Job Summary:
The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO), reporting to the CEO, is a key member of Pace’s executive leadership team responsible for driving philanthropic growth, elevating brand visibility, and expanding the organization’s reach and impact. Leading all advancement functions—including fundraising, marketing and communications, and government relations—the CAO serves as Pace’s chief external ambassador and internal advancement strategist. This role partners closely with the CEO, Board, and executive team to align advancement efforts with organizational goals, secure diversified funding, and build meaningful relationships that support Pace’s mission to empower girls and young women.
The CAO is a collaborative, mission-driven leader who ensures Pace’s voice and value are recognized and sustained across communities and sectors.
Who We Are:
At Pace we transform girls’ lives through academic and counseling programs based on girl-centered, strength-based and trauma informed framework. Team members create a safe place for girls to learn, process, heal and begin again.Founded in 1985, Pace Center for Girls is a nonprofit organization that believes all girls, regardless of their story, deserve a safe and supportive space where they can become strong, compassionate and successful women.
Our Culture:
At Pace, our culture is built on core beliefs that foster a supportive, mission-driven, and empowering environment where girls can thrive and reach their full potential. Our culture is rooted in the following foundational behaviors:Caring – We are warm, sincere, compassionate, and collaborative, fostering an environment of support and connection.Purposeful – We are focused on our mission and committed to social responsibility, ensuring our efforts make a meaningful impact.Learning Oriented – We are open, inventive, and exploratory, continuously seeking growth and improvement.Results Driven – We are focused on achieving goals and measurable success, ensuring accountability and progress.Girl-Centered – The ways that girls learn and develop are unique.
That's why we've created an environment that responds to their needs so they can feel safe enough to develop meaningful and trusting relationships while embracing their capabilities, strengths and autonomy.Using Your Strengths – Every girl brings something exceptional to the table. At Pace, we focus on developing these special characteristics. By supporting a girl's talents and positive attributes we help her achieve her goals.Understanding Trauma – Trauma can alter the course of a girl's life. At Pace, we recognize that trauma may be the root cause of unhealthy behaviors, which is why we work hard to help heal and empower girls.
What We Offer:
- Growth and Development - Competitive salaries, ongoing learning and development opportunities, and subject-specific instructional coaching to support growth and success.
- Work Life Balance – Team members benefit from 20 paid time off days, 14 paid national holidays, and an additional 5 days for wellness week. Center based team members observe a balanced schedule with 230 academic days and 20 dedicated in-service planning days. Teachers become eligible to receive an additional 2 weeks of paid time off after one year of employment.
- Comprehensive Benefits - Full-time team members are eligible for a range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, critical illness, accident coverage, legal and identity theft protection, and a 403(b)-retirement plan. Team members working 30 or more hours per week are eligible for medical, dental, FSA, HSA, and the 403(b)-retirement plan. Those working less than 30 hours per week are eligible for the 403(b)-retirement plan.
- Mental Health and Well-Being - All team members have access to wellness resources, offering wellness rewards, counseling sessions, leadership coaching, mindfulness resources, and more to support their overall well-being.
What This Role Does:
Leadership & Vision – Champion Mission, Inspire Change
- Provide clear, inspiring leadership that exemplifies Pace’s mission, values, and girl-centered philosophy.
- Build trusted, long-term relationships with the Board of Trustees, donors, policymakers, community leaders, and external partners.
- Serve as Pace’s primary public advocate and voice in support of girls and young women.
- Partner with the CEO to fulfill strategic direction and organizational goals.
Advancement Management – Ensure Excellence & Scalability
- Oversee branding, marketing communications, fundraising, and government affairs efforts across all locations and platforms.
- Drive organizational growth while maintaining financial health, compliance, and mission alignment.
- Recommend and implement improvements to advancement operations, systems, and structures to meet evolving needs.
Fundraising & Development – Drive Revenue Growth
- Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure private giving, corporate donations, grants, and other revenue sources.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and government entities.
- Lead major fundraising campaigns and initiatives to support Pace’s programs and services.
- Monitor and analyze fundraising performance, ensuring alignment with financial goals and mission impact.
Internal Relationships & Customer Service – Foster Collaboration & Tailored Support
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with Pace centers and the national office to understand and address their unique needs.
- Shape advancement services to provide excellent customer service and support tailored to the specific needs of each center.
- Ensure alignment and consistency in messaging and branding across all locations.
Strategic Planning & Evolution – Shape the Future
- Lead the development and execution of a forward-thinking advancement strategy in collaboration with the CEO and executive leadership.
- Set clear priorities, goals, and accountability metrics aligned with Pace’s long-term vision.
- Prepare the organization for future transitions by ensuring sustainability, adaptability, and resilience.
Culture & Communication – Cultivate Engagement & Trust
- Foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive culture where girls and team members feel valued and empowered.
- Model transparency, active listening, and collaborative decision-making.
- Communicate consistently and authentically with internal and external audiences to maintain trust and alignment.
Supervisory & Organizational Oversight – Build & Empower High-Performing Teams
- Directly supervise the advancement team, ensuring strong alignment with Pace’s goals, values, and policies.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
- Invest in leadership development and succession planning across all levels of the organization.
Additional Responsibilities
- Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.
- Participate in required trainings, meetings, and organizational events.
What We Require for the Job:
- Strategic, forward-thinking executive with a deep connection to Pace’s mission and commitment to excellence and justice for girls.
- Skilled relationship-builder who leads with humility, cultural competence, and emotional intelligence.
- Results-oriented leader who can balance vision with execution, growth with sustainability.
- Credible advocate who understands the complexities and systemic challenges impacting girls and their families.
Core Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of senior executive leadership, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, team leadership, fundraising, and external partnerships.
- Strong financial management skills including budgeting, forecasting, and grant oversight.
- Experience in youth services or with programs that support girls facing systemic barriers is highly preferred.
Preferred Attributes
- A passion for trauma-informed, strength-based, and girl-centered approaches.
- Experience leading organizations through growth, transformation, or change.
- Proven ability to navigate and influence public policy and advocacy efforts.
Other
- Expected to complete and participate in all required trainings and drills
- Required to align with the Mission, Values, and Guiding Principles, maintain ethical standards, and comply with all policies and procedures of Pace Center for Girls
