Chief Advancement Officer, Creative Education Fundraising

Fashion Institute of Technology; New York (NY); On-site; USD 350,000 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits (as applicable)

Job summary

Fashion Institute of Technology seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to lead its philanthropic strategy and fundraising program across major gifts, principal gifts, and planned giving. The role partners with the President, the FIT Foundation Board, and the advancement team to advance Future//Forward and position FIT for transformative investment in creative education.

Reporting to the President, the CAO will build a diversified donor base, lead capital campaign planning, and collaborate with the

Qualifications

• 12–15 years of progressively responsible fundraising and advancement leadership.
• A proven track record of closing seven-figure gifts across major, principal, and planned giving.
• Experience designing or leading a capital or comprehensive campaign.
• Established relationships within fashion, beauty, luxury, or broader creative industries.
• Experience serving as a strategic partner to a president/CEO.
• Experience staffing nonprofit boards.

Responsibilities

• Forge a trusted strategic partnership with the President and donors.
• Translate strategic priorities into a compelling case for support and revenue strategy.
• Grow philanthropic base across sectors and secure foundation support.
• Assess readiness for a capital or comprehensive campaign and build infrastructure.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing advancement team.
• Collaborate with Marketing to strengthen external positioning and storytelling.
• Serve as a visible ambassador among VIP, C‑suite, and philanthropic communities.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Major gifts experience

Strategic partnership with president

Board engagement & governance

Team leadership & mentoring

Capital/ comprehensive campaign design

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Fashion Institute of Technology seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to lead its philanthropic strategy and fundraising program across major gifts, principal gifts, and planned giving. The role partners with the President, the FIT Foundation Board, and the advancement team to advance Future//Forward and position FIT for transformative investment in creative education.

Reporting to the President, the CAO will build a diversified donor base, lead capital campaign planning, and collaborate with the