Chief Development Officer | Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMA) has experienced an era of growth and civic engagement since the unveiling of the Core Project in 2021 – with the inauguration of early American and contemporary art galleries, a renovated West Entrance, and the breathtaking Williams Forum – followed by the appointment of visionary executive and Board leadership. Partnerships with local artists and community groups, popular Friday Night Lounge programs, and a marked increase in visits by school groups are bringing in new and more diverse audiences, while major upcoming exhibitions and the museum’s 150th anniversary in 2026 are generating additional energy and attention among those who share a passion for art, community, and the museum's long-term success.

Amid this forward-looking context of investment and change, the PMA seeks an experienced and collaborative Chief Development Officer (CDO) to oversee all aspects of the museum’s Development Division and expand on the museum’s fundraising efforts. This role will oversee a broad range of fundraising, special events, and trustee relations. Reporting directly to the George D. Widener Director and Chief Executive Officer and partnering with highly engaged Trustees seeking opportunities to support fundraising efforts, the CDO will lead the museum’s efforts to deepen and broaden its engagement with current and prospective donors locally, nationally, and internationally. Fostering a culture of philanthropy that ensures fundraising success, the CDO will advance the highest standards of cultivation, stewardship, and people leadership. The CDO will be a key member of the museum’s executive leadership team and will be expected to contribute to the strategies and direction of institutional decisions and priorities.

The successful candidate will bring an understanding of and appreciation for the unique role that the museum plays in Philadelphia and beyond. The CDO will also have an appreciation for the major issues facing all cultural art institutions, from changing demographics to matters of access, technology, sustainability, and resources. This individual will possess a minimum of 12 years of development experience in positions of increasing responsibility, with at least eight years of experience leading complex fundraising programs and campaigns. The CDO must possess strong managerial, strategic planning, and motivational skills; a keen understanding of fundraising best practices; and a proven track record of success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship at the seven and eight-figure levels.

This role is an exceptional opportunity for a high-performing individual to lead a development program in support of the PMA through the implementation of best practices, team and capacity building, and the application of innovative strategies which will create a philanthropic enterprise of unsurpassed effectiveness.

While the PMA will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate will have the following qualifications/experience.

• A deep commitment to the arts and genuine interest in and appreciation for the museum’s history, achievements, and prominent role in the national and international cultural community.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible fundraising and leadership experience in development. Depth of knowledge in all key areas of development.
• A successful track record of building upon an existing development program through the application of analytical thinking and best practices, resulting in a substantive and sustainable increase in philanthropic revenue for an organization.
• A proven track record of success in securing seven and eight-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
• The credibility, maturity, and sound judgement required to effectively engage and leverage senior leaders and volunteers in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key prospects and donors.
• Proven experience as a highly effective, collaborative, and inclusive leader, and success in developing a team while creating a goal-oriented environment resulting in a solid rate of retention and staff satisfaction.
• Demonstrated experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within an organization.
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills — able to engage in meaningful conversation about the Museum and to articulate the case for support to multiple audiences.
• A sharp eye for operational efficiency and the best use of resources, including a demonstrated understanding of budgets and the ability to manage them.
• Diplomatic and collegial while managing competing priorities with political savvy, impeccable judgment, and discretion.
• Strong personal integrity and work ethic as well as a sense of humor and perspective.
• The flexibility and willingness to participate in evening and weekend events, and to travel as needed.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Institutional requirements:

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.
• Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Philadelphia Museum of Art actively seeks to employ a diverse group of people who embody its organizational values. The PMA welcomes and encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

The PMA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.

Learn more about the PMA’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access.

Download the full position description via the following link:
https://dsgco.com/search/22453-pma

The Philadelphia Museum of Art has retained the DSG Fundraising & Advancement Practice of DSG Global to assist in this confidential search process. Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes and cover letters) may be submitted via the following link or directed to the leader of the search team:

https://talent-profile.dsgco.com/search/v2/22453

Gerard F. Cattie, Jr.
Global Managing Partner and Practice Founder – DSG Fundraising & Advancement
DSG Global
The Chrysler Building, 405 Lexington Avenue, 49th Floor, New York, New York 10174
gcattie@divsearch.com | 212.542.2587