Chief Advancement Officer

Cranbrook Educational Community; Bloomfield Hills (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer who will play a pivotal role in enhancing philanthropic efforts. The CAO will lead the advancement organization, align strategies with institutional priorities, and manage a comprehensive campaign currently in its quiet phase. Ideal candidates will demonstrate visionary leadership in fundraising and donor engagement, contributing to the mission of fostering education and the arts. This is an exceptional opportunity to make an impact in a respected institution.

Qualifications

• Visionary leadership to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue.
• Ability to deepen engagement with donors and constituents.
• Capacity to strengthen volunteer and board partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Advance philanthropic strategy and performance across Cranbrook.
• Lead a comprehensive campaign in its quiet phase.
• Align advancement strategy with institutional values and operational needs.

Job description

Chief Advancement Officer

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre‑K through 12 independent college preparatory schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will serve as a key member of Cranbrook Educational Community’s senior leadership team and report directly to the President. This role carries enterprise‑wide responsibility for advancing philanthropic strategy and performance across Cranbrook Schools, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.

At the core of the role, the CAO will provide visionary, data‑informed leadership to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue, deepen engagement with donors and constituents, strengthen volunteer and board partnerships, and build and lead a high‑performing advancement organization. Working in close partnership with the President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Communications Officer, the Board of Trustees, program leaders, and volunteers, the CAO will ensure that advancement strategy and execution are fully aligned with Cranbrook’s strategic priorities, institutional values, and operational needs.

The CAO will play a key leadership role in a comprehensive campaign that, while currently in the quiet phase, is off to a strong start thanks to generous lead gifts to support endowment, capital investments, and unrestricted annual needs.

Cranbrook Educational Community has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Chief Advancement Officer. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/7253.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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