Chief Advancement Officer (CAO)

Chief Advancement Officer (CAO)

About the Company

Highly regarded private school

Industry
Higher Education

Type
Educational Institution

Founded
1881

Employees
11-50

Specialties

• carpentry
• furniture making
• locksmithing
• bookbinding
• jewelry making
• violin making
• preservation carpentry
• and piano technology

About the Role

The Company is in search of a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead its philanthropic growth. The CAO will be the senior fundraising leader, responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight of all philanthropic activities, including major gifts, annual giving, and donor engagement. This role is pivotal in translating institutional priorities into philanthropic opportunities and building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in fundraising, with a focus on securing major gifts and leading comprehensive programs. They must be adept at setting strategy, managing operations, and personally engaging in cultivation and solicitation. Exceptional communication, sound judgment, and the ability to inspire confidence are essential, as is a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach. Candidates for the CAO position at the company should have significant experience in fundraising, preferably within mission-driven nonprofit environments. The role requires a leader who is comfortable with all aspects of advancement, from strategic planning to hands-on donor engagement. A strong candidate will have a background in a related field such as higher education, independent schools, workforce development, or arts and culture. The company values a candidate with an appreciation for craftsmanship, hands-on learning, and career education. The CAO will work closely with the President and Board of Directors, and must be able to strengthen fundraising systems, enhance development operations, and ensure a best-practice, data-informed, and donor-centered advancement program. The position is on-site, with some flexibility for offsite work, and the company is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Hiring Manager Title
President

Functions

• Education/Academic Administration
• Non-Profit Management