Chief Advancement Officer
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Position Summary
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a key member of the Executive Team responsible for advancing Beech Brook’s mission through integrated oversight of development, marketing/communications, and external relations. Reporting to the CEO and working in close collaboration with Beech Brook’s Board President and Development Chair, the CAO leads strategy and execution for fundraising, communications, and brand positioning to drive organizational growth, visibility, and long-term sustainability.
An immediate priority for this role will be leading donor development and fundraising efforts associated with the organization’s Family Center’s move to Midtown. Beech Brook will be mounting a campaign to support the build out, growth and sustainability of the Family Center’s new location. In addition, Beech Brook is celebrating its 175th anniversary beginning in January 2027. While planning is underway with current staff and Board leadership, the CAO will be responsible for oversight of the anniversary activities, through the lens of development, and aligning those activities with the Family Center campaign and ongoing development needs.
The CAO directly supervises the Director of Development, Director of Marketing & Communications and Development Associate, providing leadership, direction, and accountability across all advancement functions.
The position will be primarily located at Beech Brook’s Granger Road headquarters with some time spent at the Family Center in Midtown. Beech Brook offers some flexibility to work from home at the organization’s discretion.
Key Responsibilities
- Cultivating and expanding partnership opportunities, especially in Midtown.
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight of Development and Marketing departments, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and growth objectives.
- Lead comprehensive advancement strategy, including fundraising, donor engagement, communications, and brand development.
- Design and lead a multi-year plan that aligns fundraising and marketing/communications opportunities for the Family Center campaign, 175th anniversary, and ongoing contributed income needs.
- Drive donor development efforts at the highest level, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and transformational gifts.
- Maintain donor data integrity and reporting.
- Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for advancement team leadership, including Director of Development, Director of Marketing & Communications and Development Associate. [JC1]
- Partner closely with the CEO, Board leadership, and Executive Team on organizational strategy, external relations, and long-term planning.
- Serve as a primary liaison to the Board of Directors on advancement- and marketing/communications-related matters.
- Actively participate in Board committees, including:
- Governance Committee
- Development Committee
- Leadership Development and Nominating Committee
- Marketing Committee
- Support board engagement, recruitment, and development of future leadership.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and community leaders.
- Represent the organization publicly to enhance visibility, partnerships, and philanthropic support, including serving as a media spokesperson
Qualifications
- Significant leadership experience in nonprofit advancement, fundraising, or external affairs. Knowledge of the Northeast Ohio philanthropic community preferred.
- Demonstrated success leading major campaigns and securing principal and major gifts, preferably in complex human services or healthcare-related organizations.
- Proven success in leading integrated development and marketing/communications functions.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with executive leadership and boards.
- Strong strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Organizational Culture
Beech Brook, the recipient of the Plain Dealer/Cleveland .com Top Workplace award for 7 years in a row is a trauma-informed care organization committed to improving outcomes for children and families. Leaders are expected to model integrity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the agency’s mission.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Beech Brook is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.