Chief Advancement Officer

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a strategic leadership role responsible for spearheading the advancement and growth initiatives of the organization. As a vital member of the Executive Team, the CAO will play a pivotal role in developing and executing comprehensive strategies that secure funding, cultivate donor relationships, and elevate the organization’s visibility and reputation. This dynamic, results-oriented professional should possess a deep passion for the organization’s mission and a proven track record in fundraising and strategic development.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Advancement Strategy

• Collaborate closely with the President/CEO and Board of Directors to develop a robust advancement strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
• Set ambitious targets and define key performance indicators to measure progress and success, ensuring alignment across all advancement initiatives.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead and oversee all aspects of fundraising efforts, including major gifts, annual campaigns, planned giving, and corporate partnerships.
• Identify new funding opportunities and revenue streams to enhance the organization’s financial sustainability and growth, leveraging data and market insights.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and nurture strong relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Implement personalized engagement strategies to deepen donor commitment and support, ensuring a robust pipeline of future funding.

Advancement Team Management

• Provide strategic leadership to the advancement team, establishing clear goals and fostering effective communication in a collaborative work environment.
• Cultivate a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering team members to reach their full potential.

Board Engagement

• Actively engage the Board of Directors in fundraising efforts, leveraging their networks to expand the organization’s donor base.
• Provide regular updates on advancement activities, progress, and emerging opportunities to the Board to keep them informed and involved.

Strategic Funding Partnerships

• Identify and pursue strategic partnerships that align with the organization’s mission, enhancing its reach and impact.
• Forge alliances with like-minded organizations and influencers to amplify the organization’s message and broaden its audience.

Budget and Resource Management

• Work with the finance team to develop and manage the advancement budget effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for the best return on investment.
• Make strategic decisions regarding resource allocation to maximize fundraising outcomes and operational efficiency.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Utilize data-driven insights to assess the effectiveness of advancement efforts and make informed adjustments to strategies as necessary.
• Provide regular reports and updates to the executive team and Board on fundraising progress, challenges, and opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising roles
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Museum Studies, or communications, a related field, and/or its work experience equivalent
• Proven track record of success in fundraising and strategic development, preferably within a non-profit or educational institution.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with a demonstrated ability to motivate and inspire teams towards achieving shared goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, capable of engaging donors and stakeholders at all levels.
• Visionary mindset with a strategic, goal-oriented approach to advancement and growth initiatives.
• Familiarity with fundraising best practices, industry trends, and compliance regulations.
• A passion for the NYSCI’s mission and a commitment to driving positive change in the community.
• Knowledge of best practices in facilities operations, Visitor Services, IT; including cyber security and leading service models

REQUIREMENTS

• Strategic Fundraising Expertise: Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with organizational goals. Experience in securing major gifts, building donor pipelines, and identifying new revenue streams.
• Relationship Building and Stewardship: Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and board members. Skilled at cultivating long-term donor engagement and trust.
• Leadership and Team Development: Demonstrated leadership in managing and mentoring high-performing advancement teams. Ability to foster a collaborative work environment focused on growth, innovation, and achieving ambitious goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong analytical skills to assess fundraising performance, leverage data to inform strategy adjustments, and ensure measurable outcomes. Experience with fundraising software and CRM systems is a plus.
• External Communication and Representation: Outstanding communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent the organization to diverse audiences, including donors, community partners, and media, effectively conveying its mission and impact.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Stationary work station: The employee must be able to remain in a stationary sitting position for up to 8 hours a day with appropriate breaks.
• Manual dexterity: The role requires the frequent use of hands for typing, writing, and handling office equipment.
• Visual acuity: The employee must have the visual ability to perform extensive computer work for long periods, including reading and analyzing data on a computer screen.
• Communication: The role requires the ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal forms.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree preferred
• Prior leadership experience in a Museum, Cultural Institution and/or Non-profit organization
• Bilingual and multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  

HOW TO APPLY:

• Please upload your resume and cover letter through our online careers portal.

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, the Museum will only be able to contact those applicants whose knowledge, skills, and work experience best fit the requirements of the position.
 

INTERVIEW PROCESS:

• Introductory Interview
• Panel Interview
• Final Interview
• Reference checks and pre-employment background screening

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

No phone calls or faxes please.

The New York Hall of Science is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and innovative environment with the best employees. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, military service, marital status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. We support a drug-free workplace.

If there are preparations, we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please let us know.

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.