Executive Director & Chief Advancement Officer
Des Moines Public Library Foundation
Not for Profit-Charity | Full Time | Hybrid | Des Moines
Posted: 10/26/26
Job Description
The Des Moines Public Library Foundation is seeking an Executive Director & Chief Advancement Officer to grow philanthropic support, strengthen community relationships, and lead the Foundation's work in partnership with the Des Moines Public Library.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, this executive serves as the Foundation's strategic leader, principal fundraiser, and primary spokesperson. The role combines organizational leadership with hands-on fundraising, including building relationships with donors and funders and personally securing significant gifts.
Working alongside the Board of Directors and Library leadership, the successful candidate will advance shared priorities, strengthen community partnerships, and lead a dedicated team responsible for development, donor services, and operations.
This is an opportunity for a strategic, collaborative leader with a passion for philanthropy and a commitment to the possibilities public libraries create.
Please review the complete job description and position requirements at www.dmplfoundation.org before applying.
Submit a resume and cover letter (500 words maximum) outlining your qualifications, leadership approach, fundraising experience, and connection to public libraries.
Application Deadline: November 20, 2026.
Submit application materials to Cassandra Halls at c.halls@2ttop.com.
Deadline to Apply 11/20/26
Address
1000 Grand Avenue
Essential Job Functions
EXPAND PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT
Lead fundraising strategy and personally build donor relationships; solicit and secure major, corporate, foundation, and legacy gifts.
Broaden the Foundation’s donor base and develop diverse, sustainable sources of revenue.
Work alongside Board members and community partners to build connections and inspire philanthropic support.
Connect fundraising initiatives and storytelling focusing on the Library’s impact.
ADVANCE LIBRARY PRIORITIES
Collaborate with Library leadership and both governing Boards to identify shared funding priorities.
Build strategic partnerships that connect Library needs with philanthropic opportunities.
Lead Foundation advocacy and communicate the Library’s value to donors and the broader community.
Demonstrate how Foundation support advances shared goals and achieves meaningful results.
STRENGTHEN FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP AND OPERATIONS
Lead and develop staff with clear responsibilities, shared accountability, and sustainable workloads.
Guide financial planning and resource decisions in partnership with the Treasurer and Board of Directors.
Support effective Board governance with timely information and a strong partnership between staff and Board members.
Maintain sound operations and accountability for fundraising results, donor commitments, and organizational performance.
Education
Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree preferred.
Experience
A minimum of five years of fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success building donor relationships and soliciting and securing significant gifts, with experience in major gifts and corporate, foundation, or planned giving.
Proven ability to develop and manage organizational strategy, goals, programs, and budgets; to lead staff; and to achieve results.
A background in nonprofit leadership, grant development, and working with a Board of Directors.
Familiarity with libraries and library operations preferred.
Benefits
The Des Moines Public Library Foundation offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance options; paid time off; and paid holidays. Employees have the opportunity to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 3% of annual base salary. The position also offers a flexible work arrangement, with an in-office schedule Monday through Thursday and the opportunity to work remotely on Fridays.
About the Company
The Des Moines Public Library Foundation (DMPLF) supports and enriches the capabilities, resources, and services of the Des Moines Public Library system. We are proud to provide funds that foster a thriving community.
Created as a separate 501(c)(3) foundation in 1998, DMPLF is governed by an independent board of directors. The DMPLF board, along with a small staff, invites donors from diverse backgrounds to help others improve their lives through the public library system.
Among DMPLF’s key accomplishments was the 11-year Creating New Destinations capital campaign, which raised $21 million dollars to contribute one-half of the cost to build the Central Library in downtown Des Moines and to remodel each of the five neighborhood branches.
Through the years, we’ve supported numerous strategic planning efforts and initiatives that strengthen our library system. Currently, 87% of programs available through the Des Moines Public Library system are possible because of DMPLF and our generous, caring donors!
Each year, DMPLF raises funds from generous individuals, businesses, and foundations to donate to the Library for dozens of programs, including the Summer Reading and School Readiness program, as well as the AViD (Authors Visiting in Des Moines) series, which enables local residents to meet prominent authors such as James Patterson, Joyce Carol Oates, R. F. Kuang, Susan Orlean, Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, and dozens more.
These programs would not be possible without donor support.
Travel Required
This position may require occasional travel (locally and/or out of state) for meetings, conferences, and other work-related events not to exceed 10% per year.
Resume Required
Yes
Contact Person
Cassandra Halls