Head of Philanthropy & Principal Giving (Eastern US) at Acumen

About the Organization

Acumen is a global force of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators working together to build a world based on dignity. Named one of Fast Company's most innovative companies of 2026, Acumen changes the way the world tackles poverty, going where traditional capital often won’t to back entrepreneurs building more inclusive markets.

Acumen was founded on the radical idea that business, when cultivated with moral imagination, can break the cycle of poverty. The organization invests in transformational companies, builds sustainable markets, and prepares leaders with the tools they need to create a more just and inclusive future. Acumen works across four continents and some of the hardest‑to‑reach communities, supporting entrepreneurs through a multi‑pronged approach that combines the best qualities of philanthropy and business.

About the Role

The Head of Philanthropy & Principal Giving (Eastern US) will lead Acumen’s individual philanthropy strategy across the Eastern United States, focusing on building new relationships and securing major gifts to support Acumen’s ongoing $250 M campaign for its 10‑year vision. This senior, externally‑facing role reports to the Chief Development & Partnerships Officer and works closely with the Directors of European and West Coast fundraising, the CEO, and other senior leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy for individual major gifts across the Eastern United States, setting clear goals for pipeline growth, donor engagement, and revenue.
• Build and steward a portfolio of high‑net‑worth individuals, families, founders, and family offices, securing significant unrestricted and campaign commitments.
• Design thoughtful, individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that reflect each donor’s interests, motivations, and potential relationship with Acumen.
• Secure meaningful 6‑ and 7‑figure contributions to support Acumen’s $250 M campaign.
• Open new philanthropic networks and deepen Acumen’s presence among established and next‑generation donors drawn to entrepreneurship, ending extreme poverty, investing, climate, and systems change.
• Create compelling engagement opportunities through intimate gatherings, salons, events, field experiences, hands‑on advisory roles, and peer‑to‑peer introductions.
• Serve as a visible and credible ambassador for Acumen in East Coast philanthropic circles, representing the mission, values, and investment approach with clarity and conviction.
• Maintain disciplined portfolio and pipeline management, using data and judgment to prioritize relationships, forecast revenue, and drive consistent follow‑through.
• Partner closely with the CEO, Chief Development & Partnerships Officer, and other senior leaders to prepare for and lead high‑stakes donor conversations, asks, and follow‑up.
• Work with Marketing & Communications and program colleagues to translate Acumen’s strategy, portfolio, and impact into stories and materials that move donors to act.
• Collaborate with colleagues across regions and donor channels to strengthen campaign strategy, share insights, and create a coordinated experience for supporters.
• Act as a key thought partner and close collaborator to the Chief Development & Partnerships Officer and other fundraising leaders on strategy, goals, and tactics for the team.
• Effectively manage a small team of direct reports in New York who provide support on regional fundraising and donor engagement, and coordinate with the head of D&P Operations to leverage Acumen’s CRM and fundraising tools.

Who You’ll Work With

You will report to the Chief Development & Partnerships Officer. You will directly manage an East Coast Development & Partnerships Manager (to be hired) and frequently collaborate across the Development & Partnerships team, as well as with Chief Executive Officer Jacqueline Novogratz and other senior leaders.

Required Skills and Experience

• At least 15 years of experience in major gifts, philanthropy, relationship management, or a closely related field, with a strong record of securing significant (6‑ and 7‑figure) individual gifts.
• A meaningful network of high‑net‑worth individuals and philanthropic influencers, or clear evidence of having built new networks and converted relationships into major support.
• Credibility with sophisticated donors and the ability to engage them in substantive conversations about philanthropy, investing, entrepreneurship, and global challenges.
• Exceptional relationship‑building skills, emotional intelligence, and judgment, including the ability to navigate complex dynamics with discretion.
• Strong, authentic communicator who can make complex ideas clear, tell compelling stories, and tailor a case for support to different audiences.
• Experience partnering with a CEO, founder, board members, or other senior leaders to advance major donor relationships and secure gifts.
• Builder’s mindset: entrepreneurial, proactive, resilient, and energized by creating new opportunities rather than relying only on an established portfolio.
• Strong personal accountability and comfort balancing long‑term relationship development with ambitious near‑term fundraising goals.
• Collaborative, low‑ego approach and willingness to work across teams while taking direct ownership of results.
• Deep alignment with Acumen’s values, including moral imagination, generosity, humility, accountability, and respect for the dignity of others.
• Authorization to work in the United States and ability to travel as needed.

Additional Details

• Hybrid work schedule: employees are expected to work on‑site at Acumen’s New York headquarters at least three days per week; candidates should be based in the New York City metropolitan area and able to commute regularly.
• Frequent travel within the Eastern United States region is required.
• Compensation is based on comparable market data for similar roles in impact investing and nonprofit sectors, structured around defined pay bands and performance‑based bonuses.