Chief Advancement Officer

Chief Advancement Officer

Location Sacramento, CA 95828 Date Posted November 02, 2026 Job ID 15871 Employment Type Retained

Scion Executive Search is honored to partner with the Sacramento SPCA in the search for its next Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), an exciting opportunity to join a respected animal welfare organization and shape the future of its philanthropic growth, community engagement, and organizational influence. This newly established executive position will bring together Development, Communications, Design & Brand, and Events under one integrated advancement strategy, strengthening collaboration, expanding philanthropic support, and elevating the Sacramento SPCA's visibility and impact. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven, and collaborative executive who brings a strong understanding of both philanthropy and marketing, a passion for animal welfare, and the ability to unite talented teams around a shared vision. This is a full-time onsite leadership opportunity based in Sacramento, California.

ABOUT SACRAMENTO SPCA

The Sacramento SPCA is a well-established and highly respected nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them. Guided by its commitment to Giving More Than Shelter, the organization provides essential services that strengthen the human-animal bond, promote responsible pet ownership, and create healthier communities throughout the Sacramento region.

Through its nationally recognized high-volume spay and neuter clinic, successful adoption programs, low- and no-cost vaccine clinic that serves over 20,000 pets annually, and commitment to exceptional animal care, the Sacramento SPCA plays an important role in addressing the evolving needs of animals and their families. Its spay and neuter clinic ranks among the top ten high-volume clinics in the country, reflecting the organization's commitment to accessible services and meaningful community impact.

With a strong reputation, established community relationships, and a deeply committed team, the Sacramento SPCA is positioned to build upon its success while expanding its reach, philanthropic support, and influence in animal welfare. The creation of the Chief Advancement Officer position represents an important next step in this evolution, bringing together complementary functions to strengthen organizational alignment, deepen engagement with supporters, and advance a more coordinated approach to mission-driven growth.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Advancement Officer will provide strategic and organizational leadership for the Sacramento SPCA's integrated Advancement division, encompassing Development, Communications, Design & Brand, and Events. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CAO will develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy that strengthens philanthropic revenue, expands community engagement, elevates organizational visibility, and supports long-term sustainability.

A central priority for this leader will be bringing together established teams and experienced functional leaders under a shared vision, fostering greater collaboration, alignment, and accountability while respecting the expertise and contributions of each department. The CAO will balance strategic leadership across both fundraising and marketing, ensuring that the organization's external engagement efforts work cohesively to advance its mission.

The successful candidate will be a thoughtful, approachable, and inspiring leader who combines strategic vision with the ability to translate ideas into meaningful action. Equally important will be a genuine commitment to the Sacramento SPCA's mission and culture, strong relationship-building skills, and an authentic desire to develop people, strengthen community connections, and position the organization for its next chapter of impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy that integrates philanthropy, marketing, communications, brand, events, and community engagement to advance the Sacramento SPCA's mission and long-term growth.
• Lead and develop a high-performing Advancement division, empowering experienced functional leaders, strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, and fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and shared success.
• Drive philanthropic revenue growth through donor acquisition, retention, stewardship, annual giving, grants, sponsorships, planned giving, and events while building the strategy and infrastructure for expanded major and legacy giving programs.
• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to cultivate significant philanthropic relationships, engage community supporters, and advance organizational priorities.
• Provide strategic oversight of marketing, communications, public relations, digital engagement, and brand management, ensuring consistent messaging, compelling storytelling, and increased organizational visibility.
• Strengthen alignment between fundraising, marketing, and community engagement to deepen relationships with donors, adopters, volunteers, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Sacramento SPCA, cultivating strategic partnerships and expanding the organization's presence, reputation, and influence throughout the region and broader animal welfare community.
• Support the development of future public affairs and advocacy initiatives, strengthening relationships with policymakers, community organizations, and animal welfare partners.
• Establish clear strategic priorities, performance measures, budgets, and accountability structures while serving as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on organizational growth and effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant progressive leadership experience in advancement, philanthropy, fundraising, marketing, communications, or a related field, including success in a senior leadership or executive capacity.
• Demonstrated success driving philanthropic revenue growth, strengthening donor relationships, and advancing fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, sponsorships, grants, and planned giving.
• Strong understanding of marketing, communications, brand strategy, and public relations, with the ability to provide balanced strategic leadership across both development and marketing functions.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, develop experienced managers, navigate organizational change, and foster a collaborative, accountable, and supportive workplace culture.
• Strategic and innovative mindset with demonstrated success translating organizational vision into actionable priorities, measurable outcomes, and sustainable growth.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and executive leadership skills, with the ability to engage effectively with donors, board members, employees, community leaders, and external partners.
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including experience managing budgets, allocating resources, evaluating performance, and using data to inform decisions.
• Collaborative, emotionally intelligent, and approachable leadership style, with a genuine commitment to animal welfare, organizational culture, and mission-driven impact.
• Nonprofit leadership experience strongly preferred; animal welfare experience is valuable but not required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field required; CFRE certification, advanced education, or comparable professional development is desirable.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Sacramento SPCA offers a competitive compensation package with a salary range of $150,000 - $175,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer-paid employee medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA and FSA contributions a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching; generous vacation accrual; and additional voluntary benefits.

APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS:

The Sacramento SPCA has retained the services of Scion Executive Search, a national executive search firm specializing in nonprofit recruitment, to assist in conducting this important search. For immediate consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter via: https://scionexecutivesearch.com/job/15871

Please address applications to:

Chelsea Zimmer, Senior Executive Search Principal

Scion Executive Search

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made

ABOUT OUR FIRM:

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