Chief Advancement Officer

GILROY GARDENS FAMILY THEME PARK•Gilroy, CA

18d•$130,000 - $180,000

About The Position

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) serves as the senior executive responsible for building, leading, and expanding all philanthropic, fundraising, community engagement, and external relations strategies at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CAO plays a pivotal leadership role in ensuring the organization has the resources, strategic partnerships, and visibility needed to fulfill its mission as a nonprofit dedicated to horticulture, education, sustainability, and joyful family experiences. The CAO works closely with the President & General Manager to integrate fundraising with operational planning, educational initiatives, horticultural stewardship, and long-term sustainability goals. This position will establish Gilroy Gardens’ first comprehensive advancement program, creating donor pipelines, systems, partnerships, and strategic communications that elevate awareness of the park’s nonprofit identity and community impact. Salary Range: $130,000 – $180,000 (commensurate with experience)

Requirements

Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience.
Proven success securing major gifts and developing donor portfolios.
Experience partnering with Boards and senior executives.
Strong strategic planning, communication, messaging, and public speaking skills.
Ability to translate horticulture, education, and sustainability into compelling philanthropic messaging.
Experience developing advancement systems and building fundraising operations.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community stewardship.

Nice To Haves

Background in cultural institutions, gardens, museums, zoos, children’s attractions, or community nonprofits preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Philanthropic Vision: Develop and execute Gilroy Gardens’ first comprehensive advancement strategy. Build multi-year fundraising goals across major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and planned giving. Align advancement priorities with education, horticulture, sustainability, and capital initiatives, including the Hecker Pass Event Center.
Fundraising Infrastructure & Systems Development: Establish a modern advancement infrastructure (CRM, dashboards, pipelines, stewardship systems). Develop gift acceptance policies, donor recognition standards, and ethical fundraising protocols. Create and manage the annual advancement budget.
Major Gifts, Donor Relations & Stewardship: Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and new prospects. Design high-impact donor engagement opportunities, such as behind-the-scenes experiences and educational or horticultural showcases. Lead donor recognition programs and stewardship reporting.
Board Partnership & Governance Support: Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board on philanthropic strategy. Provide tools, training, and coaching to enhance Board engagement in donor identification, cultivation, and advocacy. Support Board committees (Fundraising, Development, Governance, Campaign) with planning, communication, and execution.
Community, Corporate & Government Partnerships: Build relationships with city officials, education leaders, corporate partners, foundations, and community organizations. Expand Gilroy Gardens’ regional visibility as a nonprofit leader in education, horticulture, and family enrichment. Secure institutional funding and sponsorship opportunities.
Communications, Branding & Storytelling: Oversee all fundraising and mission-centered communications, including annual impact reports, donor newsletters, case statements, digital fundraising content, and advancement website pages. Develop a compelling narrative that strengthens Gilroy Gardens’ identity as a nonprofit mission-driven institution. Partner closely with Marketing to ensure message consistency and visibility.
Advancement Team Leadership: Build and supervise a high-performing advancement team. Potential roles include Development Manager, CRM/Advancement Services Coordinator, Grants Officer, and Donor Relations Manager. Establish professional development plans, KPIs, and systems that reflect best practices in nonprofit fundraising.