Chief Advancement Officer

Since 1965 Lifeworks Services Inc. (Lifeworks) has advanced disability inclusion. From grassroots beginnings Lifeworks has evolved alongside people with disabilities and their families supporting over 5500 people annually. Lifeworks reimagines whats possible through innovative solutions for careers daily activities community engagement and in-home services. It collaborates with employers communities and government agencies to co-create expanded opportunities that build more accessible equitable and diverse communities.

Today Lifeworks has four physical locations in Apple Valley New Hope Mankato and Richfield. Its reach extends to 65 of Minnesotas counties and the organization partners with a network of over 450 businesses nonprofits and community organizations.

Through its core services more than 500 people receive Employment support over 200 people connect with their communities through Day Support and 2400 Minnesotans self-direct their care through Lifeworks. In 2024 Lifeworks launched disability inclusion and consulting services educating over 1600 individuals.

As an advocate for inclusion Lifeworks is resolutely committed to self-determined support careers with competitive wages and developing innovative opportunities that enhance everyday lives. The Lifeworks leadership team and employees embrace a common set of core values to guide their work:

• You Lead the Way. We Listen. We honor choice and pursue opportunities with community at the heart of our work.
• Together We Break Down Barriers. We seek diverse perspectives advance accessibility and encourage a sense of belonging for all.
• We Focus on Impact. We hold ourselves to the highest standards. We share expertise and collaborate to find solutions that address the whole picture.
• We Reinvent Whats Possible. We take chances and welcome the unknown. We learn from the past and lean into the future.

Lifeworks has recently refreshed its strategic plan which includes the following key pillars:

• Expanding to underserved geographies and populations
• Growing disability inclusion training and consulting services
• Launching the Lifeworks Centers for Disability Inclusion
• Strengthening the culture of excellence
• Modernizing IT systems for scalability

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Position Summary

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a new position at Lifeworks. This strategic leader will lead the organizations development and marketing teams and be a key member of Lifeworks leadership team. The CAO will be instrumental in cultivating a culture of philanthropy across the organization working closely with both executive leaders and the Board of Directors. The CAO will play a key role in defining a broader definition of philanthropy to generate multifaceted value in support of the mission.

The CAO will be a passionate champion for Lifeworks philanthropic vision leading the design and implementation of fundraising strategy capital campaigns and special funding initiatives that attract and steward the financial resources required to fulfill the organizations mission. Beyond fundraising the CAO will provide strategic leadership across both development and marketing/communications ensuring a unified and compelling message to all stakeholders.

The CAO is expected to be highly engaged in the funding community and a contributor to increasing the visibility and enhancing the perception of Lifeworks both regionally and nationally.

Reports to: CEO

Direct Reports: VP of Marketing VP of Fund Development

Other key relationships: Chief Financial Officer Chief People Officer Chief Growth Officer

Position Location: Richfield Minnesota

Compensation: Base salary range $190K-220K plus up to 20% bonus potential.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Strategic Leadership

• As a critical member of the executive team partner with peers to shape and execute on the organizations long-term vision and strategy and annual goals and objectives.
• Actively build a culture of philanthropy across Lifeworks deepening understanding and appreciation for the impact of philanthropy. Inspire a shared commitment to leveraging philanthropy as a powerful driver in achieving the organizations mission and realizing its full potential.
• Lead with mission-driven passion and confidence to tackle Lifeworks big goals from effective storytelling to engaging board members to developing corporate employment partners and revitalizing volunteers and more.
• Proactively work to ensure effective collaboration coordination and communication across the organization to leverage impact internally and externally to maximize relationships and ROIs.
• Participate in Board of Directors meetings and play an active leadership role on the Development Committee in coordination with the Committee Chair.
• Ensure that systems and infrastructure are in place to support effective development operations and donor engagement.

Development Leadership

• Develop execute and advance the vision for philanthropic development and ensure operational plans are aligned with strategic directives.
• Lead the team involved in the creation and execution of annual and multi-year fundraising strategies plans and goals.
• Identify new philanthropic revenue opportunities that address emerging priorities.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategy for special events to increase Lifeworks financial return and standing in the community including sponsorships partnerships and grant management.
• Be a visible and proactive leader within the communities Lifeworks serves with a particular focus on the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area.
• Build and nurture relationships with major donors foundations and key stakeholders to strengthen the organizations presence and impact.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Ensure appropriate people systems and processes are in place to actively engage and cultivate Lifeworks community of supporters those who give advocate and volunteer. Deepen understanding and appreciation of the development function and unlock the full potential of philanthropy to advance the organizations mission.
• Serve as lead fundraising strategist engaging prospects and donors in effective cultivation solicitation and stewardship ensuring best practices are adopted.
• Personally steward a portfolio of key donors and model effective donor cultivation.
• Help the organization sustain and grow relationships with current and past donors and capital campaign funders.

Marketing and Communications Leadership

• Proactively work to ensure effective collaboration coordination and communication across all parts of Lifeworks.
• Oversee and ensure a consistent compelling message to the public and funders.
• Ensure donor communications are relevant impactful and timely finding creative ways to keep donors and stakeholders close.
• Serve as a chief external ambassador speaking on behalf of the organization to donors media and community partners.
• Partner with CEO and CGO to expand Lifeworks thought leadership and influence in the disability inclusion landscape.

People & Cultural Leadership

• Lead and develop an energized motivated cross-functional team that drives revenue production and excellent donor experiences by leveraging the unique strengths of team members.
• Regularly review and evaluate staffing model priorities and efficiencies. Make recommendations to optimize team performance ensuring a culture of excellence.
• Coach staff department leaders the President/CEO the Board and volunteers in cultivating major donor/funder relationships and solicitation of major gifts and grants.
• Champion a culture of innovation by remaining open to new ideas embracing continuous learning and demonstrating the flexibility needed to adapt and support change as opportunities arise.
• Build and lead a high-performing development staff to significantly expand philanthropic support from individuals foundations and government.
• Ensure that staff have development opportunities to enhance their skills and support their professional growth.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be an innovative and forward-thinking advancement leader with strong strategic marketing acumen and a proven track record of achieving ambitious financial goals and advancing key business objectives. They will have experience leading leaders working with a board and/or senior executives and managing a variety of funding sources.

This individual will be deeply aligned with the mission of Lifeworks energized by collaboration and thrive in a dynamic fast-paced environment. They must model a growth mindset and transparent communication actively champion inclusion and equity and engage meaningfully with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. This leader will foster a supportive collaborative team culture that empowers others and drives collective success.

Leadership Competencies Expected

Strategic Acumen:: Understands the market identifies trends and drives the organization to create comprehensive competitive and breakthrough strategies. Prioritizes strategically leading the organization to pursue and capitalize on the best opportunities.

Transformational Leadership:: Defines a clear vision for reinventing the function to better align with the enterprises strategic priorities. Empowers employees at various levels within the function to act on that vision. Actively drives the transformation by celebrating short-term wins and sharing learnings.

Champions Innovation:: Constructively challenges the prevailing wisdom or accepted ways of doing things. Pushes the organization to identify new approaches and uncover unconventional ideas that drive value using data and insights. Supports well-reasoned risks and new ideas.

Fosters Collaboration:: Creates an environment that supports collaboration by facilitating communication and coordination across all parts of the organization. Intentionally invests in building productive relationships and trust encourages healthy discourse and ensures that diverse viewpoints are explored. Builds an intentional and cohesive culture that aligns functional agendas and unites the team.

Builds Talent:: Develops and maintains high-performing teams and coaches other leaders to develop their own leadership capabilities. Ensures all leaders and team members challenge and support each other while respecting others unique roles and contributions.

• 5 years of experience as a top-level executive including experience as an engaged member of an executive team.
• Demonstrated success balancing organizational cross-functional and development team strategies goals and initiatives.
• 15 years of experience in fund development in a dynamic and complex nonprofit environment with a demonstrated understanding of marketing communications and philanthropic trends.
• 5 years of successful staff management and development including leading leaders.
• Demonstrated success setting and implementing a cohesive advancement strategy and building out the function and team.
• Experience with campaign leadership annual giving programs and development operations.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including presentation and public speaking; enjoys discussion and debate.
• Current active network of high-level donors emerging donors and foundation leadership in Minnesota preferred.
• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred. Fundraising certification such as CFRE or ACFRE preferred.

Compensation

Base salary range $190K-220K plus up to 20% bonus potential

Best-in-class benefits package including:

• Comprehensive health coverage including extensive medical dental and vision plans with low premiums and copays covering a wide range of services. Additionally offering short-term and long-term disability life insurance.
• Retirement Plans offering competitive 403(b) employer contributions up to 7%.
• Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives to foster a diverse equitable inclusive and accessible workplace.
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday pay.

To Apply

Lifeworks has partnered with Doran Leadership Partners to lead this search. Please send your interest resume or nomination to or to . Cover letters are welcomed but not required. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled and review of candidates will begin right away.

Lifeworks hybrid work model and inclusive culture emphasize collaboration interpersonal relationships and high-quality performance. Presence on-site or in-person will be defined by the needs of the business.

All employees are expected to follow all policies and procedures. These policies and procedures can be found in the employee handbook. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills efforts duties responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. Nothing in this job description restricts managements right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Lifeworks strives to be radically accessible diverse equitable and inclusive. We appreciate the vibrancy of differences center the voices of silenced and marginalized people and champion universal rights.

Lifeworks is committed to hiring people from a variety of diverse cultures with diverse life experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex age national origin protected veteran status disability status sexual orientation gender identity or expression marital status familial status; genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Lifeworks is an equal opportunity employer and encourages members of diverse groups to apply.