Chief Advancement Officer

Since 1989, the Coastal Conservation League has worked with communities, businesses, citizen groups and people like you to protect what we love about South Carolina. We work to protect the health of the natural resources of the South Carolina coastal plain and ensure a high quality of life for all of the people who live in and love this special place.

From sandy beaches, healthy marshes, freshwater swamps to pine savannas, we protect natural habitats and the wildlife that depends on them. We support the communities we live in by ensuring we have clean air to breathe, fresh water to drink, and sustainable energy to power our homes and places of work. Most of all, we strive to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the same spaces and quality of life here that we do today.

This future includes smart, sustainable, economic growth that maximizes the potential of our community. This future ensures the availability of natural resources and opportunity for our children to enjoy those resources. This future has good policies and protection in place so we do more than fight an endless series of battles against an endless series of threats.

• Our work is divided among the following program areas: Land, Water, and Wildlife; Communities and Transportation; Energy; Food and Agriculture, and Government Relations.

Summary:

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a senior executive who leads the Conservation League’s advancement strategy, including but not limited to: fundraising, resource development, communications, and marketing.  This role involves crafting and executing comprehensive strategies to enhance the organization's visibility, donor engagement and stewardship, and overall fundraising efforts. The CAO will oversee collaborative development and communications efforts that align advancement activities with the organization's mission, vision, and goals.  The CAO is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing the Advancement Department, including the Development and Communications teams. 

Essential Functions:

• Develop and implement integrated advancement strategies that align with the organization's mission and strategic plan.
• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and decision-making.
• Lead the Communications and Development teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Design and implement a strategic fundraising plan to meet annual and long-term financial goals.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other funding sources.
• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events, campaigns, and initiatives.
• Ensure effective donor stewardship and recognition programs to enhance donor retention and engagement.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants and sponsorships.
• Support and partner with the Executive Director (ED) and board members on all major fundraising initiatives.
• Actively work with the ED to develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy, including corporate, foundation, and government grants.
• Oversee research funding sources and trends to help position the organization ahead of major funding changes or trends.
• Oversee the creation and execution of a comprehensive communications plan to promote the organization's mission, programs, and impact.
• Ensure consistent and effective messaging across all communication channels, including social media, website, newsletters, press releases, and marketing materials.
• Oversee the production of high-quality content that resonates with diverse audiences, including donors, partners, and the general public.
• Collaborate with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to develop and implement the organization's financial strategy.
• Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development and communications programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Authorities:

• Responsible for managing and directing the Advancement Department, including the Communications and Development teams.
• Develop and manage the budget for the Advancement department.

Competencies:

• Expertise in securing major gifts and fundraising.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and communication tools.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Passion for environmental conservation and the organization's mission.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Innovative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.  
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in nonprofit advancement and communications, including leadership roles in development.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor relations, including securing major gifts and managing capital campaigns.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
• Graduate degree in organizational development or a behavioral science.
• Experience in environmental conservation or related fields.

Work Environment

• The position operates in a professional office environment located in Charleston, SC. 

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 job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, and climb stairs.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Travel

• Regular travel across the region will be required.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Company paid life, short term and long term disability
• Amazing retirement plan
• Generous Time Off Plan