Vice President for Development
National Constitution Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The National Constitution Center, created by the Constitution Heritage Act in 1988, brings the U.S. Constitution to life through multimedia exhibitions, live performances, timely public programs, and dynamic educational resources. On July 4, 2003, the building opened in what has been called “America’s most historic square mile” because of the proximity to landmarks such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, and has attracted more than seven million visitors to date. The Center is America's first and only nonpartisan, nonprofit institution devoted to the Constitution, the most powerful vision of human freedom ever expressed. The Center’s mission is to illuminate constitutional ideals and inspire acts of citizenship.
As we face the kind of economic, social, and political challenges we haven’t experienced in generations, excessive partisanship, incivility, and dysfunction among our public leaders and institutions have so undermined public trust that solutions have never seemed so out of reach. The civic education and engagement of American citizens represent America’s most promising path forward. America’s future will depend on the ability of “We the People” to roll up our sleeves, focus on problem solving, get engaged in our communities and require our elected leaders to do the work we need them to do. The National Constitution Center will help more Americans, from students to business leaders, answer the call of freedom through expanded educational and engagement activities.
Reporting to the Center’s President and Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President for Development oversees a Development Department of fourteen and is charged with building a sustainable, comprehensive fundraising program. The Vice President will champion continuous improvement of the Development Department, such that it is defined by professionalism, collaboration, a rigorous approach, and a metrics-based orientation. S/he will work with the Center’s senior leadership to engage the Board of Trustees more deeply and intentionally in fundraising efforts, while also recruiting additional Trustees who reflect a balance of national prominence with the Center’s Philadelphia roots. The Vice President will address key areas for internal campaign readiness and will lead a forthcoming fundraising campaign. As strategic partner to the President and Chief Executive Officer, thought leader on philanthropic matters, and chief development officer, the Vice President wi ll play a major role in the National Constitution Center’s overall maturation as an institution, its ability to seize opportunities of the day, and its ascendency to national prominence.
Candidates must have 15 or more years of nonprofit fundraising experience in positions of increasing responsibility and complexity with organizations realizing annual fundraising goals of $5 million or greater; a minimum of 8-10 years of successful leadership experience and management of a staff of 7 or greater in a results-oriented environment; and the ability to travel nationally. Experience working in a museum and/or organization related to civic engagement is a plus. Outstanding candidates will possess experience in strategic planning; demonstrated success in developing fundraising strategies, building relationships, and working closely with major donors; demonstrated ability to effectively build, lead, and motivate a successful fundraising team working collaboratively and strategically; familiarity with technology and other innovations that can streamline the development process and contribute to the integration of advancement functions; profound connection to the missi on of the National Constitution Center; professional experience managing the growth of a nonprofit organization’s philanthropic revenues; experience leading a major capital campaign; evidence of ability to personally secure seven-figure gifts, and steward and retain leadership-level donors; experience in fundraising on a national scale; financial acumen including a clear understanding of budgeting and financial reporting; demonstrated success growing, managing, and productively engaging volunteer boards; strong skills in leadership, negotiation, relationship building, and diplomacy; unimpeachable integrity and trustworthiness, political savvy, and discretion; excellent oral, written, and listening communications skills; a highly professional image with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels; and a self-starter attitude with a sense of urgency, a clear set of priorities, a strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances in an entrepreneurial environment.
A Bachelor’s degree required; graduate degree preferred.
Application Instructions
Inquiries, nominations, and applications (current resumes) should be directed electronically to:
Gerard F. Cattie, Jr.
Managing Director
Diversified Search
275 Madison Avenue, Suite 1801, New York, NY 10016
Gerard.Cattie@divsearch.com
212-542-2587
Email Us Here: Gerard.Cattie@divsearch.com
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