Chief Advancement Officer

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a results-driven fundraising executive and a key member of a dynamic senior leadership team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the CAO leads the team responsible for the organization’s fundraising and public engagement efforts. With a primary focus on donor strategy, the CAO leads a team responsible for fund development, marketing, communication, and brand management initiatives that advance Thinkery’s strategic priorities and goals. The CAO has proven success as a major gifts fundraiser and is poised to help lead a capital campaign launching in 2024 to expand Thinkery learning experiences within and beyond our Mueller museum location. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve on the executive leadership team, working collaboratively with the CEO and other senior leaders to refine and carry out the short- and long-term strategic vision of the organization.
• Develop, lead and manage a comprehensive annual plan for the department including strategies for marketing and communications, individual giving, corporate and foundation grants, sponsorships, special events, major gifts, government sources, and partnerships.
• Lead capital fundraising efforts, including the successful launch and completion of a $10~15 million capital campaign.
• Maintain an active portfolio of major donor prospects using moves management.
• Provide strategic direction and management support to the creation of an effective marketing and communications plan to advance fund development goals and museum experiences. 
• Develop and foster relationships with the community to position the organization as a leading resource in STEAM education including serving as an organizational spokesperson in PR efforts.
• Build and manage a high-performing development and marketing and communications team providing leadership, professional development, recognition, coaching and performance feedback.
• Alongside the CEO, manage, coach, and empower staff, Board Members, Resource Development Committee and Capital Campaign volunteers in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of potential donors.
• Ensure the creation and implementation of development systems including, but not limited to, donor management, prospect research, grant management, and gift processing and stewardship.
• Establish strong cross-departmental relationships to stay informed of current work and to align philanthropic interests to expand mission impact and organizational growth.
• Develop and manage a departmental budget that is aligned with Thinkery’s strategic priorities and goals.
• Foster a strong culture of philanthropy both within the organization and within the community.
• Represent Thinkery’s key values of playfulness, belonging, innovation, and collaboration.
• Commitment to support Thinkery’s dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives.
• Practice Thinkery’s health and safety protocols which adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and other public health concerns.
• Days and hours of work are largely Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Periodic duties outside of regular work week schedule during seasonal high-volume times.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Specific list of qualifications that a person needs to perform this specific role.

• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donor relationships.
• Demonstrated understanding of donor-centered and community-centric fundraising and engagement practices.
• Demonstrated competency in marketing, communications, and brand management.
• Knowledge and experience in the nature and dimensions of philanthropy, including ethics, motivations for giving and volunteering, research and cultivation practices, standard fundraising techniques including face-to-face solicitation, proposal writing, special events, telephone solicitation, and direct mail, and, development office functions including gift processing, prospect and donor histories, and fundraising reporting.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of grant administration.
• Experience motivating and collaborating successfully with high-level boards of directors, volunteers, and organizational partners.
• Keen understanding of the Central Texas area philanthropic community and fundraising landscape.
• Proven ability to establish objectives, set performance standards, and organize and motivate a team to achieve goals.
• Demonstrated success in staff management and mentorship, with a commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth and development.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work of a team and cross-functional teams to meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment with competing demands.
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written; strong facilitation and presentation skills

Qualifications