Job Description

Overview

Lift For Life Academy is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chief Advancement Officer who embraces the mission of LFLA with the vision to lead and execute a comprehensive, aligned external strategy to maximize our external positioning and presence to significantly increase community awareness and philanthropic support for Lift For Life Academy. This position is responsible for leading all external-facing work, including oversight of all aspects of Fund Development, Marketing/Communications, Alumni Relations, and volunteer management, leading a team of 4-6 professionals. Additionally, the position will work closely with the administrative team and the Academy and Foundation Board of Directors to ensure continuity and mutual support.

Essential Skills

• Track record of success in all aspects of fund development to include annual, major, and planned giving, capital projects, and comprehensive campaigns.
• Experience managing and staffing high-level volunteers, including board members, major donors, and other key volunteer leaders.
• Track record of managing and motivating diverse teams.
• Minimum of 15 years of advancement/development experience working in complex and mature nonprofit organizations.
• Passion for the mission of Lift For Life Academy.

Reporting & Working Relationships

This position is part of the senior management team and reports directly to the Founder/Executive Director.

This position will supervise all directors/managers on the External Relations team directly, or indirectly, a team of up to eight professionals including, but not limited to, the Director of External Relations, Marketing and Volunteer Manager, Development Manager, Development Officer(s), and Grant Writer.

Primary Responsibilities & Standards

Development Donor Cultivation, Stewardship, Solicitation Oversight

• Work in close coordination with the Executive Director, Development Consultant, and Board, with full responsibility for the achievement of all Development goals and objectives.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan to secure annual, major, and planned gifts, including funds for ongoing capital needs, in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.
• Develop productive relationships with board members, donors, and other stakeholders to expand the qualified prospect pool for LFLA.
• Manage the development team and oversee all development activities.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors, both individual and corporate, with immediate priority given to working with the executive director to assume primary responsibility for the top 100 donors, as part of succession planning.
• Oversee the development of fundraising events and campaigns.
• Monitor fundraising activities to ensure ethical and legal compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Prepare and present reports on development activities to the Board of Directors.
• Ensure integration with marketing/communications, alumni relations, and volunteer programming to develop a strong external presence for LFLA.
• Oversee creation of a pipeline to identify leadership annual and campaign prospects capable of making gifts and grants at $1,000+ levels.
• Advise on Development strategies, participating in weekly Campaign/Development planning meetings, including implementation of a Moves Management model involving all External Relations team members.
• Maintain awareness of all planned and proposed capital and special projects at school and be a knowledgeable resource for donors.
• Evaluate and assess the functionality and focus of the Development committee, strategically expanding their work to create continued growth of all fund development activities, including the Annual Fashion Show fundraising committee.
• Attend all fundraising events and be a visible presence and resource for donors.

Volunteer and Board Oversight

Supervise Marketing and Volunteer Manager

• Work with staff to ensure effective Volunteer activities to include training, recruitment, and expansion of opportunities to engage key external stakeholders.
• Key liaison to the Academy board of directors and the Foundation board of directors.

Marketing/Communications Oversight

Supervise Marketing and Volunteer Manager

• Work with staff on annual Marketing/Communications planning to ensure all external messaging is consistent across all platforms.
• Drive the implementation of a recently completed strategic plan to ensure all external metrics are achieved.
• Annually update and build on the Marketing Plan.
• Support the Manager in their role to staff and expand the Marketing committee.

Qualifications Required

• Proven experience as a Chief Development Officer or similar senior fundraising role.
• A proven track record of developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
• Experience with a variety of fundraising campaigns including, but not limited to, annual giving, major gift programs, and planned giving.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in major donor relations and grant writing.
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent knowledge of and commitment to the mission/programs of LFLA.
• Experience working with people of various backgrounds and educational levels.
• Must enjoy working with and forming relationships with students.
• Strong sense of creativity, initiative, and enthusiasm.
• BS/BA degree in Business Administration, Fundraising, Marketing, or related field; MS/MA or certification in fundraising will be a plus.

Salary to commensurate with experience.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Julie Derby at jderby@liftforlifeacademy.org.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

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