Chief Advancement Officer

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago; Cicero (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

UCP Seguin of Greater Chicago seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to drive philanthropic growth, enterprise revenue, and external engagement, reporting to the President and CEO. Lead a comprehensive revenue strategy spanning fundraising, grants, marketing, and enterprise initiatives.

This senior leader thrives at the intersection of fund development, earned revenue, and organizational sustainability, guiding a high-performing advancement team and strategic partnerships across stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Six or more years of senior leadership in advancement, fundraising, or enterprise development.
• Proven success managing complex revenue portfolios combining philanthropy and earned income.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of multi-year revenue strategy (contributed, earned, enterprise).
• Oversee fundraising efforts including major gifts, annual giving, grants, events, and donor stewardship.
• Identify mission-aligned enterprise opportunities to diversify revenue.
• Provide executive oversight of enterprise and earned-income activities with financial scrutiny.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Fundraising Strategy

Enterprise Revenue Growth

Donor Relations

Partnership Development

Nonprofit Management

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field

Tools

CRM / Donor Management Systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a senior executive leader responsible for advancing the Agency's mission through philanthropic growth, enterprise business oversight, and strategic external engagement. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the CAO leads a comprehensive revenue strategy that includes fundraising, grants, marketing and communications, and mission‑aligned enterprise/business growth initiatives.

This role is ideal for an innovative, relationship‑driven executive who thrives at the intersection of fund development, earned revenue, and organizational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Revenue & Growth Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of a multi‑year strategy to grow contributed, earned, and enterprise‑based revenue.
• Oversee all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, grants, public funding, special events, and donor stewardship.
• Identify, evaluate, and advance mission‑aligned enterprise or business opportunities that diversify and strengthen organizational revenue.
• Ensure all revenue‑generating strategies align with the Agency's mission, values, and long‑term goals.

Enterprise Business Oversight

• Provide executive oversight of the Agency's enterprise and earned‑income activities.
• Partner with finance and operations leadership to ensure enterprise initiatives are financially sound, scalable, and compliant.
• Establish performance metrics and reporting systems to track enterprise growth, profitability, and impact.
• Promote innovation and entrepreneurial thinking across revenue‑generating functions.

Marketing, Communications & Brand

• Lead marketing, communications, and public relations strategies that elevate organizational visibility and reputation.
• Oversee brand messaging across fundraising, enterprise, and community engagement efforts.
• Serve as a key spokesperson alongside the President/CEO when appropriate.

Leadership & Governance

• Recruit, lead, and develop a high‑performing advancement and enterprise team.
• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee.
• Partner with the Board to strengthen fundraising, enterprise growth, and organizational sustainability.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Social Services, Education, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• At least six (6) years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in advancement, fundraising, enterprise development, business operations, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success managing complex revenue portfolios that include both philanthropy and earned income.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Strong business and financial acumen, with experience overseeing revenue‑generating operations or social enterprise initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM/donor management systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge NXT or similar).
• Exceptional relationship‑building and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Proven people leader who motivates, develops, and retains high‑performing teams.
• Adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and comfortable working with diverse stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel locally and regionally for donor, partner, and business development activities.