Job Description

Overview

The Goodwin Group is conducting an executive search for a Chief Advancement Officer on behalf of a leading, mission-driven performing arts organization with nearly a century of history. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to shape the advancement strategy of a nationally recognized cultural institution as it prepares for its 100th Anniversary.

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising program, including leadership of an upcoming centennial capital campaign, strengthening major and annual giving, and building sustainable, diverse revenue streams. This role will collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team to engage donors, inspire community investment, and ensure long-term financial stability.

This is a rare opportunity for a proven advancement leader to join a dynamic arts organization at a moment of artistic excellence, growing audiences, and strong community impact. The CAO will play a central role in converting artistic success into philanthropic growth.

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Build and lead a comprehensive fundraising program, including a major capital campaign
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, foundations, corporations, and institutional partners
• Partner with the Executive Director, trustees, and leadership to secure transformational philanthropic support
• Lead, mentor, and grow an advancement team, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability
• Represent the organization externally with donors, partners, and community stakeholders
• Advance the mission and values of a nationally recognized performing arts institution approaching its centennial milestone

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement multi-year fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals
• Lead the planning and execution of the 100th Anniversary Campaign
• Cultivate and manage a personal portfolio of major donors and institutional funders
• S trengthen and diversify contributed revenue sources
• Mentor and develop advancement staff while aligning resources for success
• Collaborate with trustees and senior leaders to advance fundraising priorities
• Represent the organization in the community and among philanthropic stakeholders

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, development, or advancement
• Demonstrated success securing major and transformational gifts, including seven- and eight-figure commitments
• Familiarity with the Atlanta philanthropic and civic community strongly preferred
• Experience leading capital campaigns and building diverse funding programs
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven performing arts environment requiring evening and weekend engagement

Other:

This position description is not intended to be an all-encompassing list of duties and responsibilities of the job described nor is it intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, it is intended only to describe the general nature of the job and be a reasonable representation of activities.

The Goodwin Group is committed to a selection process that creates a diverse pool of qualified candidates with a focus on diversity and inclusion and will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

While we sincerely appreciate all interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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