Chief Advancement Officer

PLEASE NOTE: To receive full consideration for this position, please submit the requested information at.

https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs/chief-advancement-officer-ywca-of-asheville-job-1410/

The Opportunity

As a cornerstone of the Asheville community, the YWCA offers critical programs and advocacy that support families and create pathways to lasting social change. The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) plays a vital role in advancing the YWCA’s mission by strengthening community connections and securing vital resources.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CAO serves as a key member of the senior leadership team and oversees the strategic vision and operations of all development, fundraising, grants, and communications efforts. The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, the Board of Directors, and a talented Advancement Team to design and implement comprehensive strategies that generate diversified revenue streams and broaden awareness of the YWCA’s mission and impact. By leading a team that includes specialists in marketing, development, and grants, the CAO will amplify the YWCA’s voice and strengthen its ability to drive transformative social change.

This is an opportunity for an experienced and passionate fundraising professional who loves to build relationships to lead advancement efforts for a respected nonprofit organization with a high-performing team, committed board, and diverse community to achieve financial sustainability and lasting impact on the lives of women, families, and communities in Asheville, WNC,[GU2]  and beyond. With responsibilities ranging from cultivating major gifts and leading a robust annual fund to securing grants and managing special campaigns, the CAO will shape and deliver a comprehensive advancement strategy that supports long-term growth and aligns with the YWCA’s values.  The YWCA is looking for a leader who is ready for a multi-year commitment to build and see changes through fruition.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal Chief Advancement Officer will embody the YWCA’s mission and values, bringing expertise, vision, and a passion for equity and justice to the role. This leader will be a collaborative team-builder, an inspiring communicator, and a strategic thinker with a demonstrated ability to drive results.

Key Attributes

• Mission-Driven Leadership: A deep commitment to advancing racial and gender equity and addressing systemic injustices in the Asheville community and beyond.
• Collaborative and Accessible: Build trusting relationships with team members, board members, donors, and stakeholders through humility, authenticity, and approachability.
• Creative with Strategic Vision: Think creatively and strategically to design and implement solutions that ensure the YWCA’s financial sustainability and growth.
• Integrity and Accountability: Exhibit honesty, transparency, and reliability while fostering a culture of trust and mutual respect.

Key Skills

• Fundraising and Development: Demonstrated expertise in major gift cultivation, annual fund leadership, planned giving, and capital campaign management. Proven success in diversifying and sustaining revenue streams.  Must want to spend time investing in real relationships with donors and partners, including regular phone calls, in-person meetings, and thoughtful ways to engage and inform.
• Team Leadership and Mentorship: Ability to lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing team. Experience managing staff across multiple functions, including marketing, development, and grant writing.
• Excellent Communications: Strong storytelling, brand positioning, and public engagement skills to amplify the YWCA’s mission and programs.
• Financial and Operational Acumen: Experience in managing budgets, overseeing donor databases (e.g., Bloomerang), and aligning advancement efforts with organizational goals.

Key Experiences

• At least 7 years of nonprofit fundraising or related experience, with 4 years in a supervisory role.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts of $25,000 or more, building donor relationships, and successfully leading comprehensive fundraising initiatives.
• Experience leading marketing and communications strategies to build visibility and strengthen brand recognition.
• Knowledge and understanding of racial and gender equity issues in Asheville and the surrounding community.
• Familiarity with capital campaigns and the Benevon Model of Fundraising or similar approaches is a plus.

Why the YWCA of Asheville?

Established in 1907, YWCA Asheville is committed to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Our programs address the educational, health and wellness, and economic development needs of our community at the intersection of racial justice and women’s empowerment.

We build compassionate relationships that acknowledge our community's vulnerabilities, and guide individuals toward awareness, advocacy, self-sufficiency, and healing. Our vision is a world free from discrimination, where all women and families can reach their fullest potential. We proactively anticipate our community's evolving needs, crafting innovative solutions to address poverty, unsafe living conditions, childcare challenges, and unemployment.

In line with our mission, YWCA programs bridge gaps in education, health, childcare and earning power for women and families in our community.

Want to know more? Visit YWCA of Asheville’s website at https://www.ywcaofasheville.org/

To apply, click on the link to the Chief Advancement Officer position profile athttps://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs/chief-advancement-officer-ywca-of-asheville-job-1410/ You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and professional references. Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.

Salary is commensurate with the requirements of the position and the range is $80-$85,000 annually[GU3] . Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Benefits For You- Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Gym Membership
• Paid Time off plus 11 observed Holidays
• Cash balance defined benefit plan employer contributes 7% after two years of employment
• Employee Assistance Program

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination: We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not regard race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any protected class characteristic when seeking to hire. This practice, in addition to hiring, applies to our recruiting, training, transfers, promotions, job benefits, pay, dismissal practices, social and recreational activities, and any other term or condition of employment. We care about our employees, our candidates, and our community.