Chief Business Development and Advancement Officer

At Aspire Living & Learning we believe in the power of growth partnership and possibility to advance our mission. TheChief Business Development & Advancement Officer (CBDAO) is a key member of Aspires Executive Leadership Team and serves as the strategic quarterback for the organizations external growth driving affiliations partnerships and new opportunities that strengthen Aspires long-term sustainability and impact.

Reporting directly to the CEO the CBDAO leads an integrated portfolio that includes Business Development Philanthropy and Advocacy & Government Affairs with business development as the primary focus. This leader will bring structure discipline and strategy to how Aspire evaluates pursues and executes growth opportunities while also shaping the organizations presence with funders policymakers and partners.

This role calls for a relationship-driven strategist who is as comfortable in boardrooms and legislative meetings as they are in program settings. The CBDAO will translate mission into momentum opening doors to new affiliations deepening donor and government relationships and ensuring Aspire remains a strong forward-looking voice in the human services and IDD landscape.

What Youll Do:

Strategic Leadership

• Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team in driving strategic visibility growth and influence.

• Provide strategic oversight for a unified advancement strategy encompassing philanthropy advocacy and business development.

• Foster cross-organizational collaboration to align external initiatives with Aspires mission strategic plan and growth goals.

• Represent Aspire externally cultivating relationships and partnerships that enhance organizational reputation and impact.

Business Development

• Provide strategic direction for identifying and pursuing mission-aligned growth opportunities partnerships and new revenue streams.

• Collaborate with the Director of Business Development to strengthen Aspires position in competitive and emerging markets.

• Oversee the development and negotiation of contracts service lines and collaborations that advance Aspires mission and financial sustainability.

Philanthropy & Fundraising

• Partner with the Director of Philanthropy to design and implement strategies that deepen donor engagement and expand philanthropic investment.

• Champion a culture of generosity and storytelling that connects supporters to Aspires mission and measurable impact.

• Strengthen Aspires capacity for grant acquisition and stewardship through systems processes and relationship management.

Advocacy & Government Affairs

• Shape and guide Aspires advocacy agenda at local state and federal levels in partnership with the CEO and state leaders.

• Cultivate and sustain relationships with policymakers associations and coalitions to advance the rights and inclusion of people with IDD.

• Monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory developments affecting Aspires mission and operations.

Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Chief People & Culture Officer and the Marketing & Communications team to ensure that advancement strategies messaging and storytelling are aligned across all audiences.

• Collaborate with Finance Operations and Clinical teams to ensure business development and fundraising efforts are data-informed integrated and sustainable.

Our Ideal Candidate:

• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in advancement external affairs or related fields including at least 5 years in senior leadership.

• Demonstrated success leading integrated strategies across fundraising advocacy and business development.

• Deep understanding of nonprofit strategy and mission-driven growth.

• Exceptional relationship-building communication and storytelling skills.

• Experience within human services education or the IDD field strongly preferred.

Aspire Living & Learnings Internal Mobility Policy ensures an equitable and efficient internal mobility system that aligns with the agencys commitment to professional development and growth. This policy fosters a culture of mobility within the organization aiming to provide employees with opportunities for career advancement and fulfillment. Please reference the Internal Mobility Policy to review the process to be considered for other jobs at Aspire Living & Learning.

Lateral Transfers: You do not need to submit an application at this time. You need to let your HR Partner know youre interested in being considered for the position. Your HR Partner will be the point of contact between you your current manager and your hiring manager.

Promotions/ Cross-functional jobs: Please let your HR partner know youre interested in being considered for the position and they will confirm your eligibility to apply. Once you speak with your HR Partner please submit an application.

Below is the name and information of your HR Partners to be contacted prior to applying for a promotion or cross-functional opportunity.

Connecticut (AS) employees: Heather Murphy

Connecticut (Child Services) employees: Wanetta Wilcher

Maryland employees: Debbie Duran dduran@

Massachusetts employees: Michelle Cutting

New Hampshire employees: Michelle Cutting

Vermont employees: Judy Stermer

Shared Services and Agency Leadership:Judy Stermer