Chief Advancement Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Chief Advancement Officer – Catholic Charities of Buffalo

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Catholic Charities of Buffalo is the most comprehensive human service provider serving Western New York, reaching all eight counties with 51 professionally staffed locations plus a presence in many area schools and other community sites. Catholic Charities serves people in need and those who are most vulnerable without regard to age, gender, race, or religious affiliation.

Catholic Charities offers programs that strive to empower individuals, children, and families. Among them are comprehensive counseling services for all ages, basic emergency assistance and referrals, child and adult mental health counseling, educational and training programs, older adults support, immigration and refugee assistance, and a variety of programs focusing on family safety and stabilization.

Catholic Charities of Buffalo is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and transformation. Under the leadership of a new President & Chief Executive Officer and guided by a forward-looking strategic plan, the organization is redefining how it engages donors, foundations, corporations, and the broader Western New York community to expand its impact.

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will play a pivotal role in this evolution as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. This is more than a fundraising leadership position; it is an opportunity to help shape the future of a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening individuals, families, and communities throughout Western New York.

The next CAO will lead the organization's transition toward a more diversified and sustainable advancement strategy by expanding institutional giving, strengthening major gift philanthropy, cultivating new community and corporate partnerships, and increasing visibility across the region. While helping the organization broaden and diversify its fundraising portfolio, this leader will also ensure the continued strength and stewardship of the Annual Appeal, recognizing its longstanding role as the foundation of Catholic Charities' philanthropic success. Working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and leadership team, this executive will help position Catholic Charities to reach new audiences, inspire greater community engagement, and build a culture of philanthropy that supports the organization's mission for years to come.

Position Overview

CAO serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership for the organization's advancement, development, marketing and community engagement efforts. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this executive is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive resource development strategy that advances the agency's mission, growth, sustainability, and long-term community impact. 

Responsibilities include providing strategic oversight of the Annual Appeal while leading institutional fundraising, major gifts, donor engagement, foundation and corporate relations, grant development, strategic partnerships, community relations, and advancement operations. This leader will build upon the success of the Annual Appeal by maintaining its momentum, strengthening its long-term impact, and thoughtfully integrating it within a more diversified and sustainable advancement strategy.

This role is ideal for an innovative, relationship-driven executive who is energized by building partnerships, creating new opportunities, and helping organizations grow through strategic leadership, collaboration, and community engagement.

Core Competencies & Key Responsibilities

Strategic Advancement Leadership

• Lead the organization's evolution toward a more diversified and sustainable advancement model by engaging new audiences, strengthening partnerships, and positioning Catholic Charities for continued growth and community impact.
• Provide strategic oversight of Catholic Charities' historic Annual Appeal, ensuring it remains a high-priority fundraising initiative that honors the organization's history and tradition while continuing to engage its core supporters and inspire future generations of donors.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive institutional advancement strategy aligned with Catholic Charities' strategic plan, mission, and long-term vision.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees on fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, and external relations.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing advancement organization by mentoring staff, strengthening leadership capabilities, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous professional growth.
• Build a culture of philanthropy across the organization while identifying innovative opportunities to diversify funding, strengthen community partnerships, and support organizational growth. 
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across the organization to align fundraising priorities with programmatic initiatives, communications, and strategic objectives.
• Establish measurable fundraising goals, organizational priorities, and performance metrics to drive long-term success. 

Relationship Building- Team, Donor, Community, Volunteer, & Board Engagement

• Serve as the public face of Catholic Charities' advancement efforts, helping strengthen community awareness, engagement, and support. 
• Coach and mentor leaders across Advancement, Marketing & Communications, Community Relations, and Grant Management to build organizational capacity and strengthen succession within the department.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across the organization to align fundraising priorities with programmatic initiatives, communications, and strategic objectives.
• Cultivate trusted relationships with executive leaders, business and community partners, major donors, foundation leaders, and key stakeholders, utilizing executive presence, influence, and strategic relationship-building to inspire philanthropic investment and advance Catholic Charities' mission throughout Western New York. 
• Partner with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and volunteers to cultivate major gifts and philanthropic opportunities.
• Support and engage the Board of Trustees in fundraising and community relations activities.
• Provide fundraising education, coaching, and resources to Board members.
• Facilitate advancement-related Board committee activities.
• Develop volunteer leadership opportunities that support fundraising goals.
• Expand donor engagement by connecting new audiences with the organization's mission and strategic priorities.

Revenue Development, Campaign Leadership, & Business Growth

• Lead all institutional fundraising activities, including foundation, corporate, government, major gifts, planned giving, special events, and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and execute strategies that sustain and elevate the Annual Appeal, ensuring it continues to serve as a high-performing annual fundraising campaign while supporting the organization's broader advancement and revenue diversification goals.
• Provide revenue accountability by developing annual fundraising forecasts, establishing measurable goals, and achieving annual contributed revenue targets through diversified funding strategies.
• Provide campaign leadership for the organization's emerging "Pillar Strategy," engaging new audiences while supporting future comprehensive fundraising campaigns, endowment initiatives, and other strategic advancement efforts as appropriate.
• Identify and pursue new foundation, corporate, government, and strategic partnership opportunities that expand funding and increase organizational sustainability.
• Strengthen business development initiatives by cultivating innovative partnerships and revenue opportunities that advance Catholic Charities' mission.

Operational Excellence, Financial Stewardship, & Performance Analytics

• Provide strategic oversight of advancement operations, ensuring the effective management of departmental budgets, fundraising performance, and long-term revenue projections. 
• Ensure compliance with donor restrictions, grant requirements, and all applicable reporting and regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest standards of stewardship and accountability. 
• Leverage fundraising analytics, donor segmentation, CRM systems, performance dashboards, and key metrics to inform strategy, evaluate effectiveness, and improve return on investment. 
• Develop reports and strategic analyses that provide the President & CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees with meaningful insights into fundraising performance, organizational trends, and advancement priorities. 
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement through data-informed planning, operational excellence, and performance measurement.

Experience and Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field preferred. 
• Ten or more years of progressive executive leadership experience in nonprofit advancement, institutional giving, philanthropy, or resource development.
• Demonstrated success leading comprehensive fundraising strategies and diversified revenue initiatives. 
• Proven experience cultivating major gifts, foundation relationships, and institutional funding. 
• Experience partnering with executive leadership, Boards of Directors, and community stakeholders. 
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, communication, financial management, and relationship-building skills. 
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams. 
• Experience utilizing fundraising CRM platforms, donor analytics, and performance metrics. 
• Knowledge of or experience within the human services, behavioral health, child welfare, housing, or related nonprofit sectors is beneficial; however, candidates with transferable advancement leadership experience from other mission-driven organizations are also encouraged to apply.

Personal Characteristics

• Visionary and strategic leader 
• Energetic and inspiring leader
• Relationship builder and trusted ambassador 
• Coach and mentor
• Innovative and entrepreneurial mindset 
• Collaborative and influential communicator 
• Mission-driven and community-focused 
• Results-oriented and accountable 
• Authentic, approachable, and engaging
• Comfortable serving as a public-facing leader and advocate for Catholic Charities

Compensation:
The anticipated salary range for this position is $150,000–$175,000 , commensurate with experience, qualifications, and demonstrated fundraising leadership. Catholic Charities of Buffalo offers a competitive benefits package and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping shape the future of one of Western New York's leading human services organizations.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Catholic Charities of Buffalo is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Catholic Charities of Buffalo will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless such accommodations would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact  View email address on ziprecruiter.com.