Chief Advancement Officer

Heights Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Internet/phone stipend

Parental leave

Paid time off

Professional development

Bi-monthly training

Job summary

Heights Philadelphia in Center City seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to lead fundraising, communications, and marketing, reporting to the President & CEO. The CAO will shape external presence, deepen donor relationships, and expand philanthropic support to sustain the organization's mission.

With a hybrid schedule and at least three days on site, the CAO will build a scalable fundraising infrastructure, guide a team of eight, and drive revenue growth across Philadelphia and beyond, advancing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with seven+ years in leadership within fundraising.
• Proven track record leading major gift programs and donor stewardship.
• Experience building fundraising infrastructure and strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the advancement team and oversee fundraising, communications, and marketing.
• Shape external presence and deepen relationships with donors and partners.
• Develop scalable fundraising strategies to support Heights' mission and growth.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Seven years leadership experience

Job description

ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Heights Philadelphia in their search for a Chief Advancement Officer.

As Heights enters its next chapter of growth and impact, the organization seeks a visionary and strategic Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead its fundraising, communication, and marketing efforts. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the CAO will play a pivotal role in shaping and advancing the organization’s external presence, strengthening relationships with donors, partners, and community stakeholders, and securing the philanthropic investments needed to fuel Heights' ambitious mission.

Leading a talented advancement team of eight (8) professionals, the CAO will drive the evolution of Heights' revenue model, develop innovative strategies to expand philanthropic support, and elevate the organization’s visibility and influence across Philadelphia and beyond. Specifically, this leader will be charged with pairing strategic vision with hands-on execution, personally advancing key donor relationships, identifying new funding opportunities, and building the fundraising infrastructure needed to support Heights' continued growth and impact.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished advancement leader who is energized by growth, inspired by mission-driven work, and eager to help build on Heights' remarkable momentum to create even greater educational and economic opportunities for thousands of students.

Heights Philadelphia was created in 2022 through the merger of Philadelphia Futures and Steppingstone Scholars, two pioneering organizations that collectively spent more than 50 years expanding access to educational opportunities for Philadelphia students. By bringing together their deep legacies of impact, extensive networks of supporters and partners, and shared commitment to educational equity, Heights has created a stronger, more comprehensive pathway for students to thrive from middle school through college and into meaningful careers. Building on this strong foundation, Heights has quickly emerged as one of Philadelphia’s most influential education nonprofits, shaping the future of talent and opportunity across the region.

Heights Philadelphia is redefining how educational opportunity translates into economic mobility. As an Economic Mobility Catalyst, Heights empowers low-income, Black and Latino, and first-generation-to-college students to achieve educational and workforce success through a comprehensive continuum of support. By combining personalized college and career advising, career enrichment experiences, mentorship, and a powerful network of institutional and employer partnerships, Heights helps thousands of students each year pursue pathways to college completion, meaningful careers, and lifelong economic prosperity. Through this work, Heights is advancing a more equitable future for Philadelphia and strengthening the city’s next generation of leaders and talent.

A bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of leadership experience, including significant experience in the fundraising or development space, is required for this position. Heights Philadelphia operates in a Philadelphia donor environment that is highly relationship driven. Familiarity with the city, its schools, and its philanthropic landscape will be a plus.

Heights Philadelphia will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Heights, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Heights Philadelphia and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $200,000. Heights Philadelphia offers a full benefits package designed to support employee wellness, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-retirement plan with employer contributions, a technology stipend for internet and phone costs, paid parental leave, and generous paid time off. Heights Philadelphia also offers bi-monthly professional development days and resources for targeted professional development opportunities.

This role offers a flexible, hybrid schedule, requiring at least three days per week in Heights Philadelphia’s Center City office or off-site with donors.

Heights Philadelphia is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Ian McCray at [e-mail].

je-0084308ba13a436caa89687f835d46bd