Chief Advancement Officer

About the role

Partners Worldwide (PW) is a global network of businesspeople working together to end poverty through entrepreneurship and job creation. We believe that all people are image bearers of God and have the right to live an abundant life. Through locally rooted, globally connected partnerships, we work to grow and sustain businesses that create jobs and strengthen communities.

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is responsible for growing the relationships and resources that fuel Partners Worldwide’s global work. This role brings fundraising, marketing and communications, and volunteer engagement together under one strategy. It's a broad leadership role that connects resource development, engagement, and storytelling in a way that works together as a whole.

Responsibilities

The CAO will lead and develop a high-performing team while also personally engaging major donors and key partners. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading a unified strategy across fundraising, marketing and communications, and volunteer engagement
• Partnering with the CEO and leadership team to align priorities, messaging, and growth
• Building, leading, and developing a high-performing, collaborative team
• Establishing clear goals and using data to track progress and inform decisions
• Strengthening alignment across the advancement team so functions operate in an integrated, collaborative way

The CAO will also lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, campaigns, and grants, and personally manage key donor and partner relationships.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, advancement, or related fields
• Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising (including six- and seven-figure gifts) and campaign leadership
• Experience working with senior leaders and boards in fundraising and relationship development
• Experience overseeing or partnering closely with marketing/communications and engagement functions

Skills & Competencies

The CAO should possess:

• Integrated Leadership: Sees the whole system, aligning people, partnerships, and financial resources into a cohesive advancement approach
• Relational & Partnership-Oriented: Builds trust quickly and fosters strong, reciprocal relationships across the network, centering local partners and shared purpose
• Strategic Execution: Translates vision into clear plans and priorities, with disciplined follow-through and a focus on outcomes
• Communication & Story: Communicates with clarity and purpose, using story to engage diverse audiences and inspire meaningful action
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Leads across functions, integrating marketing, fundraising, and volunteer engagement in a coordinated way

Benefits

Partners Worldwide offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package, flexible paid time off, and a culture that supports healthy rhythms of work and rest. The organization also provides professional development opportunities and ongoing learning.

Pay and Schedule

While specific pay details are not provided, the role is expected to be competitive. The CAO is expected to travel up to 40% of the time, with travel primarily across North America and regular international travel as the global network grows.