Chief Advancement Officer
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida (Conservancy) is a leading environmental conservation organization dedicated to protecting the water, land and wildlife which make this region such a special place. As the population in Southwest Florida grows, so do the demands placed on its unique, natural resources. For more than 60 years, the Conservancy has worked with community leaders, businesses, partner agencies and individuals to find a sensible balance between the demands of a growing population and the preservation of our natural treasures.
The Conservancy has 60+ employees, 400 active volunteers, an $11 million annual budget and is governed by a dedicated 30-member Board of Directors. For more information about the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, please visit https://www.conservancy.org.
The Conservancy is now entering its 61st year of protecting Southwest Florida’s unique natural environment and quality of life now and forever. Though the Conservancy has remained a dynamic, effective force for conservation, the challenges from rapid growth, loss of natural habitat, water quality issues, climate change impacts and invasive species are demanding new levels of conservation strategy engagement. This, paired with an environment of rising costs, equates to a need to raise significantly more philanthropic resources in the next 5 – 10 years to ensure success.
Within the past year, the Conservancy kicked off the silent phase of the Now and Forever Campaign, a $70 - $80 million initiative focused on growing the sustainability of the endowment to ensure long-term institutional stability and core program effectiveness. It was announced in January 2025 that the organization received a generous $25 million gift, one of the largest gifts in Florida’s history to a conservation organization. The organization will open the Carol and John Walter Nature Experience in 2028.
Building upon the momentum from that commitment, the Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) will run the campaign on behalf of the organization and serve as the staff lead for the Campaign Committee. This leader will work closely with the CEO and campaign counsel on strategy, donor stewardship and solicitation. In addition to the capital campaign, the CAO will serve as the chief strategist overseeing the development department and marketing and communications teams. This leader will provide key strategic visioning and execution which will be critical to the functioning of the organization’s donor solicitation (through the campaign, the annual fund, planned gifts, events, etc.).
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is responsible for strategizing, planning, coordinating and implementing a broad-based, multi-constituency development program, including capital campaigns and major gift initiatives, annual giving including membership, and restricted special initiatives. As a key member of the Conservancy’s executive management team, this role will ensure success by supporting a culture of philanthropy across the organization, contributing to strategic planning and direction and strengthening the overall development focus within the organization.
Reporting to the President & CEO, this position requires a proven leader with demonstrated success in overseeing comprehensive fundraising programs in complex and diverse organizations, including capital campaigns, annual campaigns, online giving, special events, membership programs, planned giving, prospect research, new market development and corporate/foundation giving.
The salary range for this position is between $250,000 - $275,000 and will be commensurate with experience. The Conservancy offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to paid holidays, vacation, group health, vision and dental, as well as a generous 401k plan.
To apply, please submit a current resume and letter of introduction to Kittleman & Associates, LLC at https://apptrkr.com/5993362 (click on the Apply button at the bottom of the page). For best consideration, please submit your application by March 27, 2025.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Conservancy is an equal employment opportunity employer and, in making employment decisions, does not discriminate against any person because of race, creed, color, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual or gender orientation, veteran status or any other category protected by federal, state or local law. All such discrimination is unlawful and prohibited by the Conservancy