Chief Advancement Officer

About the Cayton Children’s Museum

We are on a mission to serve the many communities that make up the greater Los Angeles area through engaging exhibits and playful learning opportunities as well as relevant and responsive programming. The Cayton Children’s Museum is a nonprofit organization that activates the power of PLAY to enrich the lives of children and their families, build stronger, more connected communities, and create a better world. We strive to nurture children of all backgrounds and abilities to become engaged citizens of the world by facilitating collaborative, experiential learning and creative expression, both in our Museum space and through our community programs.

The Cayton Children’s Museum is at an inflection point and charting a course for the future. It’s an exciting time in the evolution of the organization, marked by rapid change and opportunity. 

About the Role

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a key executive leadership role responsible for leading all fundraising, marketing, and community outreach efforts at Cayton Children’s Museum. The CAO will work closely with the Museum's Executive Team and Board of Directors to set and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy to support the Museum’s growth, sustainability, and mission. This position requires an experienced, passionate, and results-driven individual with a deep understanding of philanthropic engagement, community relationships, and the ability to inspire stakeholders at all levels.

The CAO will oversee the launch of a new $5MM Campaign Initiative in Summer ‘25 and build the new advancement team to steward this project, as well as all of the Children’s Museum’s philanthropic relationships beyond. Overall, the CAO will be responsible for creating and implementing strategies to enhance the Museum's donor base, increase philanthropic contributions, and engage new foundation, community, and corporate partners. The CAO will also be responsible for developing and managing high-level donor/major gift relationships, guiding the Museum’s messaging and public relations strategies, and leading fundraising initiatives such as major gifts, annual giving, and special campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Fundraising:
   1. Lead the development and execution of the Museum's fundraising strategy, including individual, corporate, foundation, and government giving.
   2. Cultivate and manage relationships with major donors, prospective donors, and key partners.
   3. Develop, implement, and monitor progress toward fundraising goals to ensure the Museum meets its annual and long-term revenue objectives.
   4. Oversee major capital campaigns, bi-annual appeals, planned giving, and special events to maximize funding opportunities.
   5. Develop and execute strategies for membership programs, annual giving, and planned giving. 

1. Team Leadership & Development:
   1. Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of advancement professionals to deliver high-impact fundraising campaigns, assist in the stewardship of donor relations, and lead exemplary grants proposal-crafting, award management, and reporting systems.
   2. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment within the advancement team, ensuring continued professional growth and development.
   3. Oversee staff performance, provide coaching, and ensure the team achieves goals in alignment with the Museum’s mission. 

1. Board & Stakeholder Engagement:
   1. Partner with the Board of Directors to identify, recruit, and cultivate new board members, advising them on their philanthropic role and the Museum’s overall fundraising priorities.
   2. Prepare regular reports and updates for the Board, ensuring strong communication and alignment between staff and Board leadership on fundraising strategies and outcomes.
   3. Support Board members in their individual fundraising efforts and expand their engagement with key donors. 

1. Communications & Community Relations:
   1. Develop and execute a strategic communications plan to promote the Museum’s fundraising efforts and expand awareness of the Museum’s programs and impact.
   2. Collaborate with the marketing and communications teams to ensure cohesive messaging across all channels and campaigns.
   3. Represent the Museum at high-profile events, conferences, and other community engagement opportunities to strengthen visibility and external relationships.

1. Financial Oversight & Reporting:
   1. Develop and manage an annual advancement budget, ensuring all campaigns and activities are financially sustainable.
   2. Provide detailed reports on the status of fundraising goals, progress, and performance metrics to senior leadership and the Board.
   3. Ensure proper stewardship of all donations and adherence to all legal and ethical guidelines related to charitable contributions.

-- Other duties as assigned. --

Characteristics

The Chief Advancement Officer will exhibit personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the vision and purpose of the Cayton Children’s Museum, as well as embody these attributes: 

• Positive attitude and a true interest in serving people inside and outside the organization
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and achieving goals
• Team player willing to work together to advance the organization
• Unflappable, committed to creative problem-solving, even under pressure.

Education

Degree in Business (MBA), Masters in Nonprofit Fundraising, or related experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising
• Experience building a fundraising program – ex. annual fund program, major giving, planned giving, etc.  
• Track record of leading fundraising efforts in medium-large organizations, including the development of comprehensive fund development strategies, oversight of annual fundraising events, effective departmental budget and operations management, and the successful cultivation and stewardship of strong donor relationships resulting in corporate and foundation grants and major donor gifts.
• Experience designing and overseeing effective strategic marketing and communications programs, including a comprehensive strategic communications and narrative strategy that illuminates organizational growth and impact.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financials and the ability to manage and report on budgets.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and senior executives to drive fundraising strategy.

Physical Requirements

The person in this position must be able to:

• Sit, stand and/or move about for sustained periods of time
• Lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.

Skills

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. 
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities.
• Bilingual English/Spanish, both written and oral, a plus
• Ability to both lead and join/support a team as necessary
• Excellent project management and documentation skill set required. Experience with Asana a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

• 36-month contracted position, with key deliverables (by timeline). Contract may be renewed or converted to permanent, subject to mutual agreement
• $115-$125K Annually
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Retirement plan
• Health and childcare flexible accounts
• Vacation and sick days; paid holidays
• Parking, Commuter, and Cell Phone benefits

The Cayton Children’s Museum is an equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position complies with California wage and hour laws, including overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, and minimum wage requirements.

Adherence to California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA) standards to ensure a safe working environment.

To apply, please send CV/Resume, Cover Letter, and relevant Portfolio examples, all as a single PDF, to development@caytonmuseum.org

Salary : $115,000 - $125,000