Chief Advancement Officer

Partners Worldwide • Grand Rapids, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Partners Worldwide (PW) is a global network of businesspeople working together to end poverty through entrepreneurship and job creation. We believe that all people are image bearers of God and have the right to live an abundant life. Through locally rooted, globally connected partnerships, we work to grow and sustain businesses that create jobs and strengthen communities. As an employee of Partners Worldwide, you will be part of a global team that values each person as a true partner. Together, we celebrate entrepreneurs who are building businesses, providing for their families, and creating opportunities for others. Our goal for 2030 is to equip partners in 30+ countries to serve over one million businesses, helping create and sustain 3 million jobs and enabling 15 million people to leave poverty behind. The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is responsible for growing the relationships and resources that fuel Partners Worldwide’s global work. This role brings fundraising, marketing and communications, and volunteer engagement together under one strategy. It's a broad leadership role that connects resource development, engagement, and storytelling in a way that works together as a whole. Over three decades, our work has grown through learning and partnership. In the last three years, we’ve more than doubled in scale, and we believe we can do it again. With a historic intergenerational wealth transfer underway, a committed global network, and strong momentum, we’re ready to take the next step together. This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role. You will lead and develop a high-performing team while also personally engaging major donors and key partners. You will shape how Partners Worldwide tells its story, connects with supporters, and mobilizes people to give their time, skills, and resources to the mission. You will serve as a trellis, creating the structure that enables people, teams, and ideas to grow. The work is entrepreneurial, global in scope, and time-sensitive. This is a real build opportunity at a moment when the organization is ready to move. We're looking for a relational, entrepreneurially minded leader who builds real connections, inspires generosity, and equips others to do work that lasts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, advancement, or related fields
• Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising (including six- and seven-figure gifts) and campaign leadership
• Experience working with senior leaders and boards in fundraising and relationship development
• Experience overseeing or partnering closely with marketing/communications and engagement functions
• Experience in global or cross-cultural contexts preferred
• Mature Christian faith that is lived out in your life, work, and interactions
• Deep alignment with PW’s mission and values
• Humble, collaborative, and team-oriented leadership style
• A learner’s mindset with openness to growth, feedback, and new approaches
• Integrity and strong stewardship of relationships and resources

Nice To Haves

• Passion for business, businesspeople, and the marketplace as drivers of dignity and flourishing
• Integrated Leadership: Sees the whole system, aligning people, partnerships, and financial resources into a cohesive advancement approach.
• Relational & Partnership-Oriented: Builds trust quickly and fosters strong, reciprocal relationships across the network, centering local partners and shared purpose.
• Strategic Execution: Translates vision into clear plans and priorities, with disciplined follow-through and a focus on outcomes.
• Communication & Story: Communicates with clarity and purpose, using story to engage diverse audiences and inspire meaningful action.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Leads across functions, integrating marketing, fundraising, and volunteer engagement in a coordinated way.
• Team Leadership (Player–Coach): Leads and develops a high-performing team, balancing direct engagement with coaching and growth.
• Change & Organizational Leadership: Leads thoughtful, phased integration that strengthens alignment while honoring culture and mission.
• Cultural Intelligence & Global Perspective: Operates effectively across diverse geographies and faith contexts with awareness and respect.
• Entrepreneurial & Data-Informed: Brings a business mindset, using curiosity, resourcefulness, and data to guide decisions and improve results.

Responsibilities

• Lead a unified strategy across fundraising, marketing and communications, and volunteer engagement
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to align priorities, messaging, and growth
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing, collaborative team
• Establish clear goals and use data to track progress and inform decisions
• Strengthen alignment across the advancement team so functions operate in an integrated, collaborative way
• Create pathways that enable others to dream bigger and execute with excellence
• Lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, campaigns, and grants
• Personally manage key donor and partner relationships
• Partner with the CEO and board on strategic engagement and giving opportunities
• Create meaningful experiences that connect supporters to the mission and deepen long-term commitment
• Ensure clear, compelling communication and storytelling across donor and partner audiences
• Elevate story as a core organizational resource alongside time, talent, and treasure, creating opportunities to share narratives that honor local partners and inspire action
• Strengthen pathways for volunteers and business professionals to engage and contribute
• Oversee systems and processes that support fundraising effectiveness, including CRM, reporting, and forecasting
• Use data and insights to continuously improve performance and impact

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Flexible paid time off and a culture that supports healthy rhythms of work and rest
• Professional development opportunities and ongoing learning

What This Job Offers

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