Manager of Individual Philanthropy

The Manager, Individual Philanthropy plays an important role in advancing the Whitney’s Individual Philanthropy program by cultivating and stewarding relationships with current and prospective donors and supporting the achievement of annual and multi-year fundraising goals, including efforts to grow and diversify the Museum’s donor base. Working closely with the Director of Individual Philanthropy and colleagues across Advancement, the Manager helps identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and increase philanthropic support for the Museum. The Manager is responsible for overseeing Studio Forum, including its programming, member engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The role also supports the planning and execution of events, programs, and travel opportunities across the Whitney’s Patron Programs, working collaboratively with colleagues throughout the Museum to create meaningful experiences that strengthen donor relationships and engagement with the Whitney’s mission.

As a frontline fundraiser, the Manager oversees an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects and supports advancement initiatives. The Manager also works closely with the Director of Individual Philanthropy to advance fundraising priorities through meeting preparation, strategic briefings, and timely follow-up, helping ensure a thoughtful and coordinated approach to donor cultivation and stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic direction, programming, and management of Studio Forum, developing and implementing annual plans to strengthen member engagement, retention, and philanthropic support responding to evolving organizational needs.
• Manage Studio Forum membership cultivation, solicitation, renewals, and stewardship, identifying prospective members and opportunities to deepen relationships with existing supporters and encourage philanthropic support beyond annual dues.
• Develop and execute a calendar of Studio Forum programs and experiences in collaboration with Curatorial, Education, Programs, Special Events, and other Museum colleagues.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of individual donors and prospects, developing and implementing tailored strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship in support of annual fundraising goals and opportunities for increased and multi-year giving.
• Specific attention will be paid to generating support for items in the Museum’s 2026 strategic plan including—free admission, exhibition excellent, access, and education.
• Identify and qualify prospective donors, using research, giving history, and engagement data to build and strengthen the Individual Philanthropy pipeline.
• Support the Director of Individual Philanthropy and frontline fundraising team in advancing opportunities, including preparing proposals, solicitation materials, presentations, and individualized stewardship communications.
• Work closely with the Director of Individual Philanthropy to prepare for donor and prospect meetings, including briefing materials, coordinating agendas, and tracking next steps and follow-up.
• Support the planning and execution of Patron Program events, cultivation opportunities, and donor travel, collaborating with colleagues across Advancement and the Museum to deliver thoughtful, mission-aligned experiences.
• Specifically lend support for Artist’s Council, Chairman’s Council, Director’s Council Education Committee, and National Committee.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, prospects, Trustees, and other Museum stakeholders, representing the Whitney at exhibition openings, donor events, and programs as appropriate.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Advancement and the Museum to identify opportunities for donor engagement, coordinate fundraising activity, and ensure effective communication and follow-through.
• Work collaboratively across the Individual Philanthropy team to advance shared fundraising goals and institutional priorities, contribute to team-wide planning, and support colleagues in delivering a cohesive donor experience.
• Develop and edit donor-facing materials, including invitations, renewal letters, acknowledgments, proposals, and stewardship communications.
• Work closely with Advancement Operations and Prospect Research to maintain accurate donor records, track cultivation and solicitation activity, and support effective portfolio management.
• Maintain accurate and timely records in Raiser’s Edge, including donor interactions, solicitation activity, and next steps.
• Support the planning and execution of, and attend, Whitney donor events and programs, including occasional travel, evening, and weekend commitments as needed.
• Undertake other duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree; master's degree preferred
• At least 5 years’ experience in nonprofit advancement, individual giving, or related fundraising work
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate projects, and work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with donors and colleagues at all levels
• Data-driven approach with comfort using Raiser’s Edge or related fundraising software
• Commitment to the value of arts in our society
• Ability to work nights and weekends and travel as needed

Desired Experience and Training

• Bachelor’s Degree; master's degree preferred
• At least 5 years’ experience in nonprofit advancement, individual giving, or related fundraising work
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate projects, and work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with donors and colleagues at all levels
• Data-driven approach with comfort using Raiser’s Edge or related fundraising software
• Commitment to the value of arts in our society
• Ability to work nights and weekends and travel as needed

Specific knowledge, and/or skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate projects, and work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with donors and colleagues at all levels
• Data-driven approach with comfort using Raiser’s Edge or related fundraising software
• Commitment to the value of arts in our society
• Strong understanding of individual philanthropy, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and professionalism in working with high level donors and confidential information
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Curatorial, Advancement, and other Museum departments
• Knowledge of the New York philanthropic community and cultural fundraising landscape a plus
• Strong passion for contemporary art and familiarity with the art and cultural world
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Unusual work conditions

• Ability to work nights and weekends and travel as needed

Compensation & Benefits

• Fixed compensation of $80,000-$85,000 per annum
• Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(B) elections
• Generous PTO benefits
• Commuter benefits - parking and mass transit
• Admission to world-renowned museums across the city and nationally
• Pet insurance and discounted membership for Citibike
• This position is covered by UAW Local 2110

If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.

About the Whitney
The Whitney Museum of American Art, founded in 1930 by the artist and philanthropist Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, houses the foremost collection of American art from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. From her vision arose the Whitney Museum of American Art, which has been championing the most innovative art of the United States for 86 years. The core of the Whitney’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit American art of our time and serve a wide variety of audiences in celebration of the complexity and diversity of art and culture in the United States. Through this mission and a steadfast commitment to artists themselves, the Whitney has long been a powerful force in support of modern and contemporary art and continues to help define what is innovative and influential in American art today. Its signature exhibition, the Biennial, is the country's leading survey of the most recent developments in American art.

EEO Statement
The Whitney Museum of American Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate because of age, sex, religion, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship, disability, marital status, pregnancy, partnership status, caregiver status, veteran status, gender (including gender identity), sexual orientation, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other factor prohibited by law. The Museum hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. The Museum encourages all qualified candidates to apply for vacant positions at all levels.