Chief Advancement Officer

Job Overview

Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Cranbrook Educational Community in the search for a Chief Advancement Officer.

Reporting to the President, the Chief Advancement Officer will serve as a key member of Cranbrook Educational Community’s senior leadership team and report directly to the President. This role carries enterprise-wide responsibility for advancing philanthropic strategy and performance across Cranbrook Schools, Horizons-Upward Bound, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.

The CAO will play a key leadership role in a comprehensive campaign that, while currently in the quiet phase, is off to a strong start thanks to generous lead gifts; the current team has raised over $130 million towards a working goal of $300 million to support endowment, capital investments, and unrestricted annual needs. In April 2026, the Community announced a landmark $15 million gift to Cranbrook to restore and permanently endow its performing arts center, which in recognition of this historic generosity, will be renamed The Bailey Center for the Performing Arts. This gift is among the most significant philanthropic commitments in Cranbrook's century-long history and is acting as a catalyst for other transformational philanthropy Community-wide.

At the core of the role, the CAO will provide visionary, data-informed leadership to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue, deepen engagement with donors and constituents, strengthen volunteer and board partnerships, and build and lead a high-performing advancement organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry enterprise-wide responsibility for advancing philanthropic strategy and performance across Cranbrook Schools, Horizons-Upward Bound, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.
• Play a key leadership role in a comprehensive campaign in the quiet phase, supporting the current progress toward a $300 million goal, with ongoing initiatives such as the $15 million gift to the performing arts center.
• Provide visionary, data-informed leadership to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue, deepen engagement with donors and constituents, strengthen volunteer and board partnerships, and build and lead a high-performing advancement organization.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least ten years of progressive advancement/fundraising leadership experience.
• Cranbrook Educational Community will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds; if you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Cranbrook, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation & Benefits

The target base salary for this position is $275,000 with additional incentive compensation. Cranbrook Educational Community offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) and 401(k) retirement plan options, tuition reimbursement, and generous paid time off.

Contact & Equal Opportunity Information

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Marianna DiVietro at View email address on click.appcast.io.