Chief Advancement Officer

I Know I Can (IKIC) is a Central Ohio nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students pursue and complete postsecondary education and career pathways. Through advising, financial support, career exploration, and strategic partnerships, IKIC equips students and families with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to achieve their educational and career goals.

Serving students across Central Ohio, IKIC works closely with K-12 districts, higher education institutions, employers, community organizations, and philanthropic partners to strengthen pathways to college, credentials, and career success.

General Position Information:

• Full-time, Exempt
• Location: Columbus, OH
• Salary: $135,000-150,000 commensurate with experience

Position Summary:

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a member of the executive leadership team and leads IKIC’s advancement strategy, including philanthropy, corporate and community partnerships, grants, donor engagement, marketing, and communications.

The CAO is a strategic and results-oriented leader who will develop and execute a comprehensive revenue strategy that strengthens and diversifies funding sources to support IKIC’s long-term growth and impact. The CAO oversees a team of four across development and communications and plays a key leadership role in supporting an organization with an annual operating budget exceeding $10 million. This position will also help lead planning and fundraising efforts related to IKIC’s upcoming 40th anniversary campaign.

Position Reports to: 

Chief Executive Officer

Key Responsibilities:

Advancement Strategy & Fundraising

• Lead and implement a comprehensive advancement strategy focused on sustainable revenue growth and diversification.
• Oversee fundraising efforts across individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation support, grants, sponsorships, and multi-year commitments.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and strategic funding partners.
• Partner with executive leadership and board members to support fundraising and community engagement efforts.
• Lead major fundraising campaigns and signature events, including IKIC’s 40th anniversary campaign.

Communications & Brand Strategy

• Oversee organizational communications, marketing, and brand strategy.
• Ensure alignment between fundraising, storytelling, communications, and community partnerships.
• Support development of compelling messaging and materials for donors, partners, and external audiences.

Leadership & Operations

• Lead and support the development and communications team while setting clear goals and expectations.
• Oversee donor pipeline management, fundraising systems, reporting, and CRM utilization, including Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge.
• Monitor fundraising performance and provide updates to executive leadership and board members.
• Collaborate across teams to align advancement strategies with organizational priorities and student impact.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, advancement, development, or related executive leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, institutional funding, and strategic partnerships.
• Strong relationship-building skills with donors, corporate leaders, community stakeholders, and board members.
• Excellent strategic planning, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience with donor management systems and fundraising analytics; Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge preferred.
• Ability to bring structure, clarity, and focus within a growing organization.

Disclaimer: “IKIC reserves the right to modify or adjust responsibilities as needed to support organizational priorities.”

Interested candidates should send their cover letter and resume to:

Kim Scott, Chief Administrative Officer

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