Chief Advancement Officer

Sierra Club•Washington, DC

4d•$240,000 - $260,000•Remote

About The Position

As Americaâs largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, our 134-year old organization is committed to protecting every personâs right to get outdoors; to working to complete Americaâs transition to a clean energy economy; to safeguarding the health of our communities; and to protecting wildlife and preserving our wild places. This work is powered by our approximately 700 staff across the country, a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers, and our more than 3.4 million members and supporters. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees. Sierra Club completed a successful billion dollar comprehensive revenue campaign in 2025, which has fueled our grassroots power, organizational capacity, and big wins for the environment. The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will lead Sierra Clubâs advancement strategy during a period of organizational evolution and new leadership. The role focuses on securing long-term financial sustainability by growing diversified, mission-aligned restricted and unrestricted funding from institutional funders and individual donors giving $25,000+ annually. As a Leadership Team member, the CAO will provide both strategic vision and leadership to grow sustainable revenue and advance Sierra Clubâs mission. They will oversee and integrate multiple major revenue streams, including: individual major and principal gifts, institutional grants, board giving, and capital and comprehensive campaigns. This leader will also manage staff leading grant writing and donor stewardship in support of national and chapter activities, and will guide fundraising for multiple funding structures, including the 501(c)(3) (via Sierra Club Foundation fiscal sponsorship) and 501(c)(4), and political action related entities. The CAO collaborates closely with Finance, Program, Communications, Membership Growth, Chapter Fundraising, Field, and Green Ventures and Partnerships to align on key initiatives and ensure the coherence and effectiveness of advancement narratives and priorities.

Requirements

10+ years of executive-level major giving experience with individual and foundation funders; experience at a large national federated nonprofit a plus; deep experience in conservation and climate/energy fundraising preferred.
Proven track record in non-profit fundraising from diverse sources, including experience securing seven- and eight-figure commitments from individuals and institutional donors.
Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the grant seeking process and developing strategic proposals with program staff. A record of successful grant awards from major foundations and individuals preferred.
Experience creating a culture of staff who utilize highly effective operational and data systems that maximize and expand fundraising.
Proven expertise overseeing and scaling major gift fundraising infrastructure for donor relations and prospect research in support of the entire donor life cycle.
Proven track record of building and supporting teams and processes within complex, dispersed organizations, including coaching and motivating teams to successfully reach and/or exceed shared fundraising goals.
Demonstrated experience successfully recruiting, leading, and retaining experienced fundraising staff, including in challenging circumstances.
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage processes and projects for multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and steward change management and systems improvements where needed.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, iteratively, and creatively with a diverse set of stakeholders, including legal and policy experts, chapter directors, finance, organizers, and corporate and direct response fundraisers to co-create processes and solutions that meet the needs of the organization as well as our donors.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, energy, and enthusiasm with the ability to effectively lead diverse teams, build long-term relationships, and represent the organization to external audiences.
Outstanding verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to write and present fundraising materials to a diverse set of audiences.
Demonstrated flexibility, self-awareness, emotional intelligence, professional integrity and cultural competence â including commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice.
A passion for the Sierra Clubâs mission and a commitment to environmental and social justice. Has demonstrated experience operationalizing an equity-based leadership approach within a team/department.