Chief Advancement Officer

Trinity Episcopal School; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte, NC seeks a Chief Advancement Officer for the 2026-27 academic year. The officer leads fundraising, alumni relations, branding and communications, reporting to the Head of School and serving on the Senior Leadership Team.

Responsibilities include developing strategic direction, overseeing operations, cultivating major donors, and collaborating across the school to advance the mission and growth of the endowment and capital campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE preferred for leadership in fundraising.
• Ten or more years in fundraising with nonprofit or school settings.
• Proven ability to cultivate and solicit major donors and high-net-worth prospects.

Responsibilities

• Set vision and strategic direction for the school’s advancement efforts.
• Oversee fundraising, alumni relations, branding, and communications.
• Lead major donor cultivation and campaign planning with trustees and volunteers.
• Collaborate with Head of School and SLT on budgeting and policy setting.
• Represent the school at community events and network with key stakeholders.
• Manage and mentor the advancement team to deliver high-impact programs.

Skills

Fundraising Leadership

Strategic Planning

Donor Cultivation

Nonprofit Development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

CFRE preferred

Tools

Fundraising CRM (Blackbaud)

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Trinity Episcopal School - Charlotte, NC 28202

Position Type: Full Time / Non Exempt

Education Level: 4 Year Degree

Job Category: Executive

Role Overview

Trinity Episcopal School is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer for the 2026-27 academic year. This individual will report directly to the Head of School and serve on the Senior Leadership Team. The Chief Advancement Officer provides leadership in planning, organizing, and implementing programs, activities, and communications intended to garner support for the operational, capital and endowment needs of the School. The Chief Advancement Officer raises funds that will be used to advance the mission of Trinity Episcopal School. In addition, the Chief Advancement Officer leads a team that includes the Marketing and Communications Director, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Manager, Advancement Coordinator, and Visual Communication Coordinator. The Chief Advancement Officer supports the work of the School by promoting the mission, values and policies of Trinity Episcopal School.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish a vision and develop a strategic direction for the School’s advancement efforts and communicate that vision and direction effectively
• Oversee the daily operations of the advancement office and maintain consistent processes and systems to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of fundraising, development, alumni relations and branding/design and marketing/communication efforts
• Support and advocate for the Head’s vision and initiatives and act as a key spokesperson on behalf of the School
• Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and participate in strategic planning, budgeting, business planning and policy setting aspects of the school
• Identify, cultivate and solicit major donors either directly or by facilitating relationships with the Head of School, trustees, and volunteers.
• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with multiple constituencies - alumni, parents, grandparents, community donors, trustees, faculty and staff - to further and protect the mission of the school
• Expand the culture of philanthropy within the School community
• Work closely with the Board of Trustees Development Committee Chair to lead and execute fundraising efforts
• Work with Alumni Relations and Annual Giving Manager, Marketing Director and Head of School to develop program elements and messaging for fundraising and community events
• Represent the School through community events and networks
• Along with the Marketing and Communications Director, work with the Admission office to create a marketing plan to raise the profile of the school, and collaborate with the Admission office on the internal and external messaging necessary to assist with re-enrollment and enrollment
• Support the mission of the school through direct involvement with school programs as needed

Management/Administration

• Hiring – Coordinate the hiring process by establishing a pool of candidates, conducting interviews, soliciting input, and working with the Senior Leadership Team to determine the needs of the school
• Evaluation and Retention of Staff – Manage the department staff evaluation process, including compensation and renewal
• Staff Development and Improvement – Promote staff development and improvement by setting goals with staff and planning for professional development; foster an impactful, efficient, and supportive work environment
• Morale – Create an atmosphere of professionalism and respect by promoting positive interaction with the faculty/staff and between faculty/staff

Qualifications

• Familiarity with and a commitment to the mission of independent schools and Trinity Episcopal School. A commitment to our three primary values of scholarship, diversity, and spirituality is a must
• A love for students and a willingness to go above and beyond in the best interests of students
• Integrity, sound judgment, self-confidence, maturity and a sense of perspective
• A high level of energy and ability to work on multiple tasks/projects
• Ability to model, promote, and provide opportunities for students to live into the Trinity Honor Code
• Demonstrated sensitivity to students, faculty, and staff of varying racial, ethnic, religious, gender, cultural, disability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Bachelor’s Degree (advanced degree and CFRE preferred)
• 10+ years of fundraising experience for a non-profit organization, including 5+ years in executive leadership
• Experience cultivating and stewarding meaningful, productive and discreet relationships with the highest levels of donors and high net worth prospects
• Proven track record of successful identification, cultivation, solicitation, and closure of major gifts
• Capital Campaign management including campaign planning and execution
• Demonstrated ability to work with and/or motivate a wide range of people, including trustees, parents, alumni, faculty and staff
• Experience managing/oversight of development communications
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, writing, organizational and communication skills
• Ability to be a self-starter and initiator, and ability to work effectively, both independently and on a team
• Become involved in the mission and life of the school beyond the primary responsibilities outlined.

Physical Demands

Candidates must be able to frequently perform duties in a stationary position and occasionally traverse campus and Uptown Charlotte.