VP of Advancement

About the role

The Vice President of Advancement serves as the organization's lead advancement strategist, responsible for designing, leading, and executing a comprehensive approach to fundraising, communications, marketing, partnerships, and brand to drive sustainable growth and statewide impact for Communities In Schools of North Carolina (CISNC).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive organizational advancement and external relations strategy aligned with CISNC’s strategic plan and growth goals.
• Partner with the President/CEO and leadership team to strengthen the organization’s visibility, partnerships, and philanthropic investment.
• Identify opportunities to expand CISNC’s reach and impact through strategic relationships and partnerships.
• Support and develop board relationships to open doors to new opportunities for the organization.
• Lead and manage all fundraising strategies, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, campaigns and shared networkwide fundraising.
• Leverage executive-level networks and partnerships with business leaders, philanthropic organizations, and community stakeholders to expand CISNC’s reach, influence, and philanthropic support.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee grant strategy, writing, and management.
• Develop and execute fundraising campaigns and events that strengthen philanthropic engagement.
• Develop and lead strategic public awareness and media campaigns that elevate CISNC’s visibility across the affiliate network, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and highlight measurable student outcomes.
• Lead the organization’s communications and marketing strategy to elevate CISNC’s brand and impact across North Carolina.
• Oversee external communications, storytelling, media relations, and digital presence.
• Build and steward relationships with key partners including business leaders, philanthropy, community organizations, and education stakeholders.
• Serve as an ambassador for CISNC, representing the organization in external forums and events.
• Oversee advancement staff and consultants responsible for communications, development, marketing, and donor engagement.
• Ensure strong systems for prospect research, donor stewardship, and database management.
• Establish metrics to measure effectiveness of fundraising and communications efforts.

Requirements

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree preferred.
• 8–10+ years of leadership experience in fundraising, communications, marketing, external relations, organizational advancement, or related fields.
• Proven track record of securing philanthropic investments and building strong donor relationships, including experience with major gifts, corporate partnerships, and foundation funding.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic communications or public relations initiatives, including media campaigns or public awareness efforts that resulted in measurable outcomes such as increased visibility, engagement, or philanthropic investment.
• Established network of relationships with senior leaders across philanthropy, business, media, and community organizations, with the ability to leverage those connections to advance organizational goals.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in nonprofit, education, community-based, corporate, or cross-sector environments is strongly valued.
• Commitment to the mission of Communities In Schools and improving outcomes for students.
• Must be able to see, hear and move about the office.
• Must be able to lift 20 lbs.
• Must be willing to travel up to 10%.

Qualifications

• Student-Centered
• Integrity and Accountability
• Collaboration
• Impact-Driven Excellence
• Respect

Skills

• Effective Professional Communication
• Fundraising
• Collaboration
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Decision Making and Judgement
• Interpersonal Skills
• Planning and Organizing
• Project Management
• Relationship Building
• Researching Information
• Strategic Vision
• Creative and Innovative Thinking

Benefits

We offer outstanding benefits including medical, dental, vision, short-term disability and 403(b) match and MORE!!! We offer paid vacation, wellness time and holidays. Our team is friendly, fun and collaborative.