The Moran Company
Vice President of Philanthropy
Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation - Crazy Horse, SD - Full Time
Vice President of Philanthropy
Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation
Crazy Horse, South Dakota
The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation to recruit the organization's Vice President of Philanthropy.
Organizational Background
Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation (CHMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the cultures, traditions, and living heritage of the North American Indians. The Foundation's work is rooted in a remarkable vision first articulated by Lakota elder Chief Henry Standing Bear, who believed that the world should know that Native American people have great heroes of their own. To bring that vision to life, Standing Bear invited sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski to carve a memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse. In 1948, Ziolkowski began work on what would become the world's largest Mountain Carving.
While the Mountain Carving remains the most visible symbol of the Foundation's work, visitors who come to see the monument discover a broader story—the history, cultures, and contemporary lives of Native American people. CHMF operates the Indian Museum of North America®, home to a world-class collection of Native American art and artifacts representing tribes from across the continent, and the Native American Educational and Cultural Center®, where visitors engage with Native artists, performers, and cultural programs. The Foundation also operates Crazy Horse Memorial University®, which provides educational opportunities and leadership development for Native American students in partnership with Black Hills State University.
Located in the Black Hills of southwestern South Dakota, approximately 40 miles from Rapid City, the Crazy Horse Memorial® campus welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The Foundation employs approximately 110 year-round staff members and an additional 50+ seasonal employees. Its annual operating budget is over $13 million and is funded entirely through earned revenue and private philanthropy, as the organization does not accept federal or state government funding. For more information, visit CrazyHorseMemorial.org.
Position Overview
Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation seeks a Vice President of Philanthropy (VP) who will be energized by the opportunity to build a modern, high-performing fundraising program in service of one of the most distinctive cultural and humanitarian institutions in the world.
Because the Foundation accepts no federal or state government funding, philanthropy is not a supplement to the mission—it is the engine that carries it forward. Every advance on the Mountain Carving, every expansion of the Museum's collection, and every student served by Crazy Horse Memorial University® depends on the generosity of those who believe in Chief Henry Standing Bear's vision.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Philanthropy will set the strategic vision for the Foundation's fundraising program and lead a development department of approximately 8–10 professionals toward an annual fundraising goal of $10 million and beyond. The role carries responsibility for the full arc of donor engagement—identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—across annual, major, corporate, foundation, and legacy giving.
This is a builder's role. The Foundation has a loyal donor community, a compelling case, and an extraordinary story to tell, and it is ready for the leadership and structure that will allow its philanthropic program to match the ambition of its mission. The incoming VP will clarify roles across the department, establish shared metrics and a consistent moves management practice, deepen the major gift pipeline, develop planned giving, and help prepare the organization for its next capital campaign.
Equally important, the VP will shape the culture of the department—fostering collaboration, setting clear goals, mentoring gift officers toward them, and building a team whose members trust one another.
Because of the Foundation's distinctive history, governance structure, and cultural responsibilities, success in this role requires far more than fundraising technique. The Vice President of Philanthropy will work within a multi-stakeholder environment that includes an engaged Board of Directors, founding family members, tribal partners, donors, community leaders, and staff. Cultural humility, authentic respect for Native peoples and traditions, and a genuine personal connection to the mission are essential.
This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for an accomplished philanthropic leader to put their imprint on an organization whose work bridges art, culture, education, and philanthropy—and whose vision extends across generations.
Responsibilities
Strategy & Revenue Growth
- Set and execute a multi-year philanthropic strategy that ensures the Foundation exceeds its revenue goals and strengthens long-term financial sustainability.
- Lead the annual fundraising plan with clear, actionable goals across major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation support, events, and planned giving.
- Diversify and expand the donor base, building a pipeline that grows in depth and breadth over time.
- Partner with the Senior Executive Team and Board—and with outside counsel on a feasibility study—to prepare the Foundation for its next capital campaign.
- Personally manage and solicit a portfolio of major donors and prospects, modeling the practice expected of the team.
- Cultivate and secure six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Use donor data and giving history to shape major gift strategy, evaluate portfolio structure, and identify untapped capacity.
- Partner closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and founding family members to engage the Foundation's most significant supporters.
- Standardize donor stewardship and recognition.
- Build a planned giving program that captures the legacy intentions of a deeply committed donor community.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a department of approximately 8–10 staff, including remotely located gift officers.
- Build a collaborative, team-based culture with shared goals that celebrates collective success.
- Establish clear goals, expectations, and accountability for each team member.
- Guide gift officers in managing their portfolios through a consistent moves management process and train staff in fundraising best practices.
- Recruit and retain talent as the department's structure evolves across annual giving, legacy giving, stewardship, and grants.
- Define core fundraising metrics—donor retention, pipeline development, cost to raise a dollar—and establish reporting dashboards that support data-driven decisions.
- Evaluate and optimize use of the Foundation's CRM (Raiser's Edge) and related technology.
- Develop budgets, forecast revenue, and report progress consistently to the CEO and the Board of Directors.
- Partner with Marketing to refine and unify the case for support across all channels.
- Represent the Foundation to donors, tribal partners, and community leaders.
The ideal candidate will bring a record of measurable fundraising results, the leadership skills to build a cohesive team, and a deep and authentic connection to the Foundation's mission.
Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree and/or CFRE certification preferred.
- Seven (7) to fifteen (15) years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, including at least five (5) years at an executive or senior leadership level.
- Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing six-figure and larger gifts, and securing major grants.
- A documented record of growing fundraising results beyond the status quo.
- Experience building, leading, and mentoring fundraising teams, including hiring, coaching, and performance management.
- Hands-on skill with moves management and systematic pipeline development, and strong command of donor management systems; Raiser's Edge experience is desirable.
- Campaign planning or execution experience, and planned giving experience, are highly desirable.
- Excellent communication, budgeting, and planning skills, and the ability to travel regularly to meet with donors.
- Authentic passion for the mission of protecting and preserving the culture, tradition, and living heritage of North American Indians.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and humility, with genuine respect for Native peoples, traditions, and perspectives.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills with donors, Board of Directors, colleagues, and staff alike.
- A collaborative leader who builds trust, shares credit, and creates shared purpose across a team.
- High energy, optimism, and unquestioned integrity.
- Comfort operating in a multi-stakeholder environment that includes an engaged Board, founding family members, tribal partners, donors, and community leaders.
- An entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to balance patience with urgency—building durable systems while delivering near-term results.
The expected salary for the Vice President of Philanthropy is approximately $150,000, commensurate with experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid holidays and personal leave, health insurance with employer contribution, a retirement plan with employer matching, dental and vision plans, additional voluntary insurance options, and employee meal and retail discounts on site.
This position is based on-site in Crazy Horse, South Dakota, with some travel and outreach. Relocation assistance may be available for candidates relocating to the Black Hills region. Regular travel to meet with donors is required.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, age, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
Application Process
The search for the Vice President of Philanthropy is being conducted by The Moran Company on behalf of Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. To apply, candidates should submit a cover letter and resume through the secure application portal link below. Resume should include a complete employment history, including months and years of service.
For the best opportunity of being considered, please apply by September 30, 2026. Questions may be directed to Steven Byers via Steve.Byers (at) MoranCompany.com.
PLEASE NOTE: All email correspondence from The Moran Company will originate from our official @morancompany.com domain or using our applicant tracking system domain @applytojob.com.
