Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO)

POSITION OVERVIEW

California CASA Association (CA CASA) seeks a full-time, dynamic, and experienced Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO) who shares our commitment to securing the financial resources necessary to expand Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer services to youth in the California foster care and juvenile justice systems, and to advancing equity and inclusion within the communities we serve. The CPO reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and oversees a talented team of 4 professionals with expertise in philanthropy, grants, database management, and marketing & communications. The ideal candidate works independently and collaboratively and is a strategic thinker with a track record of successful fundraising for nonprofit organizations. They will bring a passion for service, a learning mindset, and the ability to effectively manage tight deadlines while multitasking. In addition to fundraising for CA CASA’s operational needs, the CPO and the Philanthropy team will help support the statewide CASA network by providing fundraising counsel as needed.

The CPO at CA CASA will bring an open mind, entrepreneurial spirit, and willingness to learn from others. They will be a servant-leader, energetic, diplomatic, adaptable, and humble, with a good sense of humor. CA CASA is committed to creating an inclusive environment and values the unique perspectives that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to our team. We encourage qualified applicants of all experiences and backgrounds to apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising for California CASA

• Lead strategy and implementation to ensure that CA CASA’s short- and long-term fundraising goals ($3,000,000 to $3,500,000 annually) are achieved through multiple approaches to diverse donors.
• Create an annual written fundraising plan that is clear in its objectives, goals, target audiences, timelines, and assignment of responsibilities.
• Lead the Philanthropy team to meet or exceed fundraising goals. Hire, develop, supervise, coach, and evaluate team members and create a supportive, goal-oriented, productive work culture based on CA CASA’s organizational values. Set clear, measurable goals and regularly evaluate team performance. Provide effective coaching, supportive feedback, and performance evaluations. Ensure that team members develop the technical abilities, leadership, and skills they need to be successful and grow in their professions.
• Build and maintain a portfolio of top individual, foundation, and corporate donors and prospects; develop and implement strategies for engagement and increased giving.
• Play key role with senior leadership in developing and funding long-term and strategic fundraising initiatives including major state appropriations, and overseeing proposals, participating in writing/editing as needed.
• Advise the CEO on strategic, high-priority relationship-building and fundraising opportunities; ensuring effective use of the CEO’s time.
• Supervise and lead an effective Institutional Grants strategy with private foundations and corporations. Supervise grantwriting and grants administration; as needed, edit, and approve written grant materials, and occasionally contribute to major request proposals. Ensure that there is an active grants calendar, ongoing research into new grant prospects, and prompt and effective grants administration and reporting.
• Work with a cross-departmental team to prepare applications for new government grants/funding and reports for awarded contracts/grants; and collaborate with the CFOO in terms of government contract/grant financial administration, and related invoicing.
• Using the CRM platform DonorPerfect, ensure active and ongoing prospect and donor research to expand our donor pipeline, and be accountable for growth in the donor prospect pool. Oversee gift processing, ensure accurate records are kept. and that all donors receive appropriate, timely, well-written acknowledgements.
• Work collaboratively with the CEO and leadership team to create the annual operating budget by providing accurate expense projections and the best revenue forecasts possible.
• Act as liaison to the Board of Directors’ Philanthropy Committee; work with Philanthropy Committee Chair on strategic efforts; and ensure preparation of philanthropy reports for CEO and for Board meetings as requested.
• Oversee and direct creation or updating of philanthropy materials as needed – e.g., case statements, direct mail solicitations, brochures, and website.
• Conduct ongoing evaluation of fundraising activities to ensure quality, efficiency, and productivity.
• Develop legacy/planned giving opportunities, strategy, and materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Marketing & Communications for California CASA

• Supervise and oversee marketing and communications activities, including the two-person team (Director of Marketing & Communications and Graphic Designer/Marketing Specialist).
• Serve as a thought partner to the Director of Marketing & Communications for creative projects and other marketing activities.
• Oversee the creation of marketing collateral and campaigns as needed (i.e., case statements, direct mail solicitations, brochures, website materials, ads).
• Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant subject (e.g., nonprofit management, philanthropy, communications). Graduate degree a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in senior leadership positions focused on nonprofit development and philanthropy. CFRE desirable. Knowledge of and commitment to AFP fundraising ethics, rules, and protocols.
• Demonstrated experience supervising fundraising and marketing/communications staff, effectively leading people and managing systems to achieve fundraising and marketing/communications goals. Ability to cultivate a work culture that is high-performing, innovative, creative, inspiring, and fun.
• Demonstrated experience leading a marketing and communications team to advance brand awareness and philanthropic success.
• Knowledge of, passion for, and/or experience with successful fundraising for CASA a plus, as well as knowledge of the child welfare system and dependency and juvenile justice courts.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES & ABILITIES

• The successful candidate will be visionary: an optimistic, innovative, entrepreneurial leader with a track record for turning ideas and goals into action and results.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required. Must have the ability to compose and deliver effective, persuasive, and compelling presentations to donors and prospects, in print or in person; and to engage, inspire, and educate in personal meetings, group settings, and in written form. Some experience in professional training and teaching is a plus, either in person/virtual platforms.
• Must have comfort in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals, and in making high-dollar asks, as well as experience with securing large foundation, corporate, and governmental grants.
• Model honesty, transparency, and fairness in all decisions; build trust with staff, donors, board members, and partners by consistently aligning actions with organizational values and ethical fundraising standards.
• Outstanding organizational skills are required, including demonstrated experience with “Moves Management” strategy. Must be able to set priorities, delegate, and influence upward and laterally in order to ensure key actions in the philanthropy plan are executed by all stakeholders, including the CEO. Ability to evaluate results and adapt plans, as needed, to improve future performance.
• Possesses strong financial skills, including familiarity with budgets, fiscal analysis, and financial statements. Ability to comprehend and analyze financial and statistical data and donor databases. Understands data security principles and best practices as they relate to fundraising.
• Experience leading organizational and operational change and operational scaling.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. History of working effectively with all people irrespective of their history, economic status, challenges, race, gender, education, or sexual orientation; embraces the importance of diversity with demonstrated experience working in diverse organizations. Experience in building a donor pipeline that includes diverse representation is a plus.
• Proficient, advanced skills in the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are desired; as well as experience with DonorPerfect or other CRM/donor management software.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience with Planned/Legacy Giving is a plus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

A competitive compensation package is offered, with a salary in the range of $150,000 to $200,000 depending on experience, professional qualifications, and education.

CA CASA staff work 100% remotely with no permanent physical office (office equipment provided). We are seeking a CPO candidate who resides in California or plans to do so.

The CPO will be expected to attend meetings with staff, donors, and board members, as well as participate in various business and social events. There will be occasional out-of-town overnight travel.

The CPO will engage in intermittent physical activities, including bending, reaching, sitting, and walking, during working hours. It is anticipated the person may spend many hours each day seated at their home office computer. Reasonable accommodation is offered to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

The successful candidate will be required to pass background checks in compliance with California Rule of Court 5.655. Must have a valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance is required. Must have a satisfactory driving record and regular access to a vehicle for meetings and activities

Employee benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision coverage, Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, 403(b) Retirement Plan, 403(b) Employer Match, Flexible Spending Account (Health and Dependent Care), Vacation/Personal Days, and Paid Sick Time.

TO APPLY

Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@californiacasa.org, explaining how you believe your skills, background, and work experience meet this position’s qualifications. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Please no phone calls.

CA CASA is an inclusive, welcoming, and affirming organization that values, celebrates, & actively seeks out diverse candidates. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), sex and gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), age (40 or over), sexual orientation, Civil Air Patrol status, military & veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. CA CASA prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

A competitive compensation package is offered, with a salary in the range of $150,000 to $200,000 depending on experience, professional qualifications, and education.

CA CASA staff work 100% remotely with no permanent physical office (office equipment provided). We are seeking a CPO candidate who resides in California or plans to do so.

The CPO will be expected to attend meetings with staff, donors, and board members, as well as participate in various business and social events. There will be occasional out-of-town overnight travel.

The CPO will engage in intermittent physical activities, including bending, reaching, sitting, and walking, during working hours. It is anticipated the person may spend many hours each day seated at their home office computer. Reasonable accommodation is offered to enable a person with physical disabilities to perform the job.

The successful candidate will be required to pass background checks in compliance with California Rule of Court 5.655. Must have a valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance is required. Must have a satisfactory driving record and regular access to a vehicle for meetings and activities

Employee benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision coverage, Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, 403(b) Retirement Plan, 403(b) Employer Match, Flexible Spending Account (Health and Dependent Care), Vacation/Personal Days, and Paid Sick Time.

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