ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chief Advancement Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cranbrook

Chief Advancement Officer

Bloomfield, MI · On-site

Chief Advancement Officer Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world's leading centers of education, science, and art.

Rainier Scholars

Chief Advancement Officer

Seattle, WA · On-site

Chief Advancement Officer Seattle, WA Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students of color over a 12-year journey - from 5th grade to college graduation. We ...

Rainier Scholars

Chief Advancement Officer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$155K - $190K/yr

Chief Advancement Officer Seattle, WA Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students of color over a 12-year journey - from 5th grade to college graduation. We ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsChief Advancement Officer Jobs

Chief Advancement Officer information

See salary details

$41.5K

$151.2K

$269.5K

How much do chief advancement officer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief advancement officer in the United States is $151,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $185,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Advancement Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Advancement Officer, you need extensive experience in fundraising, strategic planning, and relationship management, often backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management software, CRM systems like Salesforce, and fundraising analytics tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, leadership, and networking skills help drive donor engagement and inspire teams. These competencies are crucial for cultivating donor relationships, securing funding, and advancing organizational goals.

How does a Chief Advancement Officer typically collaborate with other departments to achieve fundraising goals?

A Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) works closely with departments such as marketing, communications, and program management to develop integrated strategies that support fundraising initiatives. The CAO often leads cross-functional teams, ensuring that messaging is consistent and that donor engagement aligns with the organization's overall mission. Regular coordination with leadership and board members is also common, as the CAO helps set priorities and leverages resources to maximize impact. This collaborative approach not only drives fundraising success but also strengthens organizational cohesion.

What is a Chief Advancement Officer?

A Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a senior executive responsible for leading an organization’s efforts in fundraising, development, communications, and sometimes alumni relations or marketing. The CAO works to build and maintain relationships with donors, oversee strategic planning for advancement initiatives, and ensure the organization meets its financial and outreach goals. This role is common in nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare systems, where generating external support and engagement is critical. The CAO often collaborates with the CEO, board members, and other leaders to align advancement strategies with the organization’s mission and vision.

What is the difference between Chief Advancement Officer vs Development Director?

AspectChief Advancement OfficerDevelopment Director
CredentialsTypically requires advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, MPA), extensive fundraising experience, and leadership skillsUsually holds a bachelor’s or master’s degree with experience in fundraising and donor relations
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic planning, overseeing entire advancement or fundraising departmentsOperational role, managing fundraising campaigns and donor engagement at departmental level
Employer & Industry UsageFound in non-profits, educational institutions, healthcare organizationsCommonly used in similar sectors, often reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer or VP

The Chief Advancement Officer focuses on high-level strategy and leadership across all fundraising efforts, while the Development Director handles day-to-day fundraising activities and donor relations. Both roles are vital in nonprofit organizations but differ in scope and seniority.

More about Chief Advancement Officer jobs
What cities are hiring for Chief Advancement Officer jobs? Cities with the most Chief Advancement Officer job openings:
What states have the most Chief Advancement Officer jobs? States with the most job openings for Chief Advancement Officer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Chief Advancement Officer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Advancement Officer jobs are:
Chief Advancement Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Advancement Officer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,203 per year, or $72.7 per hour.
Chief Advancement Officer

Chief Advancement Officer

Cranbrook Educational Community

Bloomfield Hills, MI

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description

Chief Advancement Officer

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world's leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, Center for Collections and Research, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending our Pre-K through 12 independent college preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors and students to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook "the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America" and in 1989 it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit. For more, please visit our website: www.cranbrook.edu

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will serve as a key member of Cranbrook Educational Community's senior leadership team and report directly to the President. This role carries enterprise-wide responsibility for advancing philanthropic strategy and performance across Cranbrook Schools, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.

At the core of the role, the CAO will provide visionary, data-informed leadership to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue, deepen engagement with donors and constituents, strengthen volunteer and board partnerships, and build and lead a high-performing advancement organization. Working in close partnership with the President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Communications Officer, the Board of Trustees, program leaders, and volunteers, the CAO will ensure that advancement strategy and execution are fully aligned with Cranbrook's strategic priorities, institutional values, and operational needs.

The CAO will play a key leadership role in a comprehensive campaign that, while currently in the quiet phase, is off to a strong start thanks to generous lead gifts to support endowment, capital investments, and unrestricted annual needs.

Cranbrook Educational Community has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Chief Advancement Officer. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/7253.


Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply