Senior Director, Individual Giving and Events

Senior Director, Individual Giving and Events

We are Guggenheim, a global constellation of museums united by the power of groundbreaking art. Since our founding in 1937, the Guggenheim has introduced and celebrated new voices in modern and contemporary art. Across the globe, each Guggenheim stands as a masterpiece in itself to experience.

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The Senior Director of Individual Giving and Events is a leadership role within the advancement team, reporting to the Chief Development Officer. This individual will lead strategy, cultivation, and stewardship across the Guggenheim’s individual giving programs, special initiatives, and fundraising events. The Senior Director will supervise a team of 10 and oversee a seven-figure portfolio, driving growth in individual contributions, patron groups, planned giving, and major gifts in support of exhibitions, education, and other institutional priorities.

The role provides strategic oversight for the museum’s signature fundraising events—including the annual gala, the Young Collectors Council benefit, and exhibition-related celebrations—while managing a robust calendar of internal and rental events that advance donor engagement and museum visibility.

As a seasoned development leader, the Senior Director will inspire philanthropy, strengthen donor relationships, and play a critical role in shaping and executing the Guggenheim’s future campaigns and long-term fundraising strategies.

• 10+ years of progressively senior development and event management experience, ideally within a cultural or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated success managing a seven-figure portfolio and leading complex, multi-tiered fundraising campaigns.
• Proven track record cultivating and soliciting major donors and sustaining long-term philanthropic relationships.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with experience supervising staff, contractors, and consultants.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development and oversight.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills; ability to inspire confidence and trust among donors, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and donor management systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

• Strategic Leadership
  • Partner with the Chief Development Officer to design and execute strategies for individual giving, campaigns, and special initiatives.
  • Lead donor cultivation and moves management to expand and deepen engagement across major donor tiers.
  • Oversee strategy and growth of patron and affinity groups.
  • Develop and launch a new planned giving program.
• Team Management
  • Manage, mentor, and inspire the Individual Giving and Events teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
  • Collaborate cross-departmentally with colleagues throughout Advancement, Curatorial, Finance, Education, Marketing & Communications, Facilities, and other teams to align donor engagement with institutional priorities.
• Fundraising & Donor Relations
  • Oversee a portfolio of major donors and prospects, ensuring tailored strategies that meet financial and relationship goals.
  • Engage and support Board Members, event chairs, affinity group members, and volunteer leaders in fundraising and stewardship activities.
• Events & Engagement
  • Provide executive oversight for fundraising and cultivation events, including the annual Under the Oculus gala and Young Collectors Council benefit.
  • Oversee internal and rental events strategy to optimize the museum calendar and leverage opportunities for donor engagement.
  • Ensure all events reflect the Guggenheim’s mission, brand, and commitment to excellence.
• Financial Oversight
  • With team leaders, develop and monitor goals and budgets for individual giving and events.
  • Drive revenue goals to support exhibitions, education programs, and institutional growth.

• Ability to travel within the metropolitan area and occasional domestic/international travel.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Master’s Degree preferred

N/A

Deputy Director and Chief Development Officer

One Liberty Plaza, New York, NY 10006

Hybrid eligible; hours vary based on position

Full-time, Exempt

$210,000-$230,000 annually

The Guggenheim is committed to creating paths toward a more inclusive and diverse institution. We encourage inquiries from applicants who reflect the plurality of our culture and our global audience. The Guggenheim does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, marital status, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin or disability status.