Chief Advancement Officer

Americans for the Arts; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra in Columbus, Ohio seeks its first Chief Advancement Officer, a strategic fundraising leader who can build philanthropy as a catalyst for artistic impact.

The CAO will lead a six-person advancement team, partner with the CEO and board, guide major donor initiatives and campaigns to grow support.

Ideal candidates will combine arts nonprofit fundraising experience with strong leadership, budgeting acumen, and a passion for community engagement.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in Business Admin, Marketing, Public Admin, Communications, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Progressively responsible experience leading and managing fund development programs and operations.
• Proven experience leading high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Build the advancement strategy for the organization.
• Cultivate transformational donor relationships.
• Lead and elevate the advancement team.
• Turn artistic aspirations into philanthropic opportunities.
• Strengthen infrastructure for growth.
• Guide budgeting and goal-setting across the department.
• Connect audience development to philanthropy.
• Champion the ProMusica story.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Team leadership

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration, Communications, or related field

Graduate degree (CFRE advantageous)

Job description

Chief Advancement Officer

Introduction to ProMusica Chamber Orchestra

ProMusica Chamber Orchestra is an organization with a national artistic reputation, deep roots in Central Ohio, and an ambitious vision for what a modern chamber orchestra can be. Founded in 1979, ProMusica has spent nearly five decades building a reputation that far exceeds its size. The 37-member ensemble is known for extraordinary musicianship, adventurous programming, intimate audience experiences, and a willingness to take artistic risks. At the heart of ProMusica's mission is a belief that a chamber orchestra can be both deeply connected to its community and a catalyst for artistic discovery. As the resident orchestra of the historic Southern Theatre in downtown Columbus, ProMusica has a distinctive home for its performances while also reaching audiences throughout Central Ohio and in unexpected spaces. Backed by an international track record in championing new music, ProMusica is an established leader in contemporary repertoire, with 73 commissions and more than 130 world and regional premieres to-date.

The Opportunity

ProMusica seeks its first-ever Chief Advancement Officer, an experienced and strategic fundraising leader, relationship builder, and collaborative leader who sees philanthropy not simply as a revenue function, but as a catalyst for artistic ambition and community impact. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the next phase of institutional advancement within a dynamic and growing organization.

ProMusica's Chief Advancement Officer will be a strategic leader and confident frontline fundraiser. Candidates must bring experience and comfort leading multifunctional teams, while also managing their own portfolio of individual and institutional donors. This role will suit a leader who thrives on balancing management and strategy with direct donor and stakeholder engagement, and who will value and help sustain ProMusica's close-knit, collaborative culture. The ideal candidate will bring an understanding of the nuances of the business models of performing arts organizations. They will also bring enthusiasm for audience development and experience cultivating the philanthropic interest of ProMusica stakeholders.

In this role, the Chief Advancement Officer will enjoy a strong and collaborative partnership with a CEO who is accustomed to and skilled in donor and stakeholder relations. They will be responsible for leading the development of ProMusica's institutional advancement strategy while supporting the CEO and board in managing relationships with longstanding supporters and developing new ones. They will do this work in partnership with a talented advancement team of six, with four direct reports: Marketing Director, Data Services Manager, Development Coordinator, and Grants Consultant.

ProMusica's next chapter will require more than raising money. It will require expanding the circle of people who believe in what ProMusica can become—and giving them meaningful ways to be part of it.

Key Position Functions

• Build the Advancement Strategy
• Cultivate Transformational Relationships
• Lead and Elevate the Advancement Team
• Turn Artistic Aspirations Into Philanthropic Opportunity
• Strengthen the Infrastructure for Growth
• Guide Budgeting and Goal-Setting
• Connect Audience Development to Philanthropy
• Champion the ProMusica Story

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field or equivalent knowledge, training, and experience.
• Progressively responsible experience leading and managing fund development programs and operations.
• Proven experience leading high-performing teams.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in arts and culture organizations and a demonstrated understanding of the business models of performing arts organizations.
• Experience with budgeting and finance.
• Experience directing and leading comprehensive campaigns, major gift programs, event management, and planned giving programs.
• Graduate degree in a relevant field.
• CFRE designation.

Compensation

ProMusica is pleased to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package for this role. The projected minimum target compensation for this role is $110,000, commensurate with experience.

The full position profile can be viewed here: https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FProMusica-CAOprofile&data=05%7C02%7Cjessica%40jobelephant.com%7C623f8ad027f14a7ef3cc08df3a94b381%7Cb56fbf27701a41008a841ac76de6e942%7C0%7C0%7C639294083005256482%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C60000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dMoLln08cQDwlOj9RD0UihNpBR4d5iHMf59uh0lEcIo%3D&reserved=0