Chief Advancement Officer (CAO)

Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) Jack & Jill Children's Center, Inc - 3.6 Fort Lauderdale, FL Job Details $120,000 - $150,000 a year 4 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Stakeholder engagement Team management Cross-functional collaboration Cross-functional communication Senior leadership Full Job Description About Jack & Jill Center Since 1942, Jack & Jill Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has served more than 30,000 children and families through comprehensive early education and family strengthening programs. We are wholeheartedly committed to our mission of strengthening children and families through innovative education, supportive programming, and community engagement. Each day, we strive to ensure that every child and family reaches their full potential. We live out our core values by treating others with respect and the highest degree of integrity, and by practicing effective communication to foster clarity and understanding in every interaction. We embrace innovation by encouraging creative solutions and continuous improvement. Through teamwork, we cultivate a dedicated and unified staff passionately working toward one common mission. At Jack & Jill Center, we take great pride in serving not only children, but also their parents, guardians, and members of our broader community. As we enter our next chapter, we remain committed to adapting to the evolving needs of those we serve—and to continuing to make a meaningful, lasting impact on their lives. Position Summary The Chief Advancement Officer ("CAO") is a visionary and collaborative leader who serves on the Executive Leadership Team and oversees all aspects of fundraising, donor relations, and works in concert with the Leadership Team on community partnerships. This role is responsible for creating and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy that aligns with Jack & Jill Center's (the "Center") bold mission and ambitious goals. We are looking for a gifted philanthropic facilitator—someone who can artfully orchestrate meaningful, lasting donor experiences by helping donors discover and act on their passions through partnership with our mission. The ideal candidate is also deeply familiar with Broward County and well-connected across leadership, philanthropic, and civic circles—able to build bridges, open doors, and expand opportunities for engagement. This position will also collaborate closely with consultant(s) in a cooperative effort to strengthen both internal systems and external strategies, with the goal of increasing long-term donor engagement, philanthropic growth, and overall advancement success. Primary Position Responsibilities The CAO will serve as a strategic leader and key member of the Leadership Team, responsible for advancing the Center's mission through comprehensive development, donor relations, and community engagement efforts. This role requires a visionary and collaborative leader who will oversee a high-performing team and drive a multi-year advancement strategy that aligns with organizational goals. The CAO will cultivate a culture of philanthropy, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and enhance the Center's visibility and impact through integrated communication and fundraising initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

Design and lead a multi-year advancement strategy aligned with mission and growth objectives. Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and Board on long-term funding sustainability. Work collaboratively with external consultant(s) to build strategy, capacity, implement best practices and guiding principles, and drive meaningful donor experiences. Lead and develop a collaborative, high-performing advancement team across advancement, donor relations, grant and funding services, communication and engagement events. Set clear goals, support professional growth, and cultivate a purpose-driven culture of excellence. Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects. Act as a philanthropic guide, helping donors match their passions with high-impact opportunities. Ensure the Advancement team delivers personalized, strategic donor experiences that deepen engagement and loyalty. Represent the Center as a visible, active ambassador within the community. Leverage a strong local network to build partnerships and elevate the Center's impactful presence. Inspire Board and volunteer leadership to serve as philanthropic connectors. Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to align messaging, campaigns, and storytelling with advancement goals. Support strategic communications efforts that drive emotional connection and engagement with donors. 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, activities, and hours worked may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

EEO STATEMENT

Jack & Jill Center is an equal opportunity employer. All employment activities will be conducted in a manner to assure equal opportunity for all and will be based solely on the individual merit and fitness of applicants, candidates and/or employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, sexual orientation/preference, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran's status, or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, Jack and Jill complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. The CAO possesses the following minimum qualifications: 7-10 min years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising and advancement, organizational leadership, or community relations and impact. A relationally gifted, strategically focused leader who understands how to align donor passion with organizational impact and who approaches advancement with a thoughtful, goal-oriented mindset. Strong emotional intelligence and exceptional interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of building authentic, trust-based relationships with donors, partners, and community leaders. Solid understanding of the advancement field and familiarity with best practices and guiding principles in donor identification, development, stewardship, and campaign design, with the ability to effectively partner with consultants to strengthen strategy and execution. Proven success in team leadership and cross-functional collaboration. Well-connected in Broward County's philanthropic, civic, and business communities. Passionate about the mission and values of the Center. Ability to work weekends and evenings as required. Proper documentation to work in the United States. Successfully complete and pass a Level II Clearinghouse Background Screening - HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Ideal Candidate A relational leader who inspires trust and builds authentic partnerships. A strategic thinker who aligns vision with action and results. A community connector with strong local networks and influence. A coach and mentor who brings out the best in teams. A philanthropic guide who crafts meaningful experiences and makes timely, aligned asks. Why Work With Us? Working at Jack & Jill Center may be one of the most rewarding experiences of your career. Here, your skills and passion directly contribute to transforming young lives and setting children on a path filled with opportunity. As a valued member of our team, you'll be part of a community of educators, administrators, and professionals who are committed to creating an enriching and inclusive environment for both learning and work.

We also offer:

Discounted childcare Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage Ancillary benefits: STD, Critical Illness, Hospitalization Group LTD & Life Insurance Paid Time Off (PTO) and 11

Observed Holidays Paid Winter Break:

December 24, 2026, to January 1, 2027 Retirement matching program Opportunities for personal and professional growth Join us and be part of a team that makes an impact every single day! Application materials will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline date. Early applications are encouraged.