The Institute for Nonprofit Practice (INP) transforms communities by equipping social impact leaders – nonprofit, public sector, and social enterprise – with the skills, networks, confidence, and resources they need to effectively lead, advance social change, and make their organizations more effective, innovative, and sustainable.

INP trains thousands of leaders annually through the Core Certificate Program, RISE Program, Leadership Learning Series, Black Leadership Institute, alumni programming, and community convenings.

INP has experienced tremendous, transformative growth in the demand for its leadership programs over the last five years. From an annual operating budget of $2.9 million serving 230 leaders and 1,400 alumni in 2020, INP has matured into a dynamic, growing organization with 28 full-time staff and 58 part-time faculty members, with an annual operating budget of $7.3 million. INP now trains over 500 leaders annually and boasts a national alumni network of over 4,500 leaders.

INP is seeking an experienced and innovative Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead the strategic expansion of INP’s comprehensive advancement program to enable them to increase their impact nationally and realize their aspirations for the future.

Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the CAO will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, partnering with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, and a skilled advancement and marketing/communications team to achieve key goals. This is an exciting and important time for the organization and an incredible opportunity for the right person to join INP at a critical inflection point in the social impact sector.

This is a hybrid role, with a special consideration for candidates from the eastern seaboard area. The role will require moderate domestic travel and in-person meetings with the Executive Leadership Team, prospects, donors, and funders.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is an important and exciting time for INP at a moment of significant change and challenge in the social impact sector. INP is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to join their team as they continue to build on INP’s considerable momentum and expand their efforts to transform communities and equip social impact leaders across the nation to meet the moment and achieve lasting, transformative change.

Reporting directly to the President & Chief Executive Officer, the CAO will be responsible for all aspects of institutional fundraising, donor engagement, marketing and communications, advancement operations, and data management. They will design and execute effective strategies and processes and develop the infrastructure necessary to deliver outstanding results in a growing national enterprise. The CAO will work closely with the President & Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors, and a dedicated team of fund development and marketing and communications professionals to advance INP's interests and goals in several key areas:

1. Diversify and grow INP’s revenue streams.
2. Build a national advancement team.
3. Build robust systems and processes to fuel and sustain “next level” fund development.
4. Strengthen INP’s national reputation and brand to amplify impact.
5. Strengthen and deepen the fund development partnership with the Board of Directors.
6. Collaborate closely with other members of the INP team to support a healthy culture and achieve shared goals.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

INP’s next Chief Advancement Officer will be an experienced leader with deep knowledge and passion for the nonprofit sector and a nuanced and current understanding of relevant developments and dynamics impacting INP and the social impact sector writ large. The CAO will approach their work with a humble, learning mindset and have a demonstrated commitment to building strong, engaged, collaborative teams. Demonstrated ability to drive resources into an organization is required.

While no one candidate will embody all of the qualifications enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal competencies, attributes, and experiences:

1. Experienced and strategic fund development professional with at least ten years of senior leadership experience and a record of building and growing successful funding portfolios and advancement teams in a non-profit organization. A track record of securing seven-figure major gifts and institutional grants in large urban environments is essential.
2. Strong track record of leading advancement efforts in large organizations, including the development of comprehensive fund development strategies, campaigns and plans, oversight of annual fundraising events, effective departmental budget and operations management, and the successful cultivation and stewardship of strong donor relationships resulting in seven-figure corporate and foundation grants and major donor gifts.
3. Experience designing and overseeing effective strategic marketing and communications programs, including a comprehensive strategic communications and narrative strategy that illuminates organizational growth and impact.
4. An effective partner to the President & Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors who can draw on prior experience to ensure a strong partnership to expand INP’s advancement efforts. The CAO will work with the Board of Directors and other key volunteers, leveraging their talents, resources, and ideas to enhance fundraising activities; enhance board members’ ability to identify fundraising opportunities, and encourage their ongoing participation as donors and solicitors
5. Demonstrated commitment to INP’s mission to build capacity for strong leadership and management within the nonprofit sector.
6. Values alignment and commitment to living out the values of social impact work in the INP workplace. A collaborative, collegial style that fosters respect, teamwork, and flexibility.
7. Excellent communicator, collaborator, and relationship builder who can skillfully engage and connect with a wide range of audiences. Critical skills in this arena include exceptional, demonstrated public speaking ability; the capacity and gravitas to engage effectively in mission-critical one-on-one conversations; the ability to craft compelling written materials and messages that are specifically tailored to donors and funders, key stakeholders, and the community writ large; and a nuanced understanding of effective strategies to leverage social media.
8. Deeply relational, with a demonstrated capacity to build high-trust relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
9. An effective builder of strong, cohesive teams. Prior experience calibrating, structuring, and overseeing effective advancement team staffing models in a growth-oriented organization. Demonstrated capacity to create working conditions that support impact, collaboration, learning, professional development, and camaraderie.
10. A savvy navigator of the nonprofit sector who brings a working understanding of the social impact sector ecosystem and can craft and communicate compelling stories and appeals about the value of INP’s mission and work.
11. Ability to zoom in and out with ease, maintaining a steady focus on strategic goals while attending closely to the details that lead to a high level of excellence and success.
12. Flexibility, nimbleness, and humility. Commitment to ongoing, personal learning and growth.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, AND LOCATION

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position starts at $200,000 and is negotiable depending on experience. INP has a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage and a retirement savings 401(k) plan. In addition, and at present, INP offers Flexible Time Off (FTO) for all team members, eleven paid holidays, and winter and summer breaks for collective rest and restoration for all employees.

Location

This is a hybrid role, with a special consideration for candidates from the eastern seaboard area. The role will require moderate domestic travel and in-person meetings with the Executive Leadership Team, prospects, donors, and funders.

HOW TO APPLY

For more information about the Institute for Nonprofit Practice,
please visit: www.nonprofitpractice.org.

This search is being led by Ellen LaPointe, Emily McCarthy, and Ebony Breaux-Liang of NPAG. We invite applications with a resume and cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications via the portal on NPAG’s website. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we anticipate that interviews will begin in mid-May.

Should you have any questions, wish to nominate a candidate, or if you need assistance or accommodations in the application process, please contact Emily McCarthy at emccarthy@npag.com.

The Institute for Nonprofit Practice is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to creating an environment and team that represents various backgrounds, perspectives, styles, and experiences. All are encouraged to apply because we believe a diversity of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.