Chief Advancement Officer

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart invites applications for the position of Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). The CAO will lead donor cultivation, engagement, and stewardship and oversee the school’s upcoming capital campaign.

Reporting to the Head of School, the CAO will be an integral part of the leadership team, helping advance strategic goals through philanthropy and donor relations. The ideal candidate is a seasoned advancement professional with demonstrated expertise in major and

Qualifications

• 10+ years in advancement/philanthropy or equivalent.
• Demonstrated success in major gifts and campaigns.
• Strong written and verbal communication, storytelling and donor stewardship.

Responsibilities

• Lead donor cultivation, engagement, and stewardship programs.
• Oversee planning, execution, and fundraising metrics for the capital campaign.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of School and leadership to advance strategic goals.
• Manage advancement operations and a high-performing team.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor relations

CRM fluency

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Master’s degree in nonprofit management or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

The client invites applications for the position of Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). The CAO will lead donor cultivation, engagement, and stewardship and oversee the school’s upcoming capital campaign. Reporting to the Head of School, the CAO will be an integral part of the leadership team, helping advance strategic goals through philanthropy and donor relations.

The CAO will serve as the strategic and tactical leader for all advancement and philanthropy activities. Responsibilities include preparing and executing the next campaign; expanding and strengthening prospect and donor engagement; elevating stewardship and donor recognition; enhancing alumnae relations efforts; supporting and empowering a dedicated advancement team; and leading advancement operations and organizational management. The CAO will also act as a strategic thought partner to the Head of School.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned advancement professional with demonstrated expertise in major and principal gifts and comprehensive donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The role requires a strong front-line fundraising record at a leadership level, experience building and delegating to a capable team, and experience playing a significant role in planning and implementing a substantial campaign, including establishing metrics and processes to monitor and evaluate performance. The candidate should be able to partner closely with the Head of School, re-engage lapsed or disengaged constituents, and communicate the mission and value proposition in an inspiring and confidential manner, with strategic data management and CRM fluency to support advancement operations.