Chief Advancement Officer

The client seeks an accomplished, strategic, and relationship-driven fundraising leader to serve as its next Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). Reporting to the President and serving as an advisor to both the President and Board leadership, the CAO will lead the next chapter of philanthropic growth and help translate institutional priorities into compelling advancement opportunities. The CAO is the senior fundraising leader responsible for strategic direction and oversight of the full philanthropic enterprise, including major gifts, annual giving, foundation and corporate relations, planned giving, stewardship, donor engagement, and development operations. The role partners closely with senior leadership to build and sustain meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, foundations, corporations, and community leaders, while strengthening fundraising systems and ensuring a best-practice, data-informed, and donor-centered advancement program. The successful candidate will be a proven advancement leader with progressive fundraising experience, preferably in higher education, independent schools, workforce development, arts and culture, or other mission-driven nonprofit environments. They are expected to have a strong track record of securing and closing major gifts, leading comprehensive fundraising programs, and engaging effectively with donors and volunteer leaders, with confidence in both strategy-setting and managing complex development operations, including personal cultivation and solicitation. Exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, and a collaborative, entrepreneurial approach are essential, along with an appreciation for the organization’s values around craftsmanship, hands-on learning, and career education.