The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) serves as the senior fundraising and advancement executive for St. Vincent de Paul Louisville, a mission-driven organization with an $8.5 million operating budget, $4.2 million in annual grant revenue, two signature annual events, and a $5 million sustainability campaign goal through 2027. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CAO participates in organizational strategic planning and decision-making to support the agency’s long-term mission, growth, and financial sustainability.
The CAO provides executive leadership for all Advancement functions, including individual giving, grants, events, communications, volunteer engagement, and donor database management. Serving as a key partner to the CEO, Board of Directors, and Development Committee, the CAO is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, diversifying revenue streams, strengthening philanthropic partnerships, and building the financial foundation necessary to advance SVDP Louisville’s mission and long-term success.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide executive leadership for all Advancement functions including individual giving, grants management, events, communications, volunteer recruitment and management and donor data.
- Partner with the CEO on major gift strategy, top-tier donor cultivation, and board-level fundraising engagement
- Lead the design and execution of phase 2 of a $5 million sustainability campaign in collaboration with the CEO, Board Development Committee, and advancement staff
- Develop and implement a diversified, multi-year revenue strategy that reduces reliance on federal grants and builds a robust individual giving program
- Provide strategic direction for SVDP Louisville’s signature events.
- Serve as a visible, credible external face of SVDP’s philanthropic mission with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and the Louisville community
- Represent SVDP in the wider community spreading awareness of the organization, its mission, goals and achievements
- Partner with the CFO on revenue forecasting, budget development, and grant financial compliance
- Serves as staff liaison to the Development Committee and Board of Directors; builds a culture of philanthropic engagement across the full board
- Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing Advancement team
- Manage all activities related to the planning, analysis, execution, control, evaluation and growth of fundraising with close collaboration and coordination with the Board of Directors, other senior leaders and the Executive Director/CEO.
- Manage and improve donor and prospect record keeping and reporting systems including tracking donor participation, identification and cultivation of prospects and donor acknowledgement system
- Build and maintain relationships with existing and new individual and corporate donors, foundations, human service agencies and government agencies involved in grant and program funding
- Manage SVDP’s private grants process and grow private foundation and grant resources.
- Oversee and manage communications and public relation efforts, including creating, developing, and distributing informational materials, monthly newsletters, annual reports, brochures, advertising and fund-raising materials
- Develop and oversee effective volunteer programs and opportunities that support SVDP’s mission and operations.
- Manage and grow revenue through effective direct appeals
- Establish and execute a planned giving strategy for the organization
- Maintain and assure that the content of the agency’s website and social media is current, accurate and up to date
- Train, develop and supervise up to 6 direct reports
- Report periodically to and provide direct support to the Development Committee and Board of Directors
- Other duties as assigned
Specific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Experience utilizing donor management software/CRM systems, fundraising analytics, and reporting tools.
- Fundraising or nonprofit advancement experience; executive-level relationship skills, donor cultivation instincts, and case-for-support communication are essential
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong public speaking skills
- Proven experience managing multi-functional teams and complex operations
- Strong financial acumen; ability to partner effectively with a CFO and grants team on compliance and forecasting
- Experience with and knowledge of implementing major giving campaigns
- Experience cultivating major donors for nonprofits including individuals, corporations and foundations
- Ability to interact successfully with a wide range of individuals including agency clients and employees, and Corporate, Foundation and major individual donor prospects
- Experience securing funding from Government, Corporate and Foundation members at the executive level
- Ability to present gift proposals to prospective donors and close on such proposals
- Resourceful and well organized
- Participative management style – advocate of team concept
Reporting to this position: Up to 6 direct reports managing grants, volunteers, communications, public relations, fundraising and database management.
Education, Qualifications, Certifications, Trainings, Licenses:
- Master’s degree required; MBA, MPA, or equivalent graduate degree strongly preferred
- Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience, including demonstrated success in a senior management or executive role
- A combination of education, training and experience that results in demonstrated competency to perform the work may be substituted
- Must have valid Driver’s License and maintain personal insurance.
- Commitment to the Mission, Vision and Values of St. Vincent de Paul Louisville
- Successfully pass any required pre-employment background and drug screening
Physical Demands/Effort/Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
The requirements listed are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. This position description is not meant to imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and duties requested by the supervisor. This job description is not a contract for employment. It does not alter or affect the “at-will” doctrine adhered to by SVDP.
St Vincent de Paul, Louisville (SVDP) is one of the longest serving social charities in Louisville. Through our homeless shelters, supportive housing programs, professional case management, clinical services, Open Hand Kitchen, Food Pantry, and retail thrift stores, we house, feed, and support those in need with compassion and dignity.
Why Work With Us?
At SVDP, we believe in more than just a job! We offer our team a sense of purpose and pride in serving others. As part of our mission-driven team, eligible employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and growth.
Benefits Include:
Available Immediately Upon Hire:
- Paid holidays
- Free meals provided daily in our Open Hand Kitchen
- Free on-site parking
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free counseling services
- Thrift store employee discount
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program
- Mileage reimbursement (if applicable)
- Phone reimbursement (if applicable)
Available After 30 Days of Employment (Following the First of the Month):
- Employer-paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Employer-paid Long-Term Disability Insurance
- Employer-paid Life Insurance
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Voluntary Accident
- Critical Illness & Cancer
- Additional Voluntary Life
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) – SVDP matches $ for $ up to $500/single ($20.83 per pay) and $1000/Family ($41.66 per pay)
Available After 90 Days of Employment (Following the First of the Month):
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- SVDP matches up to 3% after one year of service (hours must be met)
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Begins accruing on your first day and is available after 90 days
- Opportunity to discuss flexible schedule
Available After 6 Months of Employment:
- Access to Advanced Education and Training
- Clinical supervision support for employees in the Social Work/Human Services field pursuing higher credentialing
- Eligibility to apply for internal job opportunities
SVDP is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. As part of our commitment to equal opportunity and affirmative action, we actively encourage applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans. If you require an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at hr@svdplou.org.
