirit and motivating them to meet and exceed annual and campaign fundraising goals;
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) combined with intellectual curiosity and dexterity;
• Unquestioned integrity and sound judgment, as well as a sense of perspective.

PAFA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment that welcomes and encourages recruiting and retaining qualified candidates from diverse groups. PAFA provides equal opportunity to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran. This position is subject to background screening and the Caliper Personality Profile.

Minimum Salary/Hourly Rate: $125,000.00

Maximum Salary/Hourly Rate: $175,000.00

To Apply: PAFA accepts digital applications only. To be considered for this opportunity, apply using the online portal located on the PAFA Careers page. A complete application includes a detailed, up-to-date resume and cover letter that specifically describes the applicant’s skills, experiences, and desire to work at PAFA.