Chief Advancement Officer - Fundraising and Major Gifts

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Founded 25 years ago in honor of Pete Bossow, For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation has grown into a nationally recognized organization with a dedicated 15 person staff, engaged Board leadership, and three core programs: the Travel Respite Experience, the Staycation Respite Experience, and Respite Reinforced, which supports families following respite participation.

For Pete’s Sake enables cancer patients and their loved ones to strengthen, deepen and unify their relationships by creating unforgettable and lasting Respite Experiences. Working with oncology professionals at over 100 hospitals and cancer centers, FPS provides transformative Respite Experiences to cancer patients (ages 21-55), their caregivers and their children and offers our families emotional support that assists them as their journey with cancer continues. Our respite program helps families recognize it is love, not cancer, that defines them. For more information on FPS, please visit

For Pete’s Sake is entering a transformative phase of growth through Vision 2030, an ambitious strategic initiative centered on the development of Pete’s Dream—the nation’s first-of-its-kind cancer respite center. Supported by the organization’s $32 million campaign, Respite Transformed: Pete’s Vision Realized at Woodloch, the project will dramatically expand access to Respite Experiences from approximately 700 individuals served annually today to more than 4,000 each year when the center reaches full occupancy. The campaign includes $25 million for the design, construction, and launch of the cancer respite center and $7 million to strengthen endowment resources that will ensure the long-term sustainability and accessibility of respite programming. With construction funding nearly complete, less than $3 million remains to be raised toward the capital portion of the campaign, while approximately $4 million remains to achieve the endowment goal. Additional information about the campaign can be found at

As the organization prepares to bring Pete’s Dream online, its annual operating budget is expected to grow from approximately $2–3 million today to nearly $10 million over the next six years, reflecting the expanded scale and impact of its mission and the significant increase in families served.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation (FPS) seeks a passionate, strategic, and collaborative advancement leader to serve as its next Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) and further its mission. FPS enables cancer patients and their loved ones to strengthen, deepen, and unify their relationships by creating transformative respite experiences with lasting impact – it is their priceless lives, not their cancer, that defines them.

Reporting directly to the Founder & CEO, the CAO will serve as a strategic partner and key member of the executive leadership team, helping guide FPS through its next phase of philanthropic and organizational growth. The CAO will lead and strengthen all advancement activities with particular emphasis on campaign strategy and giving, major gifts, planned giving, strategic partnerships, and donor engagement.

The CAO will manage and build FPS’s advancement function, including leadership and management of FPS fundraising staff and future strategic hires. The CAO will have three (3) direct reports, including:

• Major Gifts Officer
• Strategic Partnerships Officer
• Grants Officer

The CAO will oversight of all external fundraising initiatives including campaign fundraising, major gifts, strategic partnerships, regional fundraising, annual giving, and grants, and will work collaboratively with the Chief Engagement Officer, who oversees FPS’s operations, marketing/communications, and events.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the CAO will contribute to broader organizational strategy, planning, and growth initiatives. The role requires close collaboration with the Board of Directors.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a relationship-driven fundraising executive who thrives in entrepreneurial, mission-centered environments and is energized by the opportunity to help scale a growing organization with national aspirations.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Leadership Priorities

• Fundraising Strategy & Execution: provide strategic leadership for FPS’s comprehensive advancement efforts, including successful completion of the Respite Transformed campaign; major gifts; annual support; planned giving; foundation relations; corporate partnerships; and donor stewardship.
• Donor and Stakeholder Engagement: strengthen and expand FPS’s leadership gift pipeline and general stakeholder population to broaden the organization’s network of key stakeholders and partners.
• Leadership and Team Management: partner closely with the CEO, Board and staff to lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing advancement team.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy : throughout the entire organization and among FPS constituents

Strategic Advancement Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive advancement strategies (short and longer term) aligned with FPS’s strategic priorities and growth goals
• Establish and monitor measurable fundraising goals, metrics/KPIs across all philanthropic channels to evaluate effectiveness and inform strategy
• Partner with FPS leadership, Board and staff to plan for and achieve long-term philanthropic sustainability, guiding advancement planning associated with regional growth and expanded national visibility
• Collaborate with the Chief Engagement Officer to develop viable marketing and communication channels to support fundraising goals and raise awareness about FPS through multichannel outreach efforts, publications, and digital media
• Oversee advancement budgeting to track and secure strong return on fundraising investments

Campaign & Major Gift Leadership

• Lead campaign strategy and implementation efforts to achieve the financial goals of the Respite Transformed campaign
• Personally manage a portfolio of major and leadership-level donors and prospects
• Oversee the development and allocation of major gift portfolios across team members with clear goals (monthly/quarterly/annually) and outcomes for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Support campaign volunteer engagement and Board participation in fundraising activities
• Assist in identifying and activating new donor networks and strategic partnerships
• Help create meaningful donor experiences that deepen long-term relationships with FPS

Board & External Relations

• Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen fundraising engagement and ambassadorial leadership
• Support the continued development of the Advancement Committee and Steering Committee leadership structures and goals
• Serve as a visible and compelling representative of FPS within the philanthropic community
• Help articulate and advance the FPS’s case for support across diverse audiences

Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and support a growing advancement team while fostering a collaborative and accountable culture
• Support team members in the development of compelling proposals, reports, and donor communications.
• Make recommendations to the CEO & Board regarding the staffing level necessary to build a growing major gift program
• Assist in establishing regional satellite offices and regional advisory councils in the northeast region of the United States
• Energize the FPS team, fostering engagement and create a trusting atmosphere

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

While no candidate will possess every desired qualification, FPS seeks an accomplished and mission-driven leader with many of the following attributes for this critical position.

Mission Alignment: A deep appreciation for FPS’s mission and the ability to serve as a passionate ambassador for the organization and the families it supports.

Senior Fundraising Leadership Experience: At least 10 years of progressive advancement experience with demonstrated success across all revenue channels including campaign fundraising, major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and foundation relations. Success with corporate giving, foundation giving, and planned giving is a must.

Campaign Experience: Experience leading significant capital campaigns, including major donor strategy, campaign planning, volunteer engagement, and stewardship.

Relationship Builder: Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build authentic relationships with FPS donors, Board members, colleagues, volunteers, and external stakeholders.

Entrepreneurial, Collaborative & Creative Mindset: Reflecting FPS’s culture, reflect comfort operating within a growing, mission-driven organization where flexibility, initiative, creativity, and collaboration are highly valued.

Team Leadership & Management: Experience recruiting, mentoring, and developing staff while fostering accountability, collaboration, trust, and professional growth.

Strategic & Data-Informed: Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to utilize fundraising metrics, donor data, and CRM systems to support strategic decision-making. Experience with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT and Analytics software preferred.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position executive leadership role at For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. FPS values collaboration and team connection and currently operates within a hybrid work model, with approximately three days per week onsite and two days remote. Occasional evening/weekend work and regional travel required for events and donor engagements

Salary Range: $155,000 to $175,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

FPS offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Fully covered for individual medical, dental, vision, flexible spending account (family coverage also available)
• Short-term disability, long-term disability and life insurance
• 403(b) plan with employer matching 100% up to 5% of employee contribution; match is fully vested from start of enrollment
• Up to 25 days of PTO per year (depending on length of service)
• 20 company paid holidays, including holiday break
• Cell phone stipend
• Bonus structure for hitting organizational goals

TO APPLY

For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation has retained Dunleavy & Associates as its partner for this search. In order to be considered, please submit your resume or CV and a cover letter via the Apply button.

EEO/AAP Statement

FPS is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of background checks as determined by FPS.

Founded 25 years ago in honor of Pete Bossow, For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation has grown into a nationally recognized organization with a dedicated 15 person staff, engaged Board leadership, and three core programs: the Travel Respite Experience, the Staycation Respite Experience, and Respite Reinforced, which supports families following respite participation.

Company Description

Founded 25 years ago in honor of Pete Bossow, For Pete’s Sake Cancer Respite Foundation has grown into a nationally recognized organization with a dedicated 15 person staff, engaged Board leadership, and three core programs: the Travel Respite Experience, the Staycation Respite Experience, and Respite Reinforced, which supports families following respite participation.