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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 is changing the way the world tackles poverty, going where traditional capital often won't to back entrepreneurs building more inclusive markets. We were founded by Jacqueline Novogratz on the radical idea that business, when cultivated with moral imagination, can break the cycle of poverty.
Acumen works across the spectrum of capital, raising philanthropic capital that is deployed in several ways: as patient investment, to build leaders, and to leverage into much larger impact funds – all focused on solving problems of poverty. To learn more visit acumen.org.
Acumen was founded on the radical idea that business, when cultivated with moral imagination, can break the cycle of poverty. We focus on investing in transformational companies, building sustainable markets, and preparing leaders with the tools they need to create a more just and inclusive future.
Our work combines the best qualities of philanthropy and business to spark transformational change and break the cycle of poverty. We back bold entrepreneurs serving low-income communities to build markets that work for everyone, and every investment we make, company we scale, and community we cultivate is designed to serve people living in poverty. We work across four continents and some of the hardest-to-reach communities in the world, supporting entrepreneurs through a multi-pronged approach:
Over 25 years, Acumen has invested in and supported companies serving some of the world's most vulnerable communities, impacting more than 700 million lives. To learn more, visit acumen.org or review our manifesto.
The Head of Philanthropy & Principal Giving (Eastern US) will lead Acumen's individual philanthropy strategy across the Eastern United States, with a particular focus on building new relationships and securing major gifts in support of Acumen's ongoing $250M campaign in service of our 10 year vision. This is a senior, externally facing role for an accomplished relationship builder who can expand Acumen's network, inspire transformational giving, and help shape how we engage major philanthropists during the campaign and beyond.
Working closely with our Chief Development & Partnerships Officer, the Directors of European and West Coast fundraising, and our CEO, this leader will have meaningful ownership of fundraising strategy, relationships, and results. They will cultivate relationships within their own network and build new ones; significantly expand Acumen's visibility across the Eastern half of the United States; and secure the flexible capital that allows Acumen to invest early, take risks, and pursue the opportunities with the greatest potential for impact.
We are looking for someone who brings at least 15 years of experience engaging high-net-worth individuals and a strong track record of closing major gifts. The ideal candidate possesses an existing network of potential supporters – or a demonstrated ability to quickly build one – and can connect Acumen's mission and patient capital model with the ambitions of sophisticated philanthropists who think about giving with the same rigor they bring to investing.
A persuasive storyteller and trusted advisor, this leader must be equally comfortable in a one-on-one conversation, convening a room around a shared purpose, and working with senior leaders to move a relationship toward a significant commitment. They will bring sound judgment, genuine curiosity, and a feel for nuance, along with the drive to open doors and turn relationships into lasting philanthropic partnerships.
This is a rare opportunity to help build the next chapter of individual philanthropy at Acumen, and to help shape a campaign designed to expand what Acumen can achieve over the next decade. It is also an ideal opportunity for an entrepreneurial frontline fundraiser who is motivated by ambitious goals and deeply passionate about leveraging philanthropy to solve problems of global poverty.
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 and with the Chief Executive Officer, Jacqueline Novogratz. Learn more about our team and Founder/CEO.
Acumen maintains a hybrid work schedule, with employees expected to work on-site at Acumen's New York headquarters at least 3 days per week. As such, we are seeking candidates based in the New York City metropolitan area who are able and willing to commute regularly. The role also requires the ability to travel frequently within the region.
Acumen determines the salaries of its employees based on comparable pay in comparable markets, for comparable accountabilities, experience, and education. Compensation is structured around clearly defined levels of accountability, each with an associated pay band informed by market data within local geographies. Acumen benchmarks pay bands based on local salary ranges for both the impact investing and nonprofit sectors. Employees are further eligible to receive performance-based bonuses.
We are a small and mighty team where everyone rolls up their sleeves together to get the job done. We sit at the nexus of philanthropy and investing, using investment as a means to solve problems and drive systems change. Though Acumen manages several commercial funds, our D&P team is accountable for raising philanthropy to support Acumen’s work, engaging with HNWIs, Foundations, Corporations and Government funders and managing complex long-term grants and distinct engagement strategies across these different donor types.
The ideal candidate would be based in New York City. However we are open to considering candidates in other geographical locations with proximity to strong and influential philanthropic networks.
Acumen is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive environment. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy status, military and veteran status, genetic information, and any other status protected by law. They provide qualified applicants and employees reasonable accommodation, when necessary, to enable individuals to complete the application process and/or perform the essential functions of the job. They believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose. They strive to build and maintain a diverse team that will advance our mission and work and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
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Acumen is solving the problems of poverty and building a world based on dignity.
