Chief Advancement Officer

The client seeks an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to shape the next chapter of a leading museum of modern and contemporary art. This newly created role will help set and advance institutional strategy, strengthen community engagement, and build philanthropic partnerships that support the museum’s mission and ambitions during a period of leadership transition and renewed growth. Reporting to the Director, the CAO will lead an integrated team of approximately 12 professionals across Development, Membership, and Marketing and Communications. Responsibilities include refining and strengthening the advancement infrastructure, mentoring and developing staff, and building organizational capacity to support future goals, while partnering closely with senior leaders, trustees, donors, and other colleagues to drive advancement priorities. Supported by an engaged donor community and an endowment, the CAO is responsible for meeting an annual fundraising goal of approximately $5 million, inclusive of membership, annual giving, and support from individuals, foundations, and corporate sponsorship. Success will depend on cultivating major donors, expanding engagement and membership support, and building a pipeline for future transformational giving; the museum is also exploring a potential capital campaign associated with an expansion of its campus.