Full Job Description
SFS/Merito Group is looking for a Chief Advancement Officer to support their client Project Hospitality
Salary range 120,000-125,000
Chief Advancement Officer
Location: Staten Island NY
Duration: Full Time Direct Hire
Position Summary
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is Project Hospitality's senior philanthropy executive and a key member of the Executive Team, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy that accelerates philanthropic revenue, diversifies private funding sources, and strengthens the organization's long-term financial sustainability. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CAO serves as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board of Directors, aligning philanthropy with Project Hospitality's mission, strategic priorities, and vision for community impact. The CAO is expected to serve as an enterprise leader, contributing to organizational strategy and acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO on matters of philanthropy, external relations, and long-term organizational sustainability.
The CAO provides executive leadership for all advancement functions, including major gifts, annual and planned giving, foundation and corporate partnerships, donor stewardship, capital and special campaigns, signature fundraising events, and community engagement. The CAO will build and lead a high-performing Advancement team, cultivate transformational relationships with donors and strategic partners, and serve as a visible ambassador for Project Hospitality throughout Staten Island and the greater New York philanthropic community. Through innovation, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making, the CAO will strengthen the organization's brand, expand philanthropic investment, and advance Project Hospitality's mission and community impact.
The CAO will lead and develop the Advancement Department, providing direct supervision to the Director of Development and Senior Development Associate while overseeing the work of advancement consultants and external partners, including government relations, fund development, and grant writing. The CAO will ensure that the department's people, systems, and external resources are aligned to achieve Project Hospitality's strategic fundraising and philanthropic objectives.
In partnership with the CEO, the CAO serves as the primary staff liaison to the Board of Directors' Development Committee, working closely with the Committee Chair to advance the Board's fundraising priorities, strengthen Board engagement in philanthropy, and support a culture of philanthropy and Board engagement.
As Project Hospitality's chief fundraising strategist and ambassador, the CAO will champion innovation, collaboration, and accountability to position the organization for sustained philanthropic growth and lasting community impact.
Executive Leadership
3474 Serve as Project Hospitality's chief philanthropy executive and strategic advisor to the CEO.
3474 Develop, execute, and continuously refine a comprehensive advancement strategy aligned with the organization's strategic plan and long-term financial goals.
3474 Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
3474 Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Advancement team and oversee external consultants and strategic partners.
Fundraising & Revenue Growth
3474 Lead all philanthropic revenue strategies, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, campaigns, and donor stewardship.
3474 Expand unrestricted revenue and diversify philanthropic funding sources.
3474 Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors, foundations, corporations, and strategic partners.
3474 Establish measurable fundraising goals, evaluate organizational performance, and use data to drive continuous improvement.
Board & Executive Partnership
3474 Partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to advance fundraising priorities and organizational growth.
3474 Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Board Development Committee and work closely with the Committee Chair to strengthen Board engagement in philanthropy.
3474 Prepare and present fundraising strategies, reports, and recommendations to executive leadership and the Board.
External Relations & Brand Leadership
3474 Represent Project Hospitality with donors, foundations, corporations, elected officials, faith communities, and community leaders.
3474 Strengthen the organization's visibility, reputation, and philanthropic presence throughout Staten Island and the greater New York region.
3474 Provide executive oversight of advancement communications, marketing, and donor engagement initiatives.
Advancement Operations
3474 Ensure best-in-class advancement operations, including CRM management, fundraising analytics, prospect development, stewardship, reporting, and performance measurement.
3474 Build and continuously strengthen the systems, processes, technology, and infrastructure necessary to support sustainable fundraising growth and operational excellence.
Qualifications
Required
3474 Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
3474 Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership in nonprofit fundraising or advancement.
3474 Demonstrated success securing and stewarding five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts.
3474 Proven track record of increasing philanthropic revenue and diversifying funding sources.
3474 Experience leading comprehensive advancement programs and high-performing teams.
3474 Experience partnering effectively with CEOs, Boards of Directors, and executive leadership.
3474 Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and strategic leadership skills.
Preferred
3474 Experience in human services, healthcare, or a mission-driven nonprofit organization.
3474 Experience leading capital campaigns and planned giving programs.
3474 Knowledge of government funding and public-private partnerships.
Why Join Project Hospitality
Project Hospitality is Staten Island's leading human services organization, dedicated to ending hunger and homelessness and strengthening communities through compassionate, comprehensive services. The Chief Advancement Officer will have a unique opportunity to shape the organization's philanthropic future, build a best-in-class advancement program, and partner with an engaged CEO, Board of Directors, and Executive Team to expand impact for thousands of individuals and families across the region.
Compensation
The salary range for this position is $120,000-$125,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. In addition to base salary, the Chief Advancement Officer will be eligible to participate in a performance-based incentive plan tied to the achievement of mutually agreed-upon strategic advancement objectives, organizational growth, and long-term philanthropic sustainability.