The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation seeks an executive director of planned giving to personally secure and proactively drive strategy for the long-term philanthropic plans of some of the nation's most generous and thoughtful philanthropists. The executive director will also provide strategic counsel across the Foundation for giving vehicles that have been central to the success of America's premier living history museum since its inception.

Located at the birthplace of American democracy, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation provides historical interpretation, intellectual resources, archaeology, preservation and restoration for some of the country's most important treasures and is a convener of conversations about how the nation's past is prologue for its present and future.

Reporting to the associate vice president of development and serving on the chief development officer and vice president of development's leadership team, the executive director will develop a planned giving annual and campaign strategic plan and donor-centric customized planned giving portfolios, ensuring that each philanthropist's passions are maximized. The executive director will also lead, mentor and inspire the planned giving team to new levels of success through visionary leadership. They will serve as a subject matter expert for the Foundation, ensuring that planned giving-specific policies and processes are up to date, operate in a best-practices environment and will stay aware of proposed and pending legislation that could impact key planned giving constituents. The executive director will enjoy partnership with an engaged development team, active board and loyal donor base who understand the importance of a strong culture of philanthropy.

As Colonial Williamsburg prepares to celebrate its centennial and the country celebrates its 250th birthday in 2026, the executive director will play an essential role in developing the strategy for the planned giving goal of the Colonial Williamsburg's $750 million Centennial Campaign and carry a targeted portfolio of legacy giving prospects. Success in this endeavor requires a leader with significant and sophisticated knowledge and experience in planned giving and how it relates to the entirety of the development enterprise. The executive director will demonstrate a record of accomplishment raising transformative planned gifts.

The executive director must resonate with and speak passionately on behalf of the mission and values of Colonial Williamsburg and its place in our nation's history. This is an exciting time to join a storied institution, playing a seminal role in its promotion and preservation.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, available at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by February 28, 2022. Application materials, nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Melissa Fincher and Lauren Bruce-Stets at CWPlannedGiving@wittkieffer.com.  

Colonial Williamsburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all persons according to their individual, job-related qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex (except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification necessary for the successful performance of job duties), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or military status and any other traits or characteristics protected by federal, state or local law.