Chief Advancement Officer

Fraser Academy; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 185,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in education is seeking a dynamic Chief Advancement Officer to lead its strategic initiatives. This pivotal role involves driving a high-impact campaign to establish Canada's first Centre for Dyslexia, enhancing the organization's visibility and impact in the community. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in campaign fundraising, marketing, and communications, along with a passion for inclusive education. Join a team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of students with dyslexia and help shape the future of education through innovative programs and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of senior leadership experience in advancement or development.
• Proven track record in campaign fundraising and marketing.

Responsibilities

• Lead all Advancement functions including philanthropy and community engagement.
• Drive an ambitious campaign to establish Canada's first Centre for Dyslexia.

Skills

Fundraising Strategy

Campaign Fundraising

Marketing and Communications

Relationship Building

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree

Tools

CRM Software

Project Management Tools

Job description

Fraser Academy (FA) is a non-profit education and training centre dedicated to serving students with dyslexia—who make up as much as 20% of the population, the majority (estimated at 80%) of whom go undiagnosed. Renowned for its Independent Day School (Grades 1–12) and expanding outreach and teacher training centre, FA is a recognized leader in dyslexia education across North America. In response to continued gaps and inequities in the education system, FA is leading an initiative to establish Canada’s first Centre for Dyslexia—a centre of excellence grounded in 40+ years of evidence-based practice. This transformative initiative will provide innovative learner programs, research-based teacher training, and system-wide support for schools, families, and communities. The Centre for Dyslexia will collaborate with educators, governments, and partners locally and globally to create systemic change and ensure no child with dyslexia is left behind.

FA is seeking a dynamic, visionary and highly strategic Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to join its Executive Team at a pivotal moment in this journey. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CAO will help deliver on a new strategic plan and lead all Advancement functions, including philanthropy, marketing and communications, alumni relations, and community engagement. This is a rare opportunity to drive an ambitious, high-impact campaign to establish Canada’s first Centre for Dyslexia—while elevating its profile on provincial, national, and global stages.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished, values-driven community leader with a proven track record in campaign fundraising and brand growth. This individual will be an established Chief Advancement/Development Officer, Vice-President, or a second-in-command with 7+ years of senior leadership experience poised to step into such a role. They will have deep expertise in fundraising strategy, having led and delivered on successful, comprehensive/capital campaigns and personally secured transformational gifts. In addition to their fundraising and marketing and communications expertise, the ideal CAO will be a natural relationship-builder with exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. They will inspire, mentor, and empower a team to be high-performing while fostering a collaborative, positive, and inclusive culture. The successful candidate will possess a growth mindset and an entrepreneurial spirit, with the ability to drive innovation and continuously improve the Advancement function, all while maximizing impact. They will also be adept at working closely with senior leadership, Board and volunteers as well as the community.

Most importantly, the ideal CAO will demonstrate a genuine passion for inclusive, learner-centered education and be fully aligned with each of FA and the Centre’s missions to support students with dyslexia. They will serve as a powerful and visible advocate for the impact in education and society that is possible through effective prevention and intervention programs and play an instrumental role in raising the profile of the cause and engaging communities to secure the resources needed to realize a visionary agenda. The expected salary range for this position is $185,000 to $230,000 annually, accompanied by a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package.

Applications, as well as inquiries and referrals, are invited. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume (including a section summarizing standout accomplishments). Applications should be addressed to Fraser Academy CAO Search Committee via email to [e-mail].

To view the full Position Specification and to apply, click here.