Acumen · 2 months ago
Director of Philanthropy
San Francisco
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$170K/yr - $200K/yr
20+ years expAcumen is a global force of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators working together to build a world based on dignity. The Director of Philanthropy will lead efforts to engage high-net-worth supporters and drive a significant fundraising initiative, focusing on building relationships and securing major gifts to support Acumen's mission of addressing poverty.
AgricultureClean EnergyCommunitiesEducationFinancial ServicesNon ProfitSolarTrainingVenture Capital
No H1B
Responsibilities
Build and grow Acumen’s community of high-net-worth supporters on the West Coast, cultivating deep personal relationships and securing major unrestricted gifts
Represent Acumen’s mission with integrity and inspiration to the world’s most influential and visionary philanthropists
Play a central role in a $200M fundraising effort
Cultivate deep, long-term relationships, creating high-impact engagement opportunities, and secure major gifts that expand our base of unrestricted funding in service of driving transformational philanthropy to strengthen Acumen’s patient capital approach
Develop and execute engagement strategies that position the CEO and senior leaders in front of high-potential prospects at targeted events, salons, and donor gatherings to inspire giving
Identify and connect with new philanthropic networks, peer groups, and donor communities aligned with Acumen’s mission
Partner with the Communications team to create compelling experiences, stories, and materials that inspire action from prospective and existing donors
Collaborate with the Development & Partnerships team to align regional efforts with global priorities and share best practices for HNWI engagement
Serve as a visible ambassador for Acumen in key philanthropic circles, building trust and visibility for the organization’s work
Qualification
Required
Minimum of 20 years of experience in philanthropic fundraising and relationship management, with a strong record of securing major gifts
Demonstrated ability to engage and inspire high-net-worth individuals and their networks
Strong understanding of how to design and execute strategic engagement moments with senior leadership participation
Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including managing up to the CEO
Adept at both one-on-one conversations and high-profile events, and skilled at collaborating with senior leadership to maximize fundraising outcomes
Effective storyteller with strong verbal and written communication skills
A self-starter with experience in entrepreneurial environments and a readiness to adapt to evolving opportunities
This role will be supported by and be a part of a team. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a hands-on approach to execution
Self-reflective and aligned with Acumen values
Authorized to work in the US
Ability to travel as needed
Preferred
The ideal candidate would be based in California, however we are open to considering candidates in other locations with proximity to strong and influential philanthropic networks
Benefits
Annual performance-based bonus
Comprehensive benefits package
Company
Acumen
Acumen is a non-profit venture fund that uses entrepreneurial approaches to solve the problems of global poverty.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$20MKey Investors
British International InvestmentTakeda
2025-09-23Debt Financing· $20M
2023-04-03Grant
Leadership Team
Jacqueline Novogratz
Founder & CEO
Carsten Stendevad
President and Chief Investment Officer
Recent News
ImpactAlpha
2026-01-11
TechCabal
2025-12-30
2025-10-02
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