JOB TITLE: Chief Advancement Officer
DEPARTMENT: Advancement
REPORTS TO: President/CEO
FLSA STATUS: Full-time- Exempt
SALARY: Very Competitive – Bonus Potential
RELOCATION: – YES
LOCATION: Tucson, AZ
POSITION SUMMARY: The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the entire advancement function of Intentional Life Media, including Family Life Radio and Intentional Living. Through a multistate radio network, digital media, and community engagement, Intentional Life Media advances its Christ-centered mission and depends on sustainable philanthropic and partnership revenue.
The CAO leads the advancement team, establishes revenue objectives, cultivates key donor relationships, and is accountable for overall advancement performance, revenue growth, and responsible stewardship. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CAO partners with the President/CEO, Board of Directors, and other leaders to strengthen donor relationships, diversify revenue, and advance long-term ministry sustainability.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Develop and execute annual and multiyear advancement strategies aligned with organizational priorities and financial objectives.
- Establish revenue goals, budgets, key performance indicators, and accountability standards across all advancement functions.
- Lead, coach, and develop direct-report directors; establish clear responsibilities and ensure coordinated execution.
- Monitor performance, revenue forecasts, donor trends, and risks; provide strategic recommendations to the President/CEO and Executive Leadership Team.
- Lead high-priority fundraising initiatives and partner with the President/CEO and Board of Directors on philanthropic priorities, significant gifts and donor relationships, and appropriate board engagement in fundraising.
- Provide strategic direction and overall accountability for on-air fundraising, pledge drives, direct-response and recurring giving, donor acquisition and retention, midlevel and major gifts, planned and legacy giving, and ministry/business partnerships.
- Oversee donor acquisition, cultivation, stewardship, retention, upgrades, and communication of ministry impact.
- Lead the development of mission-aligned business, corporate, and nonprofit relationships in coordination with the Director of Business Partnerships and relevant organizational leaders.
- Ensure donor and partner relationships reflect integrity, confidentiality, respect for donor intent, and alignment with ministry values.
- Oversee donor relationship management systems, data integrity, prospect research, donor services, gift administration, reporting, and fundraising technology through the Senior Director of Direct Response and Advancement Operations.
- Manage the Advancement Department budget, revenue forecasts, fundraising expenses, and resource allocation; evaluate net revenue and fundraising effectiveness.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Programming, Finance, and other departments to coordinate fundraising campaigns, donor communications, audience engagement, and ministry initiatives, aligned with organizational strategy, brand standards, and mission priorities.
SUCCESS MEASURES AND WORK EXPECTATIONS:
- Success is measured by net revenue growth, donor retention and file growth, mid-level and major gift pipeline, planned gift commitments, and cost to raise a dollar. Requires on-site presence during pledge drives, with some evening/weekend hours and occasional travel.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
- Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible advancement, fundraising, or nonprofit revenue-development experience, including at least five (5) years of leadership or management experience.
- Demonstrated success leading fundraising strategies, achieving revenue goals, cultivating major donors, and developing diversified revenue streams.
- Experience leading managers or directors, managing budgets, establishing performance measures, and using data to guide decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with executive leadership and lead cross-functional initiatives.
- Preferred: Advanced degree and/or CFRE credential; experience leading advancement for an evangelical Christian ministry, nonprofit media organization, radio network, or comparable mission-driven nonprofit; pledge drive or telethon experience.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Executive leadership, strategic planning, and ability to achieve measurable revenue results.
- Expertise in comprehensive fundraising, major gifts, donor development, and diversified revenue generation.
- Strong relationship-building, communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting, fundraising analysis, and resource allocation.
- Ability to develop leaders, establish accountability, integrate multiple functions, and drive results.
- Commitment to ILM and ECFA standards, including Code of Ethics, donor confidentiality, and responsible stewardship.
- The CAO must demonstrate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and commitment to Intentional Life Media’s evangelical Christian mission, statement of faith, and organizational values.
- The CAO is expected to uphold the organization’s Employee Handbook, Ethical Positions Statement, and applicable policies; and faithfully participate in and financially support a local church consistent with the organization’s stated beliefs.
BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS
- Seek to be a role model in attitude, speech, and actions in a consistent daily walk with Jesus Christ.
- Integrate Biblical principles and a Christian worldview into all organizational objectives and goals.
- Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Be committed to furthering Intentional Life Media’s mission as a faith-based organization.
- Agree to uphold Intentional Life Media’s statement of faith.
- Be willing to submit to and honor the standards outlined in the Employee Handbook and Ethical Positions Statement.
- Faithfully attend and financially support a local church whose beliefs agree with Intentional Life Media’s.
We offer an exceptional benefits plan that includes Vacation, Paid Sick Time, Personal Days, 401K)—Company Match, Paid Holidays, Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits, and Company-Paid STD and LTD.
We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
We care about our team and offer competitive compensation, along with opportunities for advancement. If interested, please apply on our Career Page.
