Chief Advancement Officer

Join to apply for the Chief Advancement Officer role at Principia College3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicantsJoin to apply for the Chief Advancement Officer role at Principia CollegeTitle: Chief Advancement OfficerDepartment/Location: Advancement, St. Louis, MO and Elsah, ILPosition Type: Full-Time, 12-monthSummaryPrincipia is looking for a mission-driven and experienced Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). In this role, you will lead and unify advancement efforts across both Principia College and Principia School, overseeing a comprehensive program that includes annual giving, major and planned gifts, capital campaigns, alumni and friends engagement, reunion programs, and advancement services such as gift processing and database management. Your strategic leadership, deep understanding of advancement best practices, and commitment to Principia’s values will be key to your success. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in advancing Principia’s purpose: to serve the Cause of Christian Science through education. You’ll lead a team of over twenty professionals, including several experienced and passionate Directors and Senior Directors, and you’ll collaborate with other members of the executive team, the Board of Trustees, faculty, alumni, and broader community members to build meaningful relationships and drive philanthropic support.Who We AreAt our award-winning Early Childhood through grade 12 Principia School in St. Louis, Missouri, and top-ranked Principia College in Elsah, Illinois, Principia faculty and staff make up a close-knit community of educators, coaches, and professionals taking a distinct approach to education—blending academic excellence with Christian Science-based character education. Principia’s team of over 500 employees supports not only Principia School and Principia College, but also a worldwide network of alumni and friends.Principia employees are part of an engaging academic community preparing students to be tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and changemakers. We strive to create a collaborative and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong and are valued.Primary ResponsibilitiesStrategic Advancement LeadershipDevelop and implement a unified advancement strategy aligned with Principia’s long-term goals and Christian Science valuesServe as a member of the Executive Team and a key advisor on institutional strategy, culture of philanthropy, and external engagementPartner with senior leaders and Trustees to strengthen giving programs and cultivate meaningful relationships rooted in Principia’s missionFundraising and Donor EngagementOversee all fundraising initiatives, including annual giving, major and planned gifts, and capital campaigns for both the College and SchoolPersonally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospective spire giving that supports character-based educationCreate and execute a comprehensive fundraising campaign to support the next generation of students at PrincipiaAlumni and Friends RelationsSupport the efforts to engage alumni and friends of Principia through events, communications, and volunteer leadership opportunitiesManage those who are executing reunion giving programs and lifelong connection strategies grounded in shared values and spiritual purposeFoster a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who support Principia’s mission, regardless of their stage of spiritual growthAdvancement Services and OperationsEnsure excellence in advancement operations including gift processing, data integrity, donor acknowledgments, reporting, and complianceSupport continuous improvement in advancement systems and metrics, using technology and data to inform strategy and steward resourcesTeam and Organizational LeadershipRecruit, mentor, and retain a diverse and spiritually grounded advancement staff of over twenty professionals, including a Senior Director of Alumni & Field Relations, Senior Director of Development, and Director of Advancement ServicesBuild a culture of integrity, collaboration, joyful service, and professional growthModel principled leadership and a commitment to Christian Science in all aspects of workCore CompetenciesPositivity: Optimistic, positive, and focused on elevating and bringing out the very best in themselves and others. Faculty and staff are invited to understand teammates’ strengths and how they can complement each other.Strategic thinkers: Ability to consider complex topics from multiple perspectives and offer innovative solutions.Leadership: Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions of others; inspires respect and trust; accepts feedback from others; provides vision and inspiration to peers and direct reports; gives appropriate recognition to others; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; promotes a positive work environment.Results Driven and Productivity: Ability to prioritize and deliver results in a high-volume environmentEthical: Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity; upholds organizational valuesDependability: Works within deadlines and under occasional heavy workloadsPlanning and Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; manages multiple projects and tasks simultaneouslyMinimum QualificationsStudent of Christian Science; member of Christian Science Church and/or Organization and completed Christian Science class instruction. If not currently a class-taught member of a Christian Science church, both required within one year of start date.Supportive of Principia’s guiding statements as articulated here degree required; advanced degree preferred15 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, advancement, or related fieldsDemonstrated success in securing major and planned gifts, managing capital campaigns, and leading cross-functional teamsStrong management, communication, and relationship-building skillsProficiency with donor management systems and a metrics-driven approach to fundraisingThe statements above describe the general nature and level of work but are not a complete list of responsibilities and are subject to change at the discretion of pensation And BenefitsWe offer a competitive salary range for this position: $160,000 - $185,000 annually, commensurate with experience and addition to salary, our comprehensive total rewards package includes:Generous Employee Tuition Discount: Enjoy a 90% discount on tuition (pro-rated for part-time staff) for your eligible children enrolled from Pre-K3 through College (infant and acorn programs excluded).Relocation: Principia provides a relocation imbursement of up to 12% of your annual salary, when moving from outside a radius of more than 50 milesProfessional Development: Access to learning opportunities, training programs, and career growth prehensive Benefits: Learn more about all our benefits here , including comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, paid time off, a 403(b) retirement plan with Principia matching, and more.Equal OpportunityPrincipia, a mission-driven institution, believes every person has the right to an equitable and respectful educational environment and workplace. Principia does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender (identity or expression), sexual orientation, family status, disability, age, or military or veteran hiring, admissions, and related decisions, Principia—as an institution with a religious mission—gives preference, where appropriate, to Christian Scientists.Seniority levelSeniority levelExecutiveEmployment typeEmployment typePart-timeJob functionJob functionOtherIndustriesHigher EducationReferrals increase your chances of interviewing at Principia College by 2xGet notified about new Advancement Officer jobs in St Louis, MO.Development Officer - University AdvancementClayton, MO $58,400 - $99,700 4 months agoAdvancement Programs Officer, Parent Engagement and Student Initiatives- University AdvancementSenior Strategy Officer, Danforth and University Initiatives - University AdvancementAdvancement Coordinator, Medical Advancement - University AdvancementAdvancement Coordinator, Siteman Cancer Center - University AdvancementRegional Escrow Officer - US Title- Saint Louis, MOSt Ann, MO $69,326.40 - $112,860.80 1 week agoStewardship Officer, Danforth and University Initiatives - University AdvancementWe’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. 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Created: 2025-10-06