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…