Chief Advancement Officer
Direct Hire Auburn, Maine
- Location: Auburn, Maine
- Type: Direct Hire
- Job #19661
It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the search for a Chief Advancement Officer at Good Shepherd Food Bank. We are thrilled to partner with Good Shepherd Food Bank and support their mission to promote food security in Maine by improving access to nutritious and culturally relevant food for people experiencing hunger, building strong community partnerships, and mobilizing the public to address the root causes of hunger.
The Food Bank recently completed a comprehensive campaign resulting in over $100M in support for the vision laid out in the organization’s previous strategic plan. Reporting to the President, the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will be a key leader both internally and externally, shaping organizational culture and influencing strategic direction by leading, planning, directing, implementing, and evaluating all fundraising, communications and storytelling, community and donor engagement, and public policy strategies to support the next phase of the organization’s work, as outlined in a new strategic plan.
Leading a team of professionals, the CAO will oversee the cultivation and solicitation of donors at all levels as well as implement a plan for engaging external audiences in awareness of and engagement with the Food Bank’s work. In addition, the Chief Advancement Officer will evaluate existing philanthropic strengths and opportunities, as well as build systems that support long-term growth and fundraising goals.
With belief in our mission, the CAO will ensure that single and multi-year goals are strategically planned, thoughtfully implemented, accurately communicated, and successfully achieved in accordance with the organizations values of partnership, agility, and inclusion. The CAO will nurture and strengthen our culture in which equity, diversity, and inclusion are celebrated.
Essential Functions and Accountabilities
Fund Development
- Lead the design and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to increase overall philanthropic support by utilizing organization-specific data in combination with industry best practices in annual giving, major and planned giving, and corporate and foundation relations.
- Research, analyze and monitor financial, technological, and demographic factors to capitalize on development opportunities and ensure sustainable fundraising practices.
Provide general oversight of Major and Planned Giving, Corporate and Foundation Relations, Annual Giving and Development Operations departments.
Oversee stewardship and cultivation of a portfolio of key individual, corporate, and foundation relationships.
Explore expanding the scope of state and federal funding in partnership with Government Affairs/Advocacy team.
Uphold the Food Bank’s Fundraiser and Donor Engagement Rights, with an understanding of community-centric fundraising principles.
Marketing and Communications
- Represent the Food Bank as a media spokesperson as needed, effectively communicating our mission and initiatives.
- Develop and inform strategies in line with the strategic plan, including organizational messaging, data analysis and storytelling to ensure alignment with the Food Bank’s goals.
In partnership with several state agencies and other social service organizations, lead the Changing Narrative work with Ending Hunger 2030 for Good Shepherd Food Bank.
- Communicate vision and build confidence among staff responsible for stakeholder relationships, including donors, volunteers, and partners as messaging evolves.
- Work with the Marketing and Communications team to maintain brand and language guidelines to ensure cohesive messaging and visual identity.
- High-level Communications:
- Occasionally craft Op-Eds, speeches, or other high-profile communications related to the state of hunger in Maine.
- Manage crisis communications plans and respond effectively to any issues that arise, ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination to internal and external partners.
Leadership
Lead, mentor, and provide overall leadership, guidance, coaching, and support to the Development, Communications, and Government Affairs teams, prioritizing a collaborative environment.
Foster a cohesive team and positive, empowering culture.
Effectively communicate the organization's vision and values.
Promote collaboration, inclusivity and open communication across all levels of the department.
Collaborate closely with Finance to ensure sustainable funding of strategic initiatives.
Set clear performance goals, provide regular feedback.
Oversee expense and revenue budgets for all departments under position’s leadership.
Serve as a member of the executive leadership team; responsible for providing leadership in decision-making and goal development for the Food Bank.
Serve as the staff lead to maximize effectiveness of the Development Committee of the Board of Directors.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be an experienced, collaborative and thoughtful leader.
Experience:
- History of leadership roles that demonstrate skill in inspiring, mentoring, building and developing a cohesive team with multiple roles and focuses.
- Proven success in fundraising, including an understanding of major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, and capital or comprehensive campaign strategies.
- Dedication to upholding ethical principles and techniques in fundraising.
- Expertise in communications including crafting high-profile messaging, acting as a spokesperson and managing crisis communications.
- Experience using data to inform strategies and measure effectiveness.
- Demonstrated successful experience in collaborating with board members and other volunteers to support organizational goals.
- Proficiency in fundraising databases and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
- Experience in and/or aptitude for learning Government Affairs, Public Policy, and Advocacy in pursuit of enhancing state and federal partnerships and support.
This is a full-time position that will be performed from a location within the state of Maine. Salary commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package.
Interested candidates should share a cover letter and resume with Mary Warren Libby, Director of Recruiting Services at ProSearch – mary@prosearchmaine.com
ProSearch is proud to be an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, creed, gender/sex, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.