Chief Advancement Officer — Education, Donor Growth & Partnerships

Association of Fundraising Professionals; Leonardtown (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Mary’s Ryken is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer to lead all advancement initiatives and strengthen philanthropic support for the school’s mission. Reporting to the President, the CAO will drive campaigns, major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, alumni relations, and partnerships.

Ideal candidates are strategic thinkers and relationship builders who can translate the school’s mission into meaningful philanthropic investments and lasting community engagement.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to lead major fundraising initiatives and build strong donor relationships.
• Experience developing and guiding comprehensive capital campaigns and annual giving programs.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to translate mission into philanthropic investments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a comprehensive capital campaign and develop strategy with the President and Board.
• Grow philanthropic support across annual giving, major gifts, endowed scholarships, and planned giving.
• Deepen engagement with alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, and the broader community.
• Align advancement priorities with the school’s strategic plan and needs.
• Tell the story of impact and steward donor relationships through effective communication.

Skills

Relationship building

Strategic leadership

Fundraising leadership

CRM dashboards

Tools

Veracross

Hatch

Donor Search

Job description

St. Mary’s Ryken is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer to lead all advancement initiatives and strengthen philanthropic support for the school’s mission. Reporting to the President, the CAO will drive campaigns, major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, alumni relations, and partnerships.

Ideal candidates are strategic thinkers and relationship builders who can translate the school’s mission into meaningful philanthropic investments and lasting community engagement.