Reports To: President & Chief Executive OfficerSupervises: Director of Marketing & Communications, Manager of Membership & Member Engagement, Manager of Funder RelationsDepartment/Program: AdvancementOrganizational Context:Forefront is one of few statewide associations in the US whose membership includes grantmakers, operating nonprofits, and their advisors. The Advancement Team conducts a range of activities to advance the goals of Forefront in the areas of communications, marketing, fundraising, and membership recruitment and retention, and supports the communications and marketing needs of Forefront’s programs and initiatives.General Job Description:The Chief Advancement Officer is responsible for architecting, executing, and evaluating Forefront’s revenue generation, branding, marketing, and communications strategies. This role is tasked with leading Forefront’s development, membership, and communications team(s) and directly supports the President & CEO as a key member of Forefront’s senior management team. The Chief Advancement Officer also partners directly with Forefront’s Board of Directors, along with all other internal and external stakeholders.In partnership with President & CEO, develop, implement, and manage all activities related to the growth and evaluation of the Advancement team (fundraising, earned revenue, branding, marketing, communications, and membership).Actively contribute to and reinforce Forefront’s values and mission by building deeper relationships with key stakeholders and external partners that result in a stronger and more fluent understanding of Illinois’ social impact sector, its diverse needs; lead the development of culturally responsive and competent stewardship + engagement strategies.Develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships that can provide strategic information, resources, and expertise in support of Forefront’s mission and vision. This includes:Developing, implementing, and evaluating annual fundraising and membership plan that includes a comprehensive, equitable, and realistic corporate, foundation, government, and major gifts program(s) along with successful membership retention, renewal, and growth;Partnering with the Forefront Senior Management Team to determine realistic revenue goals that align with annual budgetary needs and stimulate needed growth;Leading, managing, and evaluating the Advancement TeamStaffing Board-level committeesEnsuring the proper and effective stewardship of donors through meetings, events and networking opportunitiesPlanning and delivering oral, written, and visual communications that make an impact and ultimately result in revenue generation. This includes:Developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic communications, marketing, and branding plan(s) that maximizes Forefront’s public position.Leading, managing, and evaluating the Marketing & Communications staff.In partnership with Forefront’s CFO, plan, create, manage, and evaluate revenue budget. Drive to meet or exceed revenue goals, analyze and identify challenges, and formulate creative solutions.Collaborate with Forefront leadership and fiscally sponsored organizations to develop, implement, and uphold internal and external monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance of fundraising and communications activities.Serve as a mentor, source of learning, and growth for Forefront team, staff, and other stakeholders; model, promote, and coach culturally competent leadership practices.Further execute Forefront’s advancement strategy by:Staffing and leveraging the President & CEO to cultivate, secure, and steward major relationships.Supporting the President & CEO’s public appearances; fielding media inquiries, supporting and coordinating responses; and serving as the primary spokesperson for the organization.Supporting the creation, execution, and evaluation of select programming as needed.Supervisory Responsibilities:Provide supervision to all direct report positions and support the leadership of all roles related to Advancement activities (Communications, Membership, and Development).Other Abilities & Skills:Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects, establish workload priorities, and meet deadlines are critical. Strong verbal and written communication skills, rooted in cultural competence, and ability to work with diverse populations and stakeholders. Must demonstrate strong leadership background and proven track record in: copywriting, editing and proofreading, verbal communication skills, crisis communication, change management, and serving as the lead spokesperson for an organization.Experience:Minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, fundraising development, membership development, sales and/or related field with progressively increased leadership and management experience.Location:Must be based in Illinois. Hybrid work environment.#J-18808-Ljbffr