Chief Advancement Officer

Sierra Club

Job Overview

Location

Washington, DC

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• The Sierra Club, a venerable and influential force in environmental advocacy for over 134 years, is seeking a visionary and results-oriented Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to spearhead its advancement strategy. This pivotal role is designed for a seasoned leader who can navigate a period of organizational evolution and new leadership, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of our critical mission. As a key member of the Leadership Team, the CAO will be instrumental in shaping the future of environmental protection by cultivating and growing diversified, mission-aligned funding streams. The primary focus will be on securing significant financial support from institutional funders and individual donors capable of contributing $25,000 or more annually.
• This position demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in fundraising and a deep understanding of the non-profit sector. The CAO will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive advancement plan that not only meets but exceeds revenue goals, thereby empowering the Sierra Club to continue its vital work. This includes overseeing and integrating multiple major revenue streams, ensuring a robust and resilient financial foundation. The scope of responsibility encompasses individual major and principal gifts, institutional grants, board giving, and the successful execution of capital and comprehensive campaigns. The CAO will play a critical role in leveraging past successes, such as the recent billion-dollar comprehensive revenue campaign, to build even greater momentum.
• A significant aspect of the CAO's role will be to manage and inspire a dedicated team of professionals responsible for grant writing and donor stewardship. This team's efforts will directly support both national initiatives and the crucial work undertaken by the Sierra Club's 64 local chapters. The CAO will provide strategic direction and operational oversight, ensuring that fundraising efforts are aligned with programmatic priorities and effectively communicate the impact of donor contributions. Furthermore, the CAO will guide fundraising activities across various funding structures, including the 501(c)(3) (through Sierra Club Foundation fiscal sponsorship), the 501(c)(4), and politically related entities, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of diverse philanthropic and advocacy funding landscapes.
• Collaboration is at the heart of this role. The CAO will work in close partnership with key departments, including Finance, Program, Communications, Membership Growth, Chapter Fundraising, Field Operations, and Green Ventures and Partnerships. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for aligning on key initiatives, developing coherent and compelling advancement narratives, and ensuring that fundraising priorities are seamlessly integrated with the organization's broader strategic objectives. The CAO will be a key voice in articulating the Sierra Club's vision and impact to potential and existing supporters, fostering strong, enduring relationships built on trust and shared commitment to environmental protection.
• The ideal candidate will possess exceptional leadership qualities, a passion for environmental justice, and a sophisticated understanding of donor cultivation and solicitation strategies. They will be adept at building and managing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The CAO will also be responsible for developing and implementing innovative fundraising approaches, staying abreast of emerging trends in philanthropy, and leveraging data and analytics to inform strategic decision-making. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on one of the nation's most respected environmental organizations, driving its mission forward through strategic financial stewardship and inspiring a community of dedicated supporters. The ability to travel is also a requirement for this position, facilitating engagement with stakeholders across various locations.
• The Chief Advancement Officer will be a key strategist in ensuring the Sierra Club's capacity to meet its ambitious goals. This involves not only securing financial resources but also cultivating a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization. The CAO will be responsible for developing and implementing a donor stewardship program that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of supporters at all levels, fostering loyalty and encouraging sustained engagement. This includes crafting personalized communications, organizing exclusive events, and ensuring that donors feel valued and informed about the impact of their investments. By building strong, authentic relationships, the CAO will transform transactional giving into meaningful partnerships that fuel the Sierra Club's long-term success and its unwavering commitment to protecting our planet for future generations.

🎯 Requirements

• Proven track record of success in securing major gifts ($25,000+) and institutional grants, with demonstrated experience in leading comprehensive and capital campaigns.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing strategic advancement plans, with a strong understanding of diversified revenue streams including individual giving, foundations, and corporate partnerships.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing fundraising team.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including board members, major donors, foundation program officers, and internal teams.
• Deep understanding of the environmental movement and a demonstrated passion for the Sierra Club's mission and values.
• Experience working with complex organizational structures, including those with multiple legal entities (e.g., 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4)) and geographically dispersed chapters.

🏖️ Benefits

• Opportunity to lead advancement for one of the nation's largest and most influential environmental organizations.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities to enhance skills and career growth.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with a passionate and dedicated team.
• The chance to make a significant impact on critical environmental issues and contribute to a sustainable future.

Skills & Technologies

Remote

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Sierra Club

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About Sierra Club

Sierra Club is a U.S. environmental nonprofit founded in 1892. It campaigns for clean energy, climate action, public lands protection, and environmental justice through grassroots lobbying, litigation, education, and outdoor programs. With millions of members and supporters, it influences policy at local, state, and federal levels, promotes conservation and sustainable transportation, and organizes outings to connect people with nature.

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