Chief Advancement Officer

Lifeworks Services • Richfield, MN

2h • $185,000 - $205,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Lifeworks Services Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to disability inclusion since 1965, is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). The CAO will be a senior executive responsible for leading the organization's development and marketing teams, playing a key role in cultivating a culture of generosity and community investment. This position requires a broad and integrated perspective on development and marketing to support the mission. The CAO will be a passionate advocate for Lifeworks’ philanthropic vision, designing and implementing fundraising strategies, capital campaigns, and special funding initiatives. They will also provide strategic leadership for development and marketing/communications, ensuring a unified message to all stakeholders. The CAO is expected to be highly engaged in the funding community, increasing Lifeworks' visibility and enhancing its perception regionally and nationally. The organization operates four Lifeworks Centers for Disability Inclusion locations and serves 69 Minnesota counties, partnering with over 450 businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. Lifeworks is committed to self-determined support, competitive wages, and innovative opportunities. The 2025-2028 Strategic Plan focuses on continuous improvement, scalable infrastructure, advancing universal disability inclusion, and access and expansion.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as a top-level executive, including experience as an engaged member of an executive team.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing a cohesive advancement strategy that integrates development and marketing functions with measurable impact on brand visibility, stakeholder engagement, and revenue growth.
• 5+ years of successful staff management and development, including leading leaders.
• Experience building and elevating organizational brands, increasing market visibility, and positioning an organization as a recognized thought leader within its sector.
• Proven ability to develop strategic partnerships with corporate, community, government, and philanthropic stakeholders that generate both financial support and long-term organizational value.
• Strong experience identifying growth opportunities, expanding market reach, and developing innovative revenue streams aligned with organizational mission and impact.
• Strong executive presence and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence across corporate, philanthropic, civic, and governmental sectors.
• Experience with campaign leadership, annual giving programs, and development operations.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking; enjoys discussion and debate.
• Current, active network of high-level donors, emerging donors, and foundation leadership in Minnesota, preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Fundraising certification such as CFRE or ACFRE preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Current, active network of high-level donors, emerging donors and foundation leadership in Minnesota.
• Advanced degree.
• Fundraising certification such as CFRE or ACFRE.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a critical member of the executive team, partnering with peers to shape and execute the organization’s long-term vision, strategy, and annual goals.
• Actively build a culture of philanthropy across Lifeworks, deepening understanding and appreciation for the impact of philanthropy and inspiring a shared commitment to leveraging philanthropy as a driver of the organization’s mission.
• Lead with mission-driven passion to tackle Lifeworks’ goals, including effective storytelling, engaging board members, developing corporate employment partners, and revitalizing volunteers.
• Ensure effective collaboration, coordination, and communication across the organization to strengthen relationships and amplify impacts.
• Participate in Board of Directors meetings and play an active leadership role on the Development Committee, in coordination with the Committee Chair.
• Ensure systems and infrastructure are in place to support effective development operations and donor engagement.
• Lead and develop an energized, motivated, cross-functional team that drives revenue production and excellent donor experiences by leveraging team members' unique strengths.
• Regularly review and evaluate the staffing model, priorities, and efficiencies, making recommendations to optimize team performance and ensure a culture of excellence.
• Coach staff, department leaders, the President/CEO, the Board, and volunteers in cultivating major donor/funder relationships and soliciting major gifts and grants.
• Champion a culture of innovation by remaining open to new ideas, embracing continuous learning, and demonstrating flexibility to adapt and support change.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, investing in each person’s growth and creating pathways for professional development.
• Develop, execute, and advance the vision for philanthropic development, ensuring operational plans align with strategic directives.
• Lead the team in the creation and execution of annual and multi-year fundraising strategies, plans, and goals.
• Identify new philanthropic revenue opportunities that address emerging priorities.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for special events to increase Lifeworks’ financial return and standing in the community, including sponsorships, partnerships, and grant management.
• Be a visible and proactive leader within the communities Lifeworks serves, with a focus on the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.
• Build and nurture relationships with major donors, foundations, and key stakeholders to strengthen the organization’s presence and impact.
• Ensure appropriate people, systems, and processes are in place to actively engage and cultivate Lifeworks' community of supporters.
• Deepen understanding and appreciation of the development function and unlock the full potential of philanthropy to advance the organization’s mission.
• Serve as lead fundraising strategist, engaging prospects and donors in effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, ensuring best practices are adopted.
• Personally steward a portfolio of key donors and model effective donor cultivation.
• Help the organization sustain and grow relationships with current and past donors and capital campaign funders.
• Ensure donor communications are relevant, impactful, and timely, finding creative ways to keep donors and stakeholders close.
• Serve as a chief external ambassador, speaking on behalf of the organization to donors, media, and community partners.
• Partner with CEO and CGO to expand Lifeworks’ thought leadership and influence in the disability inclusion landscape.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage including extensive medical, dental, and vision plans with low premiums and copays, covering a wide range of services.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement Plans offering competitive 403(b) employer contributions up to 7%.
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday pay.
• Up to 20% bonus potential.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive