the client is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead the institution’s next phase of growth. This newly configured executive role unifies fundraising, marketing and communications, visitor experience, government and community relations, and board engagement under a single advancement framework to create a coordinated system with clear accountability for institutional growth.
the CAO will help guide organizational development at a pivotal moment, with leadership changes, an ongoing recommitment to the institution’s presenting arts identity, and a fundraising program in active rebuild. the role will support revenue growth across donations and earned revenue, strengthen visitor attendance, and help position the organization to activate its durable advantages within its arts district and civic and cultural role.
Key strategic priorities include aligning revenue, brand, visitor engagement, and governance within a single accountable structure; strengthening the audience-to-donor pipeline; protecting and scaling fundraising performance; elevating the institution’s regional and national positioning; and clarifying executive leadership and accountability. the CAO reports to the CEO and serves on the Executive Leadership Team, with direct reports including the Director of Development and the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications.