Chief Advancement Officer

Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) is a 200-year Boston-based nonprofit that transforms lives by partnering with families to move out of poverty and provides other organizations with the tools to do the same.

As a leading nonprofit innovator that combines direct services, a global learning network, robust research, and advocacy, we offer a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.

We are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and believe that diverse perspectives and experiences are crucial to our mission of disrupting poverty.

What will you be doing? Making an impact every day.

The Chief Advancement Officer will help to develop, implement, and articulate a strategic vision for the organization that focuses on strategic growth—in program reach and effectiveness, in influence and brand recognition, and in revenue—while maintaining operational efficiency. As a member of the executive team, the CDO will help to drive the development of plans around new strategic priorities, and will build new partnerships to grow and sustain the organization. The CDO will oversee a portfolio that includes: 1) fundraising; 2) communications; and 3) marketing.

CDO, reporting to the CEO, will play a key role in the organization by focusing on EMPath’s future development and direction; including leading efforts for launching a multi-million-dollar comprehensive impact campaign. The CDO will:

• Lead fundraising efforts to ensure that EMPath has the revenue to achieve its strategic priorities, with a goal of expanding and diversifying EMPath’s revenue, growing the foundation portfolio, and expanding its planned gifts, and major donor program.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy and ensure that fund development is executed and aligned with the values, vision, mission, and strategic direction of the organization.
• Work with EMPath leadership, board, and other stakeholders to coordinate, plan, and execute strategy for new priorities, including those that may form the case for support for a comprehensive campaign.
• Develop a multi-year, multi-million-dollar campaign that supports EMPath’s bold vision.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with board members, major donors, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee communications for the organization, identifying key themes and talking points for the organization, and driving the organization’s overall communications strategy.
• Oversee efforts to revitalize a robust Story Sharing Network of EMPath participants, focused on ethical story-telling.
• Plan and oversee fundraising events, like annual galas and house parties.
• Lead, support, develop, and mentor a dedicated team responsible for fundraising, communications, and implementing strategic priorities that advance the organization.
• Serve as a liaison to the Board’s Institutional Advancement Committee.

What qualifications do you need to be successful in this role?

• A minimum of 10 years leadership experience in a nonprofit, or similar organization, with demonstrated experience managing high-performing fundraising teams.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and implementing a successful, comprehensive fund development program and preparing an annual development work plan and budget to achieve goals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with board members, donors of major gifts, foundation personnel, and other key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in securing new foundation grants of six-figures and up.
• Demonstrated success with generating increased funds from individual donors, both major donors and annual appeals, through a coordinated, strategic approach. Knowledge of planned giving and experience with online fundraising.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to represent the organization externally across a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies.
• Strong relationship builder with the ability to find common ground, build consensus, and strengthen collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks, and ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Baseline certification in fundraising, the CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive), or equivalent experience is required.
• Ability to take the initiative to identify and act on problems and lead by example.

Ways to stand out in the crowd

• Passion for EMPath’s mission and demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience leading multi-million dollar ($25M+) fundraising campaigns.
• Proven track record leading fundraising efforts for a $15M+ organization.
• Bilingualism is a plus!

Tell Us About Yourself! To be considered for this role, please submit a cover letter. Your written presentation and interest in the EMPath mission are crucial aspects of our selection process.

Why EMPath?

The meaningful work! The organization and your colleagues are committed to disrupting poverty and supporting families as they work towards their biggest goals.

Collaborative team environment! You’ll join a team that values teamwork, and shares knowledge and ideas – all working towards shared goals for elevating the good work of the organization and the participants in our programs.

Work-life balance: 4-day work week. Hybrid office environment: Executive Staff are 3 days in-office in our Boston Seaport office, 1 day remote. 4 weeks of paid time off & 10 paid holidays.

Benefits: Competitive salary, retirement planning and competitive healthcare benefits.

EMPath is committed to recruiting, hiring, and sustaining a diverse workforce. All qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, sexuality, age, disability, or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.

All offers of employment at EMPath are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check.