VP & Chief Advancement Officer

The Vice President & Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) serves as the strategic leader of all fundraising, marketing, and communications efforts for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South (BGCMS). Reporting to the President & CEO and operating as a core member of the executive leadership team, the CAO is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy that drives sustainable revenue growth, elevates brand visibility, and strengthens stakeholder engagement across the region. This role oversees all aspects of philanthropy, including major and principal gifts, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, special events, donor stewardship, and planned giving, while also guiding an integrated marketing and communications function that amplifies the organization’s mission and impact. The CAO will build and lead a high‑performing advancement team, foster a culture of accountability and collaboration, and partner closely with the Board of Directors, senior leadership, and program staff to align advancement efforts with organizational priorities. The CAO is a dynamic and externally focused leader with a proven track record of securing transformational gifts, cultivating long‑term relationships, and leveraging data and storytelling to inspire investment. The CAO will play a critical role in positioning BGCMS for continued growth—ensuring the organization has the resources, visibility, and community support needed to expand opportunity and outcomes for the youth and families it serves. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS This list below includes essential functions that may or may not be assigned to an individual within this role. They are, however, all areas of focus that fall under the umbrella of this position. These duties do not necessarily constitute a full list of responsibilities. Fundraising Design and implement a comprehensive development plan and fundraising program which includes benchmarks and evaluation procedures focusing on the optimal combination of individual, foundation, and corporate giving, including annual/mid‑level/major/planned gifts, workplace giving, corporate philanthropy, annual campaigns, and small gathering events. Ensure strategies and tactics remain competitive and produce planned results. Accountable for the achievement of budgeted revenue target with a portfolio of priority relationships, account management, fundraising activities, and small gathering events. Oversee and continue to refine the evaluation and reporting system for fundraising so that leadership and the CEO have timely information and key metrics to measure progress. Actively seek out and develop new opportunities for investment, revenue generation, and strategic partnerships while at the same time achieving Club budget and forecasts. Identify, develop and maintain long‑term relationships between Boys & Girls Club and major donors, foundations and corporate contributors, and other key stakeholders. Identify, cultivate and solicit personally, and prepare CEO or Board members to solicit a significant number of major gifts to meet or exceed targets. Accurately forecast expected revenue and expenses from all fundraising activities. Work closely with the grant writing team and contribute to the grant writing process. Provide the grant writing team with timely feedback on requests for information. Responsible for special events, including but not limited to galas, golf tournaments, stewardship events, annual campaigns, and any other such events as determined by the CEO and Board of Directors. Develop strategic alliances and stewardship efforts with funders, community leaders and local officials. Develop collaborative partnerships with other youth serving organizations, members, parents, families, and community organizations. Work with the CEO to effectively and efficiently utilize the CEO’s time in meeting with donors. Collaborate with the CEO and Board members to manage and encourage Board member Individual Development Plans and to leverage board and committee networks and experience. In collaboration with the CEO and Board, develop and implement a strategic plan for single and multi‑year resource development efforts. Leadership Lead the Development department to act as a cohesive team focused on achieving common and individual goals to meet the needs of the organization. Foster a culture of philanthropy and collaboration among the various departments of the organization. Provide leadership in the development of inter‑team communication and cohesiveness, sustaining culture and supporting staff during organizational growth. Identify and communicate to leadership all potential opportunities and/or relationships that will increase the Club’s ability to raise funds and reach new stakeholders. Serve as a member of the Leadership Team. Identify challenges and recommend solutions to senior leadership; balance competing priorities and work collaboratively with colleagues. Advise the CEO and staff of current resources, trends, obstacles, and developments in revenue generation and donor relations. Assist with assessment of annual budgetary needs for areas of responsibility. Increase visibility of Club development activities and maintain good public relations. Ensure design and development of public relations documents and marketing efforts for use in the promotion of fund raising and education of the public, including press releases, websites and social media. Work with Club staff to develop a periodic newsletter for distribution to past, present, and future donors as well as to the general community, to highlight the programs and special activities occurring at the Club. Work with the Board of Directors Mission Advancement committee and attend their meetings to oversee and coordinate their efforts. Attend Board of Directors meetings as determined by the President & CEO, or the Chair of the Board. Promote the Club as the leader locally, statewide, and nationally in areas of award recognition, leadership, and mentorship. Staff Management Attract, develop, coach, and retain high‑performance team members, supervise advancement teams empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span of control, and performance. Set staff goals, monitor work, and evaluate results to ensure that the department meets organizational objectives and operating requirements and that the department’s functioning and performance is in line with the needs and mission of the organization. Work with fundraising staff and volunteers to develop systems to ensure consistent, high quality project management. Any other duties as assigned by the President & CEO. QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with four to seven years’ work experience in non‑profit agency operations, specifically in the fund‑raising field, sales/marketing, grant writing or equivalent experience. Demonstrated track record of raising $5M+ annually required; including proven experience personally closing major gifts, including six‑ and seven‑figure donations. Capital campaign leadership experience required, including planning, execution, and board engagement. Deep expertise in major gifts, private philanthropy, and integrated fundraising strategies. Strong business development and sales acumen, including earned‑revenue partnerships. Senior leadership experience managing fundraising teams with measurable revenue results. Exceptional relationship‑building, communication, and negotiation skills. Results‑driven executive who thrives in high‑growth, high‑accountability environment. Considerable knowledge of fund‑raising techniques, and sources of funding for non‑profit agencies and organizations. Considerable knowledge and experience in grant writing, research and review. Knowledge of accessing and managing donor databases. Superior organizational skills, attention to detail, and project management experience, including the ability to work efficiently and effectively to meet deadlines in a cross‑functional, team‑based environment. Demonstrated resource management, budgeting, and analytical skills – including the ability to compile and analyze data for planning and reporting purposes. Technological proficiency, including a command of the Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with using a database to track and extract information. Exemplary communication skills (written and verbal) are needed, including the ability to present in front of large groups, interact with and motivate stakeholders, represent the organization at community events and meetings, and write professionally in emails, etc. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people (staff, families, youth, etc.) and a track record of building and sustaining meaningful relationships with individuals and teams from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Commitment to professionalism including high expectations and standards of quality, a strong work ethic and personal code of ethics, accountability, and dependability. Self‑motivated and goal‑oriented with the ability to set effective objectives for teams and individuals and take ownership for results. Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness, and empowerment. Willing to provide leadership daily in a normal eight‑hour day and occasional night and weekend hours. This position does provide for remote work options up to one day per week. Certifications: As outlined in BGCMS Training Academy upon hire or within allocated training timelines. This position requires a valid driver’s license and will require frequent local travel. #J-18808-Ljbffr