Description
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a senior executive at Lifeworks, responsible for leading the organization’s development and marketing teams as a key member of Lifeworks’ leadership team. The CAO will be instrumental in cultivating a culture of generosity and community investment across the organization, working closely with both executive leaders and the Board of Directors. The CAO will bring a broad and integrated perspective to both development and marketing, generating multifaceted value in support of the mission.
The CAO will be a passionate champion for Lifeworks’ advancement vision, leading the design and implementation of fundraising strategy, capital campaigns and special funding initiatives that attract and steward the financial resources required to fulfill the organization’s mission. Beyond fundraising, the CAO will provide strategic leadership across both development and marketing/communications, ensuring a unified and compelling message to all stakeholders.
The CAO is expected to be highly engaged in the funding community and a contributor to increasing the visibility and enhancing the perception of Lifeworks, both regionally and nationally.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience as a top-level executive, including experience as an engaged member of an executive team
- Demonstrated success developing and implementing a cohesive advancement strategy that integrates development and marketing functions with measurable impact on brand visibility, stakeholder engagement and revenue growth
- 5+ years of successful staff management and development, including leading leaders
- Experience building and elevating organizational brands, increasing market visibility and positioning an organization as a recognized thought leader within its sector
- Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships with corporate, community, government and philanthropic stakeholders that generate both financial support and long-term organizational value
- Strong experience identifying growth opportunities, expanding market reach and developing innovative revenue streams aligned with organizational mission and impact
- Strong executive presence and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence across corporate, philanthropic, civic and governmental sectors
- Experience with campaign leadership, annual giving programs and development operations
- Experience working with a Board of Directors
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking; enjoys discussion and debate
- Current, active network of high-level donors, emerging donors and foundation leadership in Minnesota, preferred
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- Fundraising certification such as CFRE or ACFRE preferred
