Vice President of Advancement

Rochester, NY

JK Executive Strategies is proud to partner with a mission-driven nonprofit organization in search of a Vice President of Advancement to join its team!

This executive leadership role will oversee the organization’s fundraising, advancement, and community engagement strategies, driving philanthropic growth and strengthening long-term donor relationships in support of the organization’s mission. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record in fundraising leadership, donor development, and strategic relationship management, along with a passion for community impact and organizational growth. This individual will serve as a key ambassador for the organization, leading advancement initiatives that enhance visibility, expand philanthropic support, and ensure the continued success and sustainability of the organization’s mission-driven work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of the organization’s annual strategic and operational advancement plan, including the establishment of fundraising goals, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Oversee all fundraising and development initiatives, including major gifts, planned giving, annual campaigns, donor stewardship, corporate partnerships, grants, and special events.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and performance management for advancement and development staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with donors, community leaders, corporate partners, and key stakeholders through strategic outreach, networking, and ongoing stewardship efforts.
• Partner with marketing and communications teams to align fundraising campaigns, messaging, branding, and public-facing materials.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership and Board members to strengthen constituent engagement, community presence, and organizational visibility.
• Expand and sustain the donor base through proactive relationship management, community engagement, and strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Support the growth and management of organizational endowment and philanthropic resources through financial oversight, grant development, and long-term planning efforts.
• Equip executive leadership and Board members with tools, reporting, and strategic guidance to support fundraising and donor engagement activities.
• Serve as a primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization at community events, public engagements, and media opportunities.
• Oversee advancement budgets and ensure responsible financial stewardship, including evaluating campaign and event performance and return on investment.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements related to fundraising and nonprofit operations.
• Maintain adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and reporting standards.
• Perform additional duties and strategic initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Nonprofit Management, Business, Communications, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive fundraising or advancement experience with demonstrated success securing and closing major gifts.
• Experience leading or contributing significantly to capital campaigns or large-scale fundraising initiatives.
• Prior leadership experience managing staff and partnering effectively with executive leadership teams and Boards of Directors.
• Nonprofit industry experience preferred.
• CFRE accreditation preferred.
• Exceptional relationship-building and donor stewardship skills, with the ability to cultivate long-term partnerships and philanthropic engagement.
• Outstanding interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills, including the ability to effectively engage high-net-worth individuals and community stakeholders.
• Strong public speaking and ambassadorial presence, with comfort representing the organization at events, meetings, and public engagements.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of constituents, including donors, staff, families, community partners, and vendors.
• Strong organizational, strategic planning, and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and mission-driven leadership.

Salary Range

• $115-125k

JK Executive Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of JK Executive Strategies to provide equal opportunity in employment and conditions of employment to all individuals regardless of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside of our workplace, or any other status protected by law.