Overview
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) fosters a culture of philanthropy across Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, inspiring staff, volunteers, and community partners to support the mission. This leader drives fundraising success through major campaigns, signature events, and innovative donor engagement strategies that ensure growth and sustainability.
The CAO provides vision and oversight for the advancement team, strengthens donor and volunteer relationships, and maintains systems that uphold the highest standards of stewardship and accountability. In this role, the CAO builds community partnerships, cultivates generosity, and ensures the resources needed for every young person to thrive.
Responsibilities
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) serves as a key member of the executive team, providing vision and leadership for all aspects of fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropy.
- Fundraising Leadership – Leads annual campaigns, special events, major gifts, planned giving, and grant development to drive sustainable growth.
- Donor & Community Engagement – Builds and nurtures strong relationships with donors, volunteers, board members, and community partners.
- Team & Volunteer Development – Supervises the advancement, marketing, and grants teams; recruits and supports fundraising volunteers; and fosters a positive, high-performing culture.
- Strategic Planning – Partners with the CEO and board to shape fundraising strategy, set performance goals, and ensure alignment with organizational mission and values.
- Stewardship & Accountability – Ensures best-in-class donor systems, accurate reporting, and adherence to ethical and professional fundraising standards.
- Collaboration & Representation – Serves as a visible ambassador for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County, representing the organization with professionalism and enthusiasm.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s and CFRE certification preferred
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive fundraising and resource development leadership experience required
- Active membership in a professional fundraising association expected
- Demonstrated success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts
- Experience managing donor pipelines and capital campaigns
- Strong leadership skills with experience in supervising, motivating, and developing staff and volunteers
- Expertise in donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation, including major gifts, planned giving, and legacy giving
- Skilled in multiple fundraising techniques: proposal writing, events, direct mail, phone solicitation, and face-to-face asks
- Knowledge of fundraising operations including gift processing, donor databases, prospect research, and reporting
- Excellent strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and communication skills (written and verbal)
- High ethical standards and commitment to philanthropy, governance, and organizational values
- Proficient with computer systems and fundraising software
- Reliable transportation, safe driving record, active driver’s license, and automobile insurance
- Position may require standing/sitting for extended periods of time, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, bending at the waist, and ability to lift, carry, pull or otherwise move objects up to 20lbs.
