Chief Advancement Officer

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 Communitys 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.

Cranbrook Educational Community challenges minds and transforms lives. In fulfilling their mission, they provide access to extraordinary education and encourage creativity, innovation, and open inquiry. Cranbrook values and welcomes learners of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences, preparing them to thrive in and shape a complex world and creatively influence contemporary culture. Cranbrook develops people who will live with purpose and integrity, create with passion, explore with curiosity, and strive for excellence.

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George Gough Booth and Ellen Scripps Booth in 1904, Cranbrooks 319-acre campus features the work of world-renowned architects such as Eliel Saarinen, Albert Kahn, Steven Holl, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, Rafael Moneo, Peter Rose, and sculptors Carl Milles, Marshall Fredericks, and others. Critics have called Cranbrook the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America and in 1989, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Today, Cranbrook Educational Community is comprised of Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research, Cranbrook House & Gardens, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Cranbrook Schools, and Horizons-Upward Bound.

A bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least ten years of progressive advancement/fundraising leadership experience is required for this position. 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. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and rsum. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Cranbrook Educational Community and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

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.

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

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