Chief Advancement Officer

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

Chief Advancement Officer – Catholic Charities of Buffalo

Catholic Charities of Buffalo is the most comprehensive human service provider serving Western New York, reaching all eight counties with 51 professionally staffed locations plus a presence in many area schools and other community sites. Catholic Charities serves people in need and those who are most vulnerable without regard to age, gender, race, or religious affiliation.

Catholic Charities offers programs that strive to empower individuals, children, and families. Among them are comprehensive counseling services for all ages, basic emergency assistance and referrals, child and adult mental health counseling, educational and training programs, older adults support, immigration and refugee assistance, and a variety of programs focusing on family safety and stabilization.

Catholic Charities of Buffalo is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and transformation. Under the leadership of a new President & CEO and guided by a forward-looking strategic plan, the organization is redefining how it engages donors, foundations, corporations, and the broader Western New York community to expand its impact.

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will play a pivotal role in this evolution as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. This is more than a fundraising leadership position; it is an opportunity to help shape the future of a mission-driven organization committed to strengthening individuals, families, and communities throughout Western New York.

The next CAO will lead the organization's transition toward a more diversified and sustainable advancement strategy by expanding institutional giving, strengthening major gift philanthropy, cultivating new community and corporate partnerships, and increasing visibility across the region. While helping the organization broaden and diversify its fundraising portfolio, this leader will also ensure the continued strength and stewardship of the Annual Appeal, recognizing its longstanding role as the foundation of Catholic Charities' philanthropic success.

Working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and leadership team, this executive will help position Catholic Charities to reach new audiences, inspire greater community engagement, and build a culture of philanthropy that supports the organization's mission for years to come.

CAO serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and provides strategic leadership for the organization's advancement, development, marketing and community engagement efforts. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, this executive is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive resource development strategy that advances the agency's mission, growth, sustainability, and long-term community impact.

• Lead the organization's evolution toward a more diversified and sustainable advancement model by engaging new audiences, strengthening partnerships, and positioning Catholic Charities for continued growth and community impact.
• Provide strategic oversight of Catholic Charities' historic Annual Appeal, ensuring it remains a high-priority fundraising initiative that honors the organization's history and tradition while continuing to engage its core supporters and inspire future generations of donors.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive institutional advancement strategy aligned with Catholic Charities' strategic plan, mission, and long-term vision.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to the President & CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees on fundraising, philanthropy, donor engagement, and external relations.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing advancement organization by mentoring staff, strengthening leadership capabilities, fostering collaboration, and creating a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous professional growth.
• Build a culture of philanthropy across the organization while identifying innovative opportunities to diversify funding, strengthen community partnerships, and support organizational growth.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration across the organization to align fundraising priorities with programmatic initiatives, communications, and strategic…