Chief Advancement Officer

Job Description

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a senior executive leader responsible for advancing the Agency's mission through philanthropic growth, enterprise business oversight, and strategic external engagement. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the CAO leads a comprehensive revenue strategy that includes fundraising, grants, marketing and communications, and mission‑aligned enterprise/business growth initiatives.

This role is ideal for an innovative, relationship‑driven executive who thrives at the intersection of fund development, earned revenue, and organizational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue & Growth Strategy

- Lead the development and execution of a multi‑year strategy to grow contributed, earned, and enterprise‑based revenue.

- Oversee all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, grants, public funding, special events, and donor stewardship.

- Identify, evaluate, and advance mission‑aligned enterprise or business opportunities that diversify and strengthen organizational revenue.

- Ensure all revenue‑generating strategies align with the Agency's mission, values, and long‑term goals.

Enterprise Business Oversight

- Provide executive oversight of the Agency's enterprise and earned‑income activities.

- Partner with finance and operations leadership to ensure enterprise initiatives are financially sound, scalable, and compliant.

- Establish performance metrics and reporting systems to track enterprise growth, profitability, and impact.

- Promote innovation and entrepreneurial thinking across revenue‑generating functions.

Marketing, Communications & Brand

- Lead marketing, communications, and public relations strategies that elevate organizational visibility and reputation.

- Oversee brand messaging across fundraising, enterprise, and community engagement efforts.

- Serve as a key spokesperson alongside the President/CEO when appropriate.

Leadership & Governance

- Recruit, lead, and develop a high‑performing advancement and enterprise team.

- Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities.

- Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.

- Partner with the Board to strengthen fundraising, enterprise growth, and organizational sustainability.

Required Qualifications

- Master's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Social Services, Education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

- At least six (6) years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, enterprise development, business operations, or related fields.

- Demonstrated success managing complex revenue portfolios that include both philanthropy and earned income.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

- Strong business and financial acumen, with experience overseeing revenue‑generating operations or social enterprise initiatives.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM/donor management systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge NXT or similar).

- Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills.

- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

- Proven people leader who motivates, develops, and retains high‑performing teams.

- Adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and comfortable working with diverse stakeholders.

- Willingness to travel locally and regionally for donor, partner, and business development activities.