The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation welcomes dynamic, mission-driven individuals to apply for the role of Vice President of Advancement, joining an iconic American cultural institution dedicated to preserving and advancing Wright’s enduring legacy. The Vice President of Advancement serves as the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s chief fundraising strategist and relationship architect, working with the President and CEO to shape a comprehensive philanthropic vision that fuels the organization’s mission. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the VP of Advancement partners closely with the President and CEO to align fundraising with strategic objectives, strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the organization, and deepen engagement with stakeholders locally, nationally, and globally. The Foundation’s annual contributed revenue currently ranges between $2 million and $3 million, with strong potential for meaningful growth as the organization advances its next phase of strategic priorities.
This role leads the continuing modernization of an integrated advancement program, encompassing major and leadership giving, annual support, memberships, institutional partnerships, development operations, and campaign readiness. The VP of Advancement manages a high-value portfolio of donors and prospects, builds and stewards relationships at the highest levels, and develops compelling cases for support across preservation, education, Public Engagement, the Taliesin Institute, and key initiatives at both Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona and Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin.
Joining the Foundation at a moment of meaningful momentum, the VP of Advancement plays a central role in elevating the organization’s philanthropic presence and supporting the multi-year strategic plan that will guide the Foundation’s long-range growth and opportunities for future investment. This leader will continue to strengthen systems, expand the donor community, and advance a culture of gratitude, connection, and engagement that reflects the enduring power of Frank Lloyd Wright’s ideas.
THE FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT FOUNDATION
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, established by Wright in 1940, is dedicated to preserving Taliesin and Taliesin West, both on the World Heritage List, for future generations, and inspiring people to discover and embrace an architecture for better living through meaningful connections to nature, the arts, and each other. The Foundation continues the Frank Lloyd Wright legacy by broadening access to his ideas, works, and organic design principles — considered just as relevant today as in his own time — and provides new pathways for audiences to create beauty and connectedness in their own lives.
Strategic Leadership & Alignment
- Oversee an annual fundraising program that generates between $2 million and $3 million in contributed revenue, with an emphasis on growing this philanthropic base strategically over time.
- Lead a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with the Foundation’s mission, values, and multi-year strategic plan.
- Partner with the President & CEO and SLT to integrate philanthropic priorities across Preservation, Public Engagement, the Taliesin Institute, and any other institutional efforts.
Major & Leadership Giving
- Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, using disciplined moves management process and clear revenue goals.
- Build and steward relationships at the highest levels, securing leadership, restricted, and unrestricted annual support for initiatives in both Arizona and Wisconsin, and beyond.
Philanthropic Programs & Donor Pipeline Development
- Grow the Foundation’s recently developed major gifts program and strengthen the donor pipeline at all giving levels.
- Develop compelling cases for support that articulate the impact and relevance of the Foundation’s work.
Capital Campaign Leadership
· Play a leading role in the planning, development, and execution of any capital campaigns, including shaping campaign strategy, establishing goals, coordinating internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring disciplined donor engagement and solicitation efforts throughout all phases of campaign activity.
Board & CEO Partnership
- Collaborate with the President & CEO on shared donor strategies and preparation for cultivation and solicitation.
- Equip Board members to play active roles in relationship-building and philanthropy.
Team Leadership & Operations
- Lead, mentor, and develop the Advancement team across major gifts, grants, membership, and operations.
- Ensure ethical, transparent, and donor-centered fundraising practices.
Systems, Analytics & Salesforce NPSP
- Oversee the effective use and continued optimization of the Foundation’s CRM (currently Salesforce NPSP) to support moves management, portfolio discipline, analytics, and reporting.
- Build a metrics-driven advancement operation through strong data practices and accountability.
CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND QUALITIES
- 5+ years of progressive fundraising or advancement leadership, with demonstrated success securing major and leadership gifts.
- Experience in mission-driven cultural, educational, design, or preservation organizations; familiarity with architecture or the arts is a plus.
- Proven ability to partner effectively with senior executives, Boards, and volunteer leaders to advance philanthropic priorities.
- Exceptional relationship-builder with outstanding communication skills and the ability to inspire donors and stakeholders.
- Demonstrated strength in team leadership, portfolio management, and moves-management discipline.
- Strong strategic, analytical, and financial acumen, including proficiency with CRM systems (ideally Salesforce NPSP) and data-informed fundraising practices.
- Inclusive, values-driven leadership style that fosters a culture of gratitude, engagement, collaboration, and cross-campus cohesion across Arizona and Wisconsin.
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or equivalent experience preferred.
THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE
The Advancement Office of the Foundation includes fundraising, grants (corporate, foundation, and government), and membership. In addition to the VP, its staff currently consists of seven (7) FTEs, including the areas of individual giving, institutional giving, advancement marketing/communications, database management, and membership/events.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The target salary range for this position is $140,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience. A comprehensive benefit package is also provided, for which a general overview can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.franklloydwright.org/careers.
LOCATION
This position is based out of the Foundation’s corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, AZ and allows for limited hybrid presence. Travel within the US is associated with this role, including, but not limited to Taliesin in Spring Green, Wisconsin.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
· Physical demands: While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; occasionally climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and consistently talk or hear; and rarely taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
· Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
· Travel: Up to 30% within and outside Arizona.