Overview:    

The Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for engaging the community in partnerships that grow the Museum’s influence, impact, and resources. This position leads all aspects of fundraising, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, special events, planned giving, and capital campaigns. The CPO is a passionate community leader and advocate for the Museum’s mission. They are an expert in relationship building and skilled public speaker. 

The CPO will cultivate a culture of philanthropy across the organization and lead a team dedicated to advancing donor engagement, stewardship, and community partnerships. The CPO reports to the CEO.

Qualifications:    

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.

• Minimum 10 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including leadership roles.

• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, leading capital campaigns, and managing donor portfolios.

• Deep understanding of donor engagement strategies, planned giving, and grant development.

• Strong communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience managing staff and collaborating with executive leadership and boards.

• Proficiency in fundraising CRM systems

• Passion for children’s education, equity, and community development.

• Passion for hands-on learning & exploration

• Ability to use Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Excel, and Word

• Valid Driver’s License

• Employment contingent on passing a Level 1 background check 

Job Responsibilities:    

CORPORATE CULTURE & HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL

Explorations V and Florida Children’s Museum values employees who P.L.A.Y. 

PLAN

LEARN

ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS

The Museum is open 7 days a week and can feel fast paced. The ability to plan your duties effectively advances the Museum’s mission and makes the employee a strong asset. As a learning institution we value employees who continue to develop professionally and personally. We value employees who seek out development opportunities and will support requests for continued education as much as possible. Finally, everyone from Board, Staff, and Volunteers should set goals as a measure of measuring success. Achievement is the goal but sometimes that isn’t possible due to outside factors. When you cannot achieve your goals, what did you learn about the process and how can that educational to the entire staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

PRIMARY DUTIES

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• Serve as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to strategic direction, planning, and organizational growth.

• Develop and execute an annual development plan aligned with the Museum’s strategic objectives and revenue goals.

• Foster a culture of philanthropy across staff, board, and volunteers.

DONOR ENGAGEMENT

• Lead and grow all fundraising efforts to meet or exceed annual contributed revenue goals.

• Oversee and personally manage a portfolio of major and principal donors and prospects.

• Implement moves management strategies for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Ensure consistent donor recognition, engagement, and retention efforts.

CAMPGIAN MANAGEMENT

• Lead capital and special campaign strategies in collaboration with executive leadership and consultants.

• Oversee the research, writing, and submission of grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and government agencies.

• Track progress toward campaign milestones and provide regular reports to leadership and the Board.

Team Management & Collaboration

• Lead and mentor the development team as the department grows.

• Collaborate across departments to align funding needs with philanthropic opportunities.

• Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to expand fundraising networks and capacity.

Communications & Stewardship

• Ensure consistent messaging and donor engagement through coordinated development communications.

• Oversee donor database (CRM) integrity, reporting, and donor analytics.

• Provide fundraising training and support to board members and staff as appropriate.