Description

The Position

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The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will play an integral part on the senior administrative team and will be a valuable strategic thought partner for the Head of School. This individual will lead a growing team of twelve in the Advancement Office and four in the Communications Office.

Building on a solid foundation of philanthropy, the CAO will inherit a growing giving program, dedicated team members, and a committed school community. This individual will lead a professional advancement team in preparing for, executing, and successfully completing a future campaign as the school approaches its centennial. In doing so, this person will maximize the school’s philanthropic culture at all levels, with a major gift program at the center served by a vibrant annual fund, alumni engagement effort, communications, events, and stewardship program.

In meeting the goals established for this position it is essential that the person understands the role that St. Andrew’s plays in the independent school landscape, and both embraces and embodies the specific culture of the school.

In a community that values and benefits from the active participation of all its members, the CAO will be engaged and visible while serving the Head of School, senior administrative team, colleagues, and the Board of Trustees. An empathetic, intelligent, and sophisticated individual who is confident and authentic is desired. Those who are friendly, approachable, visionary and who enjoy building productive relationships in a diverse community are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will be forward-thinking, able to establish clear priorities, action-oriented but collaborative, humble yet bold, diplomatic, a lifelong learner, and abreast of trends and best practices.

• Oversee, evaluate, and provide strategic direction for all fundraising programs including capital and endowment gifts, annual fund, major gifts and planned giving as well as elements such as stewardship, events, research, information systems, and alumni and parent engagement.
• Garner capital commitments to the school through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewarding of the school’s most important donor prospects; demonstrate evidence of his or her ability to raise six, seven, and eight-figure gifts.
• Work with the Dean of Admission and Financial Aid and Director of Communications (who reports directly to the Chief Advancement Officer) to coordinate all (internal and external) school communication efforts.
• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer, where appropriate, in operational matters including campus management, budget planning, and other strategic issues.
• Attend and design Board meetings and Trustee committee meetings as appropriate relating to advancement and trustee recruitment.

Leadership Attributes and Personal Qualities Desired

The most competitive candidate will offer most or all the following qualities:

• Deep and enthusiastic commitment to the school’s mission and the notion of care
• Interest in engaging in a lively and busy school environment; love being with and living with teenagers; be a visible part of community life while maintaining an external focus
• "Off the charts” EQ; warmth, a strong ethical compass; accessible with a good sense of humor
• Superior talent for identifying, attracting, retaining, and inspiring outstanding advancement talent – supporting, guiding, and championing their growth
• Extensive experience in a leading independent school is valued but most important is a comprehensive understanding of philanthropy, and especially campaign leadership experience
• Ability to translate big ideas into action; be an effective storyteller who can articulate the case for support of St. Andrew’s
• Deep grounding in all aspects of advancement work including annual giving, stewardship, capital and endowment campaigns, major gifts, prospect research and information systems, alumni relations, communications, and special events
• Culturally competent and responsive; committed to creating a powerful sense of belonging for all members of the St. Andrew’s community
• Well-developed people skills to deal effectively with a wide range of constituents, including those at very senior levels
• A person of unquestioned integrity who has an impeccable reputation, who honors commitments, and who deals with people in a straightforward and personal way
• Someone who responds well to criticism and deals successfully with difficult and challenging people and circumstances
• An extremely well-organized, detail-oriented individual who has a high energy level together with an accompanying sense of urgency
• Growth mindset and ability to seek and utilize data to inform decision-making
• Industrious, independent-minded and determined, with a drive to achieve results
• Entrepreneurial and highly motivated, with the ability to transmit passion to and through others; decisive and articulate; a “connector”
• Strong analytical and persuasion/negotiation skills
• Ability to recruit, train and manage volunteers; believes in strong collaboration and teamwork
• The ability to cultivate and build strong and authentic relationships with a broad array of colleagues and constituents
• Respect for the importance of confidentiality and discretion
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills coupled with a strategic mind

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, such as the ability to see, hear, speak, and understand English and use a computer. This position is active and requires standing and walking, including stairs. Additionally, employees must be able to:

• Ability to sit at computer and keyboard for moderate periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds on a frequent basis
• Mobility sufficient to move about the campus
• Ability to see, hear, and speak to interact with students, parents, and groups of individuals

Travel

Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, means of travel to off-site events, ability to travel in the mid-Atlantic area, domestically and abroad as needed.

For Candidates

Compensation and Benefits

St. Andrew’s School uses a salary scale that is based on academic attainment and years of experience, a robust benefits package, and professional development opportunities. The school is committed to supporting team members in their personal and professional growth.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Duties and tasks in this position are varied and complex. The position works on whole problems or projects. This position directs projects, and challenges are resolved with complex and precedent-setting solutions. This position requires a high degree of collaboration. This position operates in a professional school environment. The functions of this position are performed in a typical office environment with no known hazards.

St. Andrew’s is fully committed to a culturally diverse faculty and student body. The school is an equal opportunity employer. St. Andrew’s does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices based on race, color, religion, gender (including gender identity or expression), disability, national or ethnic origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristic or status.

Prior to submitting your resume for this position, please read it for accuracy. RG175 verifies academic credentials for its candidates and conducts a thorough review of candidates’ social media presence. St. Andrew’s will conduct thorough background checks prior to finalizing an offer.

Requirements

To Apply

If the possibilities in this opportunity excite you, please apply online at the RG175 website: https://rg175.com/candidate/signup

The application should include:

       Letter of interest

       Resume or CV

       Writing sample of your choice