Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

About PAFA

As the first art museum and school in the United States, PAFA 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.

As PAFA approaches the nation’s semi-quincentennial in 2026 and welcomes its new President & CEO Kristen Shepherd, the institution is entering an exciting chapter of growth and national visibility.

The Chief Development Officer Opportunity

Reporting to the President & CEO, the CDO will direct and lead PAFA's efforts to advance philanthropy, community understanding, programs and priorities of the organization. The CDO will lead a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy spanning annual, major/principal, institutional, and planned giving, along with signature events. This executive will partner closely with the CEO, Board, and senior leaders to strengthen the development pipeline, advance principal gift strategy, expand planned giving and implement data-driven operations—forecasting, dashboards, and portfolio standards—for sustained, year-over-year progress. The CDO oversees a team of ~4–6 FTE with an annual fundraising target of $5M+.

Candidate Profile

Experience fundraising within the arts is highly desired, with museum experience preferred but not required.

Experience leading both the strategic and tactical (hands-on) components of a successful fundraising operation is required.

The role is highly visible across Philadelphia’s cultural landscape, so a strong personal interest in art, history, preservation and education is required.

Compensation: $190,000–$220,000 plus generous benefits

Location: We are conducting a national search, though experience fundraising in the Philadelphia, NYC and/or Mid-Atlantic region is highly desired. The successful candidate will be expected to reside in the Philadelphia, PA region if selected.

Compensation: The salary range for this role is $190,000 - $220,000 with a generous benefits package.

To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/7031444