Chief Advancement Officer

Merito Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Merito Group, headquartered in Oakland, Maryland, seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to spearhead a comprehensive philanthropy program in the New York region. The CAO will report to the CEO, build an enterprise fundraising strategy, and partner with the Board to accelerate revenue and long-term sustainability.

The role oversees major gifts, annual and planned giving, foundations and corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, capital campaigns, events, and community engagement, while leading a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership in nonprofit fundraising or advancement.
• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts.
• Proven track record of increasing philanthropic revenue and diversifying funding sources.
• Experience leading comprehensive advancement programs and high-performing teams.
• Experience partnering effectively with CEOs, Boards of Directors, and executive leadership.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an extensive advancement strategy to grow philanthropic revenue.
• Lead major gifts, annual and planned giving, foundation and corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, capital and special campaigns, and signature fundraising events.
• Oversee community engagement and donor relations to expand impact in the New York region.
• Build and lead a high-performing Advancement team and manage external consultants and partners.
• Serve as liaison to the CEO and Board Development Committee to align fundraising with strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Donor relations

Strategic leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Merito Group with headquarters in Oakland, Maryland, is a fast growing woman owned Small Business and HUBZone company with an outstanding record of performance providing more effective and efficient acquisition, business process, training, IT, administrative and security services to multiple federal agencies.

Merito Group is looking for a Chief Advancement Officer to support their client.

Salary range 120,000-125,000

Chief Advancement Officer

Duration: Full Time Direct Hire

Position Summary

Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a senior philanthropy executive and a key member of the Executive Team, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy that accelerates philanthropic revenue, diversifies private funding sources, and strengthens the organization's long-term financial sustainability. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CAO serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors, aligning philanthropy with our mission, strategic priorities, and vision for community impact. The CAO is expected to serve as an enterprise leader, contributing to organizational strategy and acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO on matters of philanthropy, external relations, and long-term organizational sustainability.

The CAO provides executive leadership for all advancement functions, including major gifts, annual and planned giving, foundation and corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, capital and special campaigns, signature fundraising events, and community engagement. The CAO will build and lead a high-performing Advancement team, cultivate transformational relationships with donors and strategic partners, and serve as a visible ambassador for us throughout Staten Island and the greater New York philanthropic community. Through innovation, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, the CAO will strengthen the organization's brand, expand philanthropic investment, and advance our mission and community impact.

The CAO will lead and develop the Advancement Department, providing direct supervision to the Director of Development and Senior Development Associate while overseeing the work of advancement consultants and external partners, including government relations, fund development, and grant writing. The CAO will ensure that the department's people, systems, and external resources are aligned to achieve our strategic fundraising and philanthropic objectives.

In partnership with the CEO, the CAO serves as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors’ Development Committee, working closely with the Committee Chair to advance the Board’s fundraising priorities, strengthen Board engagement in philanthropy, and support a culture of philanthropy and Board engagement.

As our chief fundraising strategist and ambassador, the CAO will champion innovation, collaboration, and accountability to position the organization for sustained philanthropic growth and lasting community impact.

Board & Executive Partnership

• Partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to advance fundraising priorities and organizational growth.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board Development Committee and work closely with the Committee Chair to strengthen Board engagement in philanthropy.
• Prepare and present fundraising strategies, reports, and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board.

External Relations & Brand Leadership

• Represent us with donors, foundations, corporations, elected officials, faith communities, and community leaders.
• Strengthen the organization’s visibility, reputation, and philanthropic presence throughout Staten Island and the greater New York region.
• Provide executive oversight of advancement communications, marketing, and donor engagement initiatives.

Advancement Operations

• Ensure best-in-class advancement operations, including CRM management, fundraising analytics, prospect development, stewardship, reporting, and performance measurement.
• Build and continuously strengthen the systems, processes, technology, and infrastructure necessary to support sustainable fundraising growth and operational excellence.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership in nonprofit fundraising or advancement.
• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts.
• Proven track record of increasing philanthropic revenue and diversifying funding sources.
• Experience leading comprehensive advancement programs and high-performing teams.
• Experience partnering effectively with CEOs, Boards of Directors, and executive leadership.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic leadership skills.

Preferred

• Experience in human services, healthcare, or a mission-driven nonprofit organization.
• Experience leading capital campaigns and planned giving programs.
• Knowledge of government funding and public-private partnerships.

Why Join US

Our client is Staten Island's leading human services organization, dedicated to ending hunger and homelessness and strengthening communities through compassionate, comprehensive services. The Chief Advancement Officer will have a unique opportunity to shape the organization’s philanthropic future, build a best-in-class advancement program, and partner with an engaged CEO, Board of Directors, and Executive Team to expand impact for thousands of individuals and families across the region.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $120,000-$125,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition to base salary, the Chief Advancement Officer will be eligible to participate in a performance-based incentive plan tied to the achievement of mutually agreed-upon strategic advancement objectives, organizational growth, and long-term philanthropic sustainability.

Merito Group is an equal opportunity employer regardless of race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, on-the-job injury, sexual orientation, political affiliation or belief. Employment decisions are made without consideration of these or any other factors that employers are prohibited by law from considering. Any discriminatory action can be a cause for disciplinary action. SFS also prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities and will reasonably accommodate applicants with a disability, upon request, and will also ensure reasonable accommodation for employees with a disability.