The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) seeks an experienced and relationship-driven Senior Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts during an exciting period of growth and impact. 

Reporting to the CEO, the Senior Director will oversee all aspects of individual, corporate, and foundation giving while serving as a key partner to senior leadership and the Board of Directors. This role requires a strategic fundraiser who thrives in relationship management, especially with major donors and Board members, and who brings strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills. The Senior Director will help to continue to expand and diversify revenue streams to sustain and grow the Museum’s mission to amplify women’s stories and ensure they are fully represented in history, culture, and education.

The Senior Director of Development is in the DMV area with a hybrid structure between remote and in-office work. With the focus on major giving, this role may require monthly travel.

The salary range for this role is between $110,000–$135,000.

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Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Responsible for a revenue goal of $3.5M
• Implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans aligned with the Museum’s strategic goals.
• Manage and grow a portfolio of major individual donors (portfolio of 30+), cultivating relationships to secure gifts in the five- and six-figure range.
• Partner with the CEO, CMO, Board Development Committee, and Senior Director of Direct Mail to design and execute donor strategies and engagement opportunities.
• Oversee donor communications, corporate partnerships, proposal development, and stewardship materials that align with the Museum’s brand and priorities.
• Support the planning and fundraising for key events, including the Women Making History Awards Gala and other cultivation activities.
• Collaborate closely with program and communications teams to connect donors to the Museum’s mission and impact.

Board & Leadership Engagement

• Partner with board members to support their personal giving and help them engage their networks on behalf of the Museum.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to the CEO in all high-level fundraising activities.

Team Management & Operations

• Work with a team of consultants and staff members that manage current fundraising activities, fostering an environment of collaboration and accountability.
• Track progress against fundraising goals, ensuring data accuracy and strategic decision-making through CRM systems and analytics.
• Support the transition to a new CRM, along with donor data management, and implementation of new outreach activities. 
• Contribute to a positive, mission-driven team culture focused on collaboration and results.

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Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with at least 3 years managing major gifts or institutional giving.
• Proven success cultivating and soliciting major donors and corporate sponsors.
• Experience working directly with Boards of directors and senior leadership on fundraising strategies.
• Strong writing and communication skills, including donor correspondence and proposal development.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases and digital fundraising tools.
• A passion for advancing women’s history and equity through education and storytelling.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via Submittable no later than November 23, 2025. Please include the following materials:

• Resume or CV
• Letter of Interest (Word or PDF)
• Writing sample (a proposal to an individual major gift donor and/or a sponsorship pitch

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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Questions?

Email press@womenshistory.org with any questions, but only applications submitted through Submittable will be considered. (Serious inquiries only; no phone calls, please). Learn more about us at womenshistory.org.

*Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants. We appreciate your understanding and the time you take to apply.