Chief Advancement Officer

Position: Chief Advancement Officer

Campus: Home/Central Office (On-Site)

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Position Description

United Schools is conducting a search for a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to guide the organization’s philanthropic work through its next strategic phase of growth. Currently, in its 17th year of operations, United has a history of strong educational outcomes and financial health, leadership team and board stability, and a truly special culture that is values-grounded, caring, and dedicated to the important work of United’s mission.

The CAO will set the fundraising vision and serve as a thoughtful and collaborative steward of United’s mission, values, and resources. As the organization transitions out of start-up mode into that of a young institution, we are eager to ensure we build the right systems and structures that reinforce and enable our team to thrive – while still fostering the flexibility and dynamism we know effective innovation requires. To this end, we are looking for someone who is uniquely skilled at thinking in systems, understanding variation in data over time, designing iterative tests of change to improve processes, and understanding the human side of change. The network is also growing in sophistication and complexity in its financial forecasting, organization-wide planning, and strategic alignment. Just as we seek to build extraordinary learning experiences for our students as core to our mission – so too do we seek to design our organization to be extraordinary in all of the ways that we operate and support our tremendous team. In service of our mission, the CAO role oversees Philanthropy, External Relations, Internal Communication, and Alumni Services.

Key Responsibilities

• The Chief Advancement Officer oversees and supports a lean and mighty, truly all-star team that includes the following direct reports: Jennifer Olivieri, Director of Development; Caroline Durbin, Director of Alumni Services; Jillian Finkel, Stewardship Associate; Sarah Sanchez, Development Associate; and Ciana Lawhead, Alumni Services Associate.
• Ensure the functions of Philanthropy, External Relations, Internal Communication, and Alumni Services are well-coordinated, aligned, and effective in supporting the organization’s current and future programmatic goals and ambitions.
• Operate flexibly, leaning into each function in customized ways, advising, coaching, directing, and rolling-up-sleeves alongside the team.
• Responsible for recruiting, developing, supporting, and retaining diverse and outstanding talent for these functions.
• Serve as a trusted partner to organizational leaders and teammates, prioritizing the organization’s mission and living into and stewarding its organizational values and commitments.

Philanthropy:

• Establish fundraising goals in partnership with the Chief Executive Officer based on the strategic plan.
• Supervise the Director of Development and support with establishing annual goals, providing regular performance reviews, and facilitating appropriate recognition.
• Develop and implement annual development strategy to successfully meet established fundraising goals and objectives.
• Lead the execution of annual development plan activities, including events, tours, campaigns, volunteer activities, etc.
• Maintain and grow a portfolio of major individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Lead the effective communication with and functioning of the board development committee.
• Serve as liaison between school, finance, and development teams to ensure accurate record-keeping and spending of restricted contributed income.
• Regularly analyze data to assess trends, report findings, and adjust strategy or activities.
• Support strategic planning for the network, particularly as it relates to advancement and fundraising.

Internal Communication and External Relations:

• Lead the creation and distribution of key internal and external marketing materials.
• Set the tone and direction for cases for support, grants, appeals, and other written communication.
• In collaboration with network leadership, plan and deliver regular internal communication to network staff.
• Evaluate potential external and internal partnerships that may add value to students and staff.
• Coordinate details of internal and external partnerships with schools where appropriate.

Alumni Services:

• Provide leadership to alumni services team, including supervising the Director of Alumni Services, supporting the creation of annual goals, providing regular performance reviews, and facilitating appropriate recognition.

Other duties as assigned by the CEO.

• This description is representative of the position requirements and is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Experience & Qualifications

• 8+ years of demonstrated experience in philanthropic work with a deep understanding of and successful experience with the nonprofit and/or education sectors.
• Demonstrated fundraising acumen in a mission-driven organization.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills to inspire and lead teams.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Solid educational background — undergraduate degree required; CFRE designation highly desired.

Competencies:

• An adept operator: able to set clear, big-picture vision and turn them into actionable goals.
• A people-first manager: experience managing and developing a diverse team.
• Deep experience in nonprofit philanthropy: proven track record in cultivation and stewardship of donors.
• Personally committed to expanding opportunity for young people: aims to serve all young people.

Terms of Employment

• Applications will be considered immediately with a start date targeted for early November.
• This is a full-time position.
• Report times are typically Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
• Salary: Starting salary for a new Chief Advancement Officer is $105,000.
• Benefits: United offers medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage options, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
• All United schools are Equal Opportunity Employers.

Apply online at unitedschoolsnetwork.org/join.