Chief Advancement Officer (54319)

Purpose

Chief Advancement Officer will advance Kindering’s mission with staff, families, volunteers, donors, and the broader community while assuring that Kindering’s culture, systems, and procedures support revenue development and vice versa.

CAO plans, coordinates, and assures implementation of strategies to develop donor’s and partner’s contributions to support Kindering’s mission. CAO will oversee the securing of all revenue streams and maintenance of appropriate systems to support fundraising including donor/contracts management, research and cultivation of donors/contractual partners, gift processing, and recognition.

Ultimately, CAO will innovate, inspire, oversee, and enact these functions of the agency: private grants, government contracts and earned revenue, individual giving, volunteer management, as well as marketing, communications, and community relations.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy

• Serves as a key member of the Executive and Leadership Teams, shaping organizational strategy and long-term sustainability.
• Partners closely with the CEO and executive team to set, achieve, and measure ambitious Advancement goals aligned with the organization’s mission and growth priorities.
• Collaborates with the CEO, Board of Directors, executive leadership, and staff to define organizational direction and secure the philanthropic and earned revenue needed to ensure lasting impact.
• Acts as a trusted thought partner to senior leaders, fostering cross-functional collaboration and advancing a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

Fundraising Strategy & Direct Revenue Leadership

• Leads the vision, strategy, and execution of a comprehensive advancement program, including capital campaigns, endowment and planned giving, major gifts, and a robust annual fund.
• Provides enterprise-level oversight of all revenue-generating activities, encompassing philanthropic fundraising and earned income from government contracts.
• Ensures strong financial performance and return on investment through data-informed decision-making, staff and Board partnership, and continuous evaluation of fundraising effectiveness.
• Designs and implements innovative, cost-effective fundraising strategies that balance fiscal responsibility with high-quality donor engagement.
• Builds and manages a diversified fundraising portfolio, leveraging major gifts, foundation and corporate partnerships, events, and multi-channel communications.
• Empowers and supports Board members, the CEO, volunteers, and staff in donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, modeling best-in-class fundraising practices.

Government Contract Optimization & Earned Revenue

• Oversees contract management systems and fundraising databases to ensure accuracy, compliance, and strategic use of data.
• Leads optimization of government-funded earned income, ensuring revenue potential is fully realized for Part C, Medicaid Administrative Claiming, and other funding sources.
• Partners across the organization to align contract performance, financial stewardship, and mission delivery.

Government Relations

• Leads the agency’s government relations and public policy work and support Kindering leadership by providing input on issues and opportunities that may impact Kindering’s external relations.
• Proactively cultivates strategic governmental partners at the local, state, county, and federal levels.
• Attends meetings, hearings, or other public events to represent Kindering. Presents on behalf of Kindering or coordinate presentations for Kindering as appropriate.
• Tracks all lobbying activities for Kindering including reporting all Kindering’s lobbying activity with the Public Disclosure Commission of Washington and sharing tracked lobbying activities with staff responsible for completing Kindering’s 990/IRS reporting.

Communications, Brand & Community Engagement

• Leads integrated advancement communications and marketing strategies to strengthen brand visibility, donor engagement, and community trust.
• Oversees internal and external marketing, media relations, public relations, and storytelling efforts that amplify mission impact and funding opportunities.
• Directs external awareness initiatives including signature events, awards programs, and executive speaking engagements.
• Cultivates strategic relationships with community partners to expand referrals, funding streams, and organizational visibility.
• Oversees grant strategy, writing, submission, and compliance.
• Ensures timely and accurate donor acknowledgment and reporting in alignment with IRS requirements.
• Provides executive oversight of signature fundraising and cultivation events, including auctions, benefit luncheons, and donor experiences.
• Leads, mentors, and inspires a high-performing Advancement team, fostering professional growth, accountability, and shared success.

Required Education & Experience

• Graduate Degree in relevant field preferred
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification preferred
• 10 years of experience working in development/fund-raising for a not-for-profit organization
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles, campaign management and leadership 
• Strong team skills and leadership skills
• A fundamental understanding of current issues and challenges facing individuals from underserved communities including sensitivity to racial equity/diversity
• Respect for and ability to develop knowledge of and skills to engage with people from different cultures and backgrounds

Minimum Prerequisites

• Pass Washington State DSHS criminal history and background check and FBI fingerprint check
• Demonstrate skill in word processing, database management, Microsoft Word and Excel
• Possess valid Washington State driver’s license and valid automobile insurance
• Have access to a dependable personal vehicle
• Be able to lift 40 pounds (average three-year-old)
• Pass drug and tuberculosis tests

Kindering embraces children of diverse abilities and their families by providing the finest education and therapies to nurture hope, courage, and the skills to soar.  A not-for-profit neurodevelopmental center, we have provided comprehensive services for children with special needs and their families since 1962.  Kindering is dedicated to maintaining a highly trained, licensed and certified team of professionals. Current services include comprehensive developmental assessments, physical and occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special education, family counseling, nutrition and feeding team, child care consultation, parenting education, and family resource coordination.

Salary : $145,000 - $165,000