Chief Advancement Officer — Strategic Fundraising Leader

MISBO; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO up to 6 weeks

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan with match

Tuition remission

Free lunch

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville, VA seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to lead fundraising, alumni relations, and community engagement. Reporting to the Head of School, the CAO will shape strategy, build partnerships, and ensure financial sustainability across programs.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of senior advancement experience, a track record in major gifts and endowment growth, and a collaborative leadership style aligned with the school\'s values of integrity and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 7–10 years of senior advancement experience.
• Proven success with major gifts, annual funds, and campaigns.
• Strong strategic planning and financial acumen.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Collaborative, mission-driven leadership in a school setting.
• Commitment to the school's core values: Integrity, Curiosity, Diversity, Creativity, Agency, Impact.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive advancement strategy— including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, endowment growth, grants, and other initiatives.
• Solicit, steward, and cultivate alumni, parents/guardians, foundations, and donors.
• Create annual and multi-year fundraising plans with KPIs and goals.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors and partners.
• Work with Head of School and Board to identify priorities and shape fundraising priorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight to the Advancement Office and donor communications.
• Cultivate and manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and solicit leadership gifts.
• Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Academics, Arts, Athletics, and other leadership to align initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Strategic fundraising

Communication

Relationship-building

Donor stewardship

Collaboration

Integrity and ethics

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree (MBA, M.Ed.) strongly preferred

Job description

St. Anne’s-Belfield School in Charlottesville, VA seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to lead fundraising, alumni relations, and community engagement. Reporting to the Head of School, the CAO will shape strategy, build partnerships, and ensure financial sustainability across programs.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of senior advancement experience, a track record in major gifts and endowment growth, and a collaborative leadership style aligned with the school\'s values of integrity and impact.