Description

The Greenwich Historical Society—an essential cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Greenwich—is seeking an experienced, strategic, and visionary Director of Advancement. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and executing all fundraising, donor engagement, marketing/communications, and special events efforts that advance the institution’s mission and long-term financial sustainability. 

Founded in 1931 as an organization devoted to collecting and sharing the Town’s history, Greenwich Historical Society has grown into a nearly 3-acre campus with nationally-significant historic buildings, a new 10,000 sq. ft. facility with museum, library, and visitor center, and a multi-faceted range of programs and activities.  Located on the historic Cos Cob Harbor, home of Connecticut's first art colony, the Historical Society has two main areas of focus: as a museum (galleries, Bush-Holley House, education center) with related exhibitions and education programs for children and adults, and as a center for Greenwich history (library and archives, preservation and publication programs). 

The Director of Advancement will enter the Historical Society at a pivotal time of additional growth and opportunity.  GHS entered the silent phase of a capital campaign in late 2024 and will go public with the campaign goal of $7.5-10 million in 2026.  With nearly $3 million raised to date, the Director of Advancement will have the opportunity to close the campaign goal while playing a vital role in the strategic planning for GHS’s future.  

Reporting to the Executive Director & CEO, the Director of Advancement oversees a talented team across development, marketing, communications, and events, and works closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership. This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic advancement professional to make a transformative impact at a growing cultural organization.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Advancement Leadership

Design and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy spanning individual, major, corporate, foundation, and government giving.
Spearhead the completion of a $7.5–$10 million Capital Campaign, engaging new and next-generation donors.
Grow the annual fund, major gifts program, membership, and planned giving.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all levels while expanding new constituencies.
Events Oversight & Management

Provide full strategic and operational oversight of all fundraising and cultivation events, including History in the Making, Spring Fete, exhibition openings, and donor programs.
Supervise the Events Manager and ensure excellence in event planning, logistics, sponsorship fulfillment, and donor experience.
Maximize each event’s visibility, impact, and fundraising performance.
Marketing & Communications

Oversee all marketing, communications, branding, publications, PR, digital content, and social media.
Ensure integration between marketing strategies and fundraising, membership, and institutional goals.
Board & Volunteer Engagement

Support and energize the Board in its development role.
Coordinate Trustees’ and volunteers’ participation in fundraising, cultivation, and events.
Grants & Institutional Giving

Collaborate with the Executive Director & CEO to prepare and submit grant proposals.
Oversee grant reporting, compliance, and funder stewardship.
Department & Staff Leadership

Supervise full- and part-time staff across development, events, marketing, and communications.
Ensure effective performance management, collaboration, training, and recruitment.
Maintain high-quality donor data and reporting through Raiser’s Edge.
Institutional Visibility

Represent the Historical Society publicly, strengthening community relationships, partnerships, and organizational visibility.
Financial Oversight

Partner with senior leadership to manage the Advancement Department budget.
Track revenue performance and ensure effective financial controls within the department.
 

Requirements

The ideal candidate will:

Have a proven track record in comprehensive fundraising, including major gifts and events.
Demonstrate success supervising staff—including events and marketing personnel.
Be an inspiring communicator and relationship-builder.
Bring creativity, initiative, professionalism, and strategic thinking.
Exhibit excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities.
Be comfortable leading within a dynamic cultural institution.
Hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum) and 10+ years of development, marketing, and events experience; museum or cultural institution experience strongly preferred.
Be proficient in Raiser’s Edge or similar CRM software.