Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
Join our team and help make a difference with kids through golf! The Chief Advancement Officer ("CAO") is a senior member of First Tee's executive leadership team, responsible for architecting and executing the organization's comprehensive fundraising, donor relations, and development strategy. The CAO will lead efforts to dramatically grow First Tee's philanthropic revenue base — including major gifts, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and institutional grants — to fuel the organization's national impact and long-term sustainability. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a visionary development leader to shape a high-impact institution at a pivotal moment of growth. The CAO will work closely with the President & CEO, Board of Trustees, and chapter network to build a culture of philanthropy and deepen relationships with the donors, sponsors, and foundations that power First Tee's mission.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth Lead the design and execution of a multi-year advancement strategy to grow annual philanthropic revenue significantly, with an emphasis on major gifts, Trustee-level donor cultivation, and endowment building. Establish clear revenue goals, KPIs, and portfolio management systems to ensure consistent progress against fundraising targets. Personally manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with capacity for seven-figure+ solicitations. Donor Relations & Stewardship Cultivate and steward First Tee's Trustee donor program, ensuring an exceptional experience for the organization's most significant supporters. Partner with the CEO and Board to engage principal and leadership gift donors through strategic outreach, recognition, and meaningful impact reporting. Build a robust planned giving program to secure First Tee's long-term financial future through bequests, charitable trusts, and endowed funds. Corporate Partnerships & Institutional Giving Manage and expand First Tee's portfolio of corporate sponsors and foundation grants, aligning partnership opportunities with organizational priorities. Develop compelling cases for support, grant proposals, and impact narratives that resonate with corporate and institutional funders. Leverage First Tee's relationship with the PGA TOUR and the broader golf industry to unlock new philanthropic and sponsorship opportunities. Leadership & Team Management Build, inspire, and manage a high-performing development team, fostering a culture of accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. Partner with chapter leaders to strengthen local fundraising capacity and align national development with grassroots advancement efforts. Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO and Board, providing regular advancement updates, trend analysis, and counsel on fundraising strategy. Communications & Brand Alignment Collaborate with marketing and communications colleagues to ensure donor-facing materials, impact stories, and campaign messaging reflect First Tee's brand and mission. Champion First Tee's narrative externally, representing the organization at events, industry convenings, and donor engagements.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required 15+ years of progressive nonprofit development experience, including significant major gifts leadership. Demonstrated success closing gifts of $1 million or more; comfort with principal gift cultivation and solicitation. Proven ability to build and lead high-performing advancement teams. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling donor narratives and speak persuasively about mission and impact. Track record of building authentic, lasting relationships with donors, volunteers, and organizational partners. Experience working with boards and senior volunteers in a fundraising capacity. Experience in utilizing technology, AI and other CRM tools. Preferred Experience in youth development, education, or sports-based nonprofit sectors. Familiarity with the golf industry, PGA TOUR ecosystem, or adjacent corporate partnership landscape. CFRE certification or equivalent. Experience structuring endowed funds, planned gifts, and restricted gift agreements in compliance with UPMIFA and relevant accounting standards.
WHAT WE OFFER
Competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and retirement plan. The opportunity to shape the future of one of golf's most impactful organizations. A mission-driven culture of excellence, inclusion, and commitment to young people. Engagement with a premier national and international network spanning youth development, golf, philanthropy, and business. First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. Over 25 years, we've grown into a recognized youth development organization with a robust network spanning 150 chapters with programs delivered at more than 1,600 golf courses, 11,000+ schools and 2,000+ youth centers in all 50 states and select international locations.
Our benefits may include:
Competitive wages including performance bonuses Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible spending accounts and Dependent life insurance Employer paid Short-Term and Long-Term disability, Life and AD&D insurance Paid time off and holiday pay Employee 401(k) Family Membership to TPC Sawgrass
