Children's Place Association
Chief Advancement Officer (CAO)
Children's Place Association, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
SUMMARY
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) at Children's Place Association serves as a key member of the leadership team, responsible for designing, leading, and executing all fundraising and development strategies to support the organization's mission. The CAO provides vision and direction to diversify revenue streams, cultivate strong donor relationships, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
include the following (Other duties may be assigned): Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation support, and special events. Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen philanthropic culture across the organization. Cultivate and steward relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors, ensuring personalized engagement and ongoing communication. Oversee grant writing, proposal development, and reporting processes. Lead donor research, prospect development, and campaign planning for new funding opportunities. Manage and mentor the philanthropy team, setting clear goals and accountability measures. Collaborate with program staff to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities and mission outcomes. Develop clear systems for donor recognition, acknowledgment, and retention. Monitor fundraising metrics, providing regular reports to the CEO and Board. Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and applicable regulations. OTHER EXPECTATIONS
Represent the organization at community events, donor meetings, and networking opportunities. Maintain a visible and active presence with stakeholders, partners, and philanthropic networks. Uphold and model the values, culture, and mission of the organization. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Development staff, grant writers, donor relations team, and volunteers (as applicable).
Directly supervise development and donor relations staff. Provide professional development, coaching, and evaluation for the philanthropy team. Engage and support board members and volunteers in fundraising efforts. QUALIFICATIONS
Proven leadership experience in fundraising, development, or philanthropy, preferably in a non-profit environment. Demonstrated success securing major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships. Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation, and stewardship strategies. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills. Ability to work collaboratively with leadership, staff, and board members. Strategic thinker with strong organizational and analytical skills. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in fundraising practices. Education, Skills & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or related field required; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive fundraising/development experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Proficiency in donor database management systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, Salesforce NPSP). Experience managing teams and working directly with executive leadership and boards.
STATEMENT ON WORKPLACE CULTURE
Children's Place Association is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Children's Place Association strives to cultivate a work environment that honors the voices and lived experiences of every staff member. Therefore, all employees share the responsibility of creating and cultivating a welcoming and supportive work environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to travel locally to attend donor meetings, events, and community functions. Occasional evening and weekend work required for fundraising events.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is typically low.
Standard office environment with hybrid flexibility, depending on organizational policy. Frequent interaction with community partners, donors, and external stakeholders. Fast-paced, mission-driven environment requiring adaptability and collaborative spirit.
Pay Range:
$146,000 - $160,000 per hour
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) at Children's Place Association serves as a key member of the leadership team, responsible for designing, leading, and executing all fundraising and development strategies to support the organization's mission. The CAO provides vision and direction to diversify revenue streams, cultivate strong donor relationships, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
include the following (Other duties may be assigned): Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation support, and special events. Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen philanthropic culture across the organization. Cultivate and steward relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors, ensuring personalized engagement and ongoing communication. Oversee grant writing, proposal development, and reporting processes. Lead donor research, prospect development, and campaign planning for new funding opportunities. Manage and mentor the philanthropy team, setting clear goals and accountability measures. Collaborate with program staff to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities and mission outcomes. Develop clear systems for donor recognition, acknowledgment, and retention. Monitor fundraising metrics, providing regular reports to the CEO and Board. Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and applicable regulations. OTHER EXPECTATIONS
Represent the organization at community events, donor meetings, and networking opportunities. Maintain a visible and active presence with stakeholders, partners, and philanthropic networks. Uphold and model the values, culture, and mission of the organization. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Development staff, grant writers, donor relations team, and volunteers (as applicable).
Directly supervise development and donor relations staff. Provide professional development, coaching, and evaluation for the philanthropy team. Engage and support board members and volunteers in fundraising efforts. QUALIFICATIONS
Proven leadership experience in fundraising, development, or philanthropy, preferably in a non-profit environment. Demonstrated success securing major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships. Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor cultivation, and stewardship strategies. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and public speaking skills. Ability to work collaboratively with leadership, staff, and board members. Strategic thinker with strong organizational and analytical skills. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in fundraising practices. Education, Skills & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or related field required; Master's degree preferred. Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive fundraising/development experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role. Proficiency in donor database management systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, Salesforce NPSP). Experience managing teams and working directly with executive leadership and boards.
STATEMENT ON WORKPLACE CULTURE
Children's Place Association is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Children's Place Association strives to cultivate a work environment that honors the voices and lived experiences of every staff member. Therefore, all employees share the responsibility of creating and cultivating a welcoming and supportive work environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to travel locally to attend donor meetings, events, and community functions. Occasional evening and weekend work required for fundraising events.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is typically low.
Standard office environment with hybrid flexibility, depending on organizational policy. Frequent interaction with community partners, donors, and external stakeholders. Fast-paced, mission-driven environment requiring adaptability and collaborative spirit.
Pay Range:
$146,000 - $160,000 per hour