COMPANY SUMMARY

Boys & Girls Club of Mid Central Coast is an independent 501(c)(3) organization serving over 5,000 youth annually across northern Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, from Orcutt to Shandon. We are deeply committed to our mission of empowering youth, particularly those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Our 10 club sites are supported by 111 staff members and a dedicated board of directors. In 2025, we will launch a new strategic plan that prioritizes building strong relationships, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall club experience, ensuring every young person receives the support they need to thrive.

JOB SUMMARY

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is responsible for driving the overall success of fundraising and marketing efforts to generate $3 million annually, supporting members in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. As a senior executive, the CAO collaborates with the CEO, executive team, volunteers, and the board of directors to lead the execution of resource development strategies, including major gifts, fundraising events, grants, and sponsorships. A key responsibility of this role is to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, with an emphasis on fostering their long-term engagement and continued support. The CAO leads marketing and communications to elevate the organization’s visibility and impact, while managing a team of staff members and coordinating volunteers to drive development and communication initiatives forward. As a member of the executive team, this leader must demonstrate strategic vision, collaboration, and the ability to manage complex initiatives effectively.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the CEO, executive team, and Board to drive the alignment and execution of high-impact fundraising and marketing strategies that advance the organization’s mission and goals
• Design and execute a robust, results-driven performance management plan for the team, consultants, and volunteers, ensuring accountability, measurable outcomes, and continuous improvement across all efforts.
• Act as the strategic Staff Liaison for Board Development Committees, providing leadership, guidance, and support to drive key initiatives and strengthen Board engagement and effectiveness
• Lead the oversight and management of the department’s annual budget, ensuring strategic allocation of resources, rigorous expense control, and alignment with revenue goals to maximize financial impact.
• Represent the organization in the community, building strong relationships with nonprofits, businesses, and local leaders.

Fundraising

• Develop and execute a dynamic annual resource development plan with ambitious, measurable goals to drive growth and sustainability.
• Lead and inspire a high-performing team to identify, cultivate, and strategize donor opportunities across diverse channels, including agencies, corporations, individuals, and foundations.
• Oversee the full donor stewardship cycle, with a strong focus on deepening engagement, boosting retention, and increasing both donor participation and giving levels.
• Spearhead face-to-face solicitations and provide strategic guidance and support to the donor relations team and Board in achieving their fundraising objectives.
• Actively manage a portfolio of major donors, securing transformational five-figure gifts to fuel the organization's mission.
• Lead the planning and execution of successful fundraising events, in-kind donation drives, and event sponsorship initiatives, ensuring maximum revenue generation.
• Drive the creation and execution of a comprehensive annual grant strategy, managing new proposals, renewals, and reports to secure sustained grant funding.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date donor records, while coordinating closely with the Finance department to reconcile fundraising efforts and maintain financial transparency.

Marketing & Communications

• Lead a team of marketing, communications, and PR professionals to strengthen the Boys & Girls Club brand across various media and communities.
• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive digital, social media, and other key marketing strategies to enhance brand awareness, engage target audiences, and drive organizational growth.
• Create innovative approaches to boost Club visibility and foster strong public relations with partners and stakeholders.

EXPERTISE & SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree or certification preferred
• 7 years of nonprofit fundraising experience at a management level, leading high-performing teams with a proven track record of securing major gifts and raising $1M+/year.
• Must be a skilled fundraiser, an exceptional communicator, and a person who works collaboratively with and through others to achieve success.
• Must work independently and be self-motivated in initiating contacts with prospects, and demonstrate successful navigation of prospect relationships
• Experience with all aspects of a development department, including, but not limited to, annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, sponsorships, endowments, direct mail, corporate giving, donor development, grant writing, and marketing/communications
• Experience establishing department budgets along with a strong understanding of financial documents such as balance sheets and profit and loss statements
• Skilled in using a donor database, prospect research, and other wealth screening tools to aid the moves management process. Experience with DonorPerfect CRM software required.
• Exceptional writing and speaking skills and the ability to compel individuals to action
• Must be organized, prepared, detail-oriented, and follow through on commitments.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate professionalism and warmth when interacting with the donor community, staff, volunteers, partners & others.
• Must adhere to the highest ethical standards, demonstrate an empathetic disposition and perseverance, and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors. High level of discretion and ethical standards in handling confidential information
• Creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset and leadership style
• Strong computer skills including Google, MS Office, spreadsheets, databases, email, and internet

Benefits

This is a full-time salaried, exempt position. The salary range is $90,000 to $125,000 annually, depending on experience. Additional benefits include:

• Hybrid working environment, requiring 2-3 days in the Club offices per week
• Health, dental and vision insurance with 100% employer paid premiums for employees
• Employer Sponsored Retirement Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay