Senior Vice President of Advancement

The Senior Vice President of Advancement is a senior leader responsible for shaping and executing the long-term resource strategy for Communities In Schools of Virginia (CIS-VA). This role drives all aspects of fundraising, communications, and external engagement, with a sharp focus on securing transformational gifts that ensure the sustainability and growth of the organization and the network. The Senior VP of Advancement is not only the chief architect of development strategy at CIS-VA but also a convener and partner across the statewide CIS network—leading collaborative fundraising initiatives with affiliates and elevating the brand to new levels of visibility and influence.

Key Responsibilities:

The Senior Vice President of Advancement is responsible for:

Strategic Fundraising and Implementation

Lead the development of statewide fundraising initiatives in partnership with CIS affiliates, building shared strategies to attract corporate, foundation, and individual investors

Design and execute a multi-year advancement strategy that integrates public funding, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation support, planned giving, annual fund, and events

Partner closely with the President & CEO and Board of Directors to secure seven and eight-figure gifts

Develop clear metrics for success and report progress to leadership and the Board. Keeps the Board informed of philanthropy activities; provides data relevant to tracking fundraising progress and planning

Strengthen the organization’s advancement infrastructure that includes database management and prospect identification and management. Develops and manages the annual budget for the Development Department throughout the year in collaboration with the President & CEO

Evaluate fundraising activities annually to ensure quality, productivity, and relevance toward meeting goals

Working collaboratively with the Grants Management position, the Senior VP of Advancement will be responsible for the development and execution of the annual development communications calendar

Donor Relationship and Engagement

Build strong relationships across the organization, ensuring fundraising and communications are integrated with program and policy goals and anchored with strong data and evaluation

Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and alignment across the Virginia network to maximize donor engagement and collective impact

Represent CIS-VA as a thought leader and external ambassador with funders, coalitions, and statewide partners

Build and manage a portfolio of transformational prospects and donors, cultivating multi-year commitments that sustain and grow the organization’s capacity

Leadership and Supervision

Oversee advancement team members to ensure alignment and excellence

As assigned by the president, represent CIS-VA at national, statewide, and local CIS meetings (to include affiliate board meetings)

Visit affiliate programming in action to build understanding of the CIS model and programs

Work with appropriate CIS-VA staff to assist with replication and expansion activities as it relates to fundraising and communications

Provides ongoing performance feedback and direction to development staff

Educates and empowers staff to enhance their effectiveness in development activities

Communication and Marketing

Oversee all CIS-VA branded communications, both print- and web-based/social, to advance key statewide strategies, promote visibility, and ensure messaging consistency to key stakeholders

Ensure marketing and communications activities are aligned to the strategic plan, relevant resource development plans, and CIS national branding guidelines

Create and share collateral for affiliate dissemination in alignment with the marketing and communications strategic plan

Work with consultants or internal staff on all communications efforts

Serve as lead CIS-VA contact with CIS national marketing and communications staff

Oversee development and marketing and communications budget

Required Qualifications:

Excellent candidates who don’t meet every single qualification listed but believe they can elevate our mission by effectively leading our strategic advancement initiatives are still encouraged to apply.

10+ years of progressive advancement or fundraising experience, with at least 5 in senior leadership

Demonstrated success securing major and transformational gifts ($1M+ preferred)

Experience with government grants and statewide policy engagement

Proven experience in collaborative or network-wide fundraising initiatives

Strong leadership and team-building skills with a track record of mentoring and developing staff

Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities

Passion for CIS’s mission of removing barriers to student success and ensuring access to opportunity for every learner

$140,000 – $160,000 / year

The salary for this position is $140,000 - $160,000. Comprehensive package including medical, dental, and vision health insurance, a retirement plan with company matching, paid time off, and professional development.

Job Classification:

Leadership & Executive