Chief Advancement Officer

Zeitz Museum Of Contemporary Art Africa; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading art museum in Cape Town is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer to manage fundraising strategies and lead the advancement team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for the museum’s mission, strong leadership skills, and a track record in securing major gifts. Responsibilities include developing comprehensive fundraising plans, engaging stakeholders, and overseeing marketing strategies. This role offers an opportunity to impact the organization’s mission significantly.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in fundraising or advancement.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Cultivate relationships with individual and institutional donors.
• Implement marketing and communication strategies.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Relationship-building

Negotiation skills

Strategic planning

Team leadership

Education

Master’s in Business Administration or related field

Job description

Job Title: Chief Advancement Officer

Location: Cape Town

Reporting To: Executive Director

Job Summary: The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will be responsible for leading, providing direction on key advancement strategic imperatives, leadership and management of the institutional advancement team. The position will work with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and Senior Management teams to develop, implement a fundraising strategy and lead all aspects of fundraising, global council, philanthropy, gifting, and donor engagement for the organisation. The CAO will work closely with the ED, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team to cultivate and steward relationships with key stakeholders, donors, secure major gifts, lead and oversee all fundraising initiatives. The CAO will also be responsible for developing and implementing marketing, communication, events and strategies to engage stakeholders and increase awareness of the organization's mission and impact.

Responsibilities

• Strategy and Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the organization’s mission and goals.
• Fundraising and Resource Development: Cultivate and steward relationships with individual and institutional donors, prospecting and securing major gifts; lead and oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns; collaborate with the Trustees and senior leadership team to ensure alignment of fundraising strategies with organizational priorities; monitor and report on fundraising activities, including progress toward fundraising goals and key performance indicators; stay informed on trends and best practices in fundraising and advancement to continually improve strategies and outcomes.
• Marketing and Communications Management: Develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to engage stakeholders and increase awareness of the organization.
• Events Management: Develop an eventing strategy that drives eventing sales and programs; lead and manage eventing programs in collaboration with philanthropy department, restaurant, curatorial and other key internal and external stakeholders; leading the museums 10‑year campaign.
• People Leadership and Management: Manage a team of advancement professionals, providing coaching, mentorship, and guidance to support their professional development; develop and manage the functions budget.

Qualifications

• Degree or post qualifications, Master’s in Business Administration or a Master’s in related Degrees is desirable; Communications, Business Management.
• Background in Art and visual culture and familiarity is desirable.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in fundraising, development, or advancement, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and meeting fundraising goals.
• Strong communication, relationship‑building, and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans.
• Experience in leading and managing a team and providing coaching, mentorship and guidance.
• Good knowledge of fundraising best practices, trends, and tools.
• Experience working in a nonprofit or mission‑driven organization is preferred.
• Working locally and with international experience will be a good advantage.

The Chief Advancement Officer plays a critical role in advancing the organization's mission and impact through strategic fundraising and engagement with stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will bring a passion for the organization's mission, strong leadership skills, and a track record of success in fundraising and development.

As a responsible employer and in support of transformation, preference will be given to employment Equity candidates.