Vice President of Philanthropy

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation

Crazy Horse, South Dakota

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation to recruit the organization's Vice President of Philanthropy.

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation (CHMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the cultures, traditions, and living heritage of the North American Indians. The Foundation's work is rooted in a remarkable vision first articulated by Lakota elder Chief Henry Standing Bear, who believed that the world should know that Native American people have great heroes of their own. 

While the Mountain Carving remains the most visible symbol of the Foundation's work, visitors who come to see the monument discover a broader story—the history, cultures, and contemporary lives of Native American people. CHMF operates the Indian Museum of North America®, home to a world-class collection of Native American art and artifacts representing tribes from across the continent, and the Native American Educational and Cultural Center®, where visitors engage with Native artists, performers, and cultural programs. The Foundation also operates Crazy Horse Memorial University®, which provides educational opportunities and leadership development for Native American students in partnership with Black Hills State University.

Located in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, approximately 40 miles from Rapid City, the Crazy Horse Memorial® campus welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The Foundation employs approximately 110 year-round staff members and an additional 50+ seasonal employees. Its annual operating budget is over $13 million and is funded entirely through earned revenue and private philanthropy, as the organization does not accept federal or state government funding. 

Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation seeks a Vice President of Philanthropy to build and lead a modern, high-performing fundraising program in support of its cultural and humanitarian mission. Because the Foundation accepts no federal or state government funding, philanthropy is essential to advancing the Mountain Carving, expanding the Museum’s collection, and supporting Crazy Horse Memorial University®. Reporting to the CEO, the VP will lead a development team of approximately 8–10 professionals and drive an annual fundraising goal of $10 million and beyond. The role will oversee the full donor engagement cycle across annual, major, corporate, foundation, and legacy giving while strengthening the major gift pipeline and developing planned giving. The VP will also establish clear metrics and moves management practices, prepare the organization for its next capital campaign, and foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture. Success will require strong fundraising leadership, cultural humility, respect for Native peoples and traditions, and the ability to work effectively with the Board, founding family members, tribal partners, donors, community leaders, and staff.

The Vice President of Philanthropy will lead the Foundation’s multi-year fundraising strategy, expand and diversify the donor base, and prepare the organization for its next capital campaign. The role will personally cultivate and solicit major donors, secure significant gifts, strengthen stewardship, and build a planned giving program. This leader will manage and develop a team of approximately 8–10 staff, establish clear expectations and accountability, and create a collaborative, high-performing culture. The VP will also oversee fundraising metrics, CRM effectiveness, budgeting and revenue forecasting, partner with Marketing on the case for support, and represent the Foundation with donors, tribal partners, and community leaders.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree, 7–15 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including at least five years in senior leadership, and a strong record of securing major gifts, grants, and increased fundraising results. They should bring experience leading and developing fundraising teams, managing donor pipelines and campaigns, using donor management systems, and demonstrating strong communication, budgeting, planning, and relationship-building skills. Equally important are cultural humility, authentic passion for the Foundation’s mission, integrity, collaboration, and the ability to work effectively with donors, Board members, founding family members, tribal partners, and community leaders.

The expected salary for the Vice President of Philanthropy is approximately $150,000, commensurate with experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid holidays and personal leave, health insurance with employer contribution, a retirement plan with employer matching, dental and vision plans, additional voluntary insurance options, and employee meal and retail discounts on site. This position is based on-site in Crazy Horse, South Dakota, with some travel and outreach. Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to the Black Hills region. Regular travel to meet with donors is required.

The search for the Vice President of Philanthropy is being conducted by The Moran Company on behalf of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter and resume through the secure application portal link below. Resume should include a complete employment history, including months and years of service. For the best opportunity of being considered, please apply by September 30, 2026. Questions may be directed to Steven Byers via Steve.Byers (at) MoranCompany.com.

To view the full Position Profile and/or APPLY, click HERE