Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer: Full-time Permanent

Reporting to the CEO/Executive Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation (FLPF), the Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer (CSAO) is a new position dedicated to providing energetic leadership, vision, and strategic direction to grow the base of philanthropic support for FLPF and the Library. As the chief fundraising strategist, the CSAO will: work closely with the CEO/Executive Director and other senior leadership to drive strategic priorities; support the Board in its fiduciary role related to philanthropic activities; provide hands-on management and mentorship to Advancement team direct reports; and assume responsibility for a portfolio of leadership level donors/prospects. The CSAO oversees individual philanthropy, institutional giving, and development operations. This includes managing a department of approximately ten individuals including three direct reports.

Why Work For Us?

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation offers a competitive compensation package. We offer the following benefits: flexible work environment, medical, dental, flex and HSA plans, disability and life insurance; Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement 403b, PTO, and paid holidays (including floating).

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage Black, Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. The organization is committed to building a community that is inclusive and equitable.

Responsibilities:

  • Serve as a thought partner to the CEO/Executive Director on organizational priorities, staffing needs, Board relations, and revenue/fundraising/portfolio management strategies, to align philanthropic opportunities with program initiatives and resource requirements
  • Produce and regularly update a diversified, metrics-driven Development Plan in conjunction with the CEO/Executive Director and with consultation of the Board
  • Oversee the creation and execution of implementation plans to achieve Development Plan goals and address evolving budget realities, including underlying processes for the greatest efficiency and results
  • Regularly evaluate development progress based on agreed-upon metrics
  • Provide expertise, leadership, and direction in all aspects of fundraising to the Advancement team and the Development Committee of the Board of Directors
  • Work collaboratively with leadership (CEO/Executive Director, Board, senior leadership) on prospect and donor management, including planned, consistent cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
  • Serve as the staff liaison to the Board and Development Committee, in support of planning and execution of Board fundraising goals
  • Prepare leadership and Board to solicit gifts and provide support through the cultivation and solicitation process
  • Actively steward, engage, and cultivate major donors, and develop strategies to uncover new leadership prospects
  • Build and execute a corporate sponsorship program aligned with underwriting opportunities, campaigns, and special or periodic events
  • Oversee the continued enhancement of private foundation and governmental funding relationships, and associated grants management systems and practices
  • Providing regular reports on Advancement activities to leadership
  • Manage Advancement staff through mentorship, goal-setting, and ongoing professional development
  • Create and deploy performance management tools to measure the Advancement team’s success, encouraging a culture of continuous improvement
  • Work collaboratively across departments (e.g., Finance, Programs) to fulfill funder reporting requirements
  • Work with Finance to ensure proper accounting for donations and sponsorships
  • Cultivate and sustain committed relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Represent the CEO/Executive Director concerning internal management needs, as directed, for continuity and oversight of strategic and tactical priorities
  • Represent the organization at public and private events and forums throughout the year
  • Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred
  • Minimum of ten (10) years experience in development/advancement, including five (5) years in a senior leadership position
  • Deep knowledge of trends in philanthropy at the local, regional, and national levels
  • Familiarity with the Greater Philadelphia individual, corporate, and philanthropic landscapes as well as government and community partnership and grant opportunities; ability to leverage existing relationships a plus
  • Proven success in the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts at the $100,000 level and above, as well as experience with promoting and securing planned gifts, grant writing and reporting, corporate sponsorships, campaigns, and special events
  • Strong executive functionality; able to move from planning to implementation with urgency, efficiency, and diplomacy; business acumen; entrepreneurial, self-starter
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify, consult on, and resolve issues that impact organizational needs and priorities
  • Strong management skills, with a focus on mentorship, positivity, personal accountability, promotion of a strong work ethic and high performance, and professional development
  • Demonstrated experience in building a positive organizational culture
  • Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Working mastery of various computer programs including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and CRM donor management platforms
  • Comfortable with ambiguity; adaptive to evolving circumstances and processes

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation:

The Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports the city of Philadelphia’s public library system. Increasingly, the Library relies on private support to provide the critical programs and resources necessary to advance literacy, guide learning, and inspire curiosity throughout the Philadelphia region.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $155,000.00 – $175,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental Insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible schedule
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:

  • 8-hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19103