At Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Indiana, we believe families belong together, especially during life's hardest moments. Every day, our team shows up for families navigating medical crises with compassion, steadiness, and heart. We're now seeking a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead the fundraising and storytelling that make this mission possible.
This is a senior leadership role for a seasoned advancement professional who has successfully led development and marketing teams, built authentic donor relationships, and personally closed major gifts of $10,000 and above. If you thrive in a fast-paced, people-centered environment where strategy, empathy, and execution all matter, this role offers meaningful work and deep impact.
Why This Role Matters
As Chief Advancement Officer, you'll steward the relationships and resources that allow families to stay close to their children during medical care. You'll lead a talented Development & Marketing team, partner closely with the CEO and Board, and spend significant time in the community meeting donors, attending events, and creating unforgettable mission moments that inspire generosity.
You'll also be part of an organization that takes excellent care of its team, knowing that people who support families in crisis deserve support themselves.
What Success Looks Like
The right leader for this role will:
- Bring a proven track record as a major gifts officer, personally cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors at the $10K+ level
- Have successfully led and developed high-performing development and marketing teams, balancing strategy with hands-on leadership
- Keep many plates spinning masterfully, navigating donor portfolios, campaigns, events, and people leadership with confidence and grace
- Be an exceptional people leader - coaching, mentoring, and inspiring others while fostering accountability and collaboration
- Build authentic relationships with donors, board members, community partners, and hospital partners rooted in trust and empathy
- Be energized by a role that includes on-site presence in downtown Indianapolis, frequent donor meetings, and occasional evenings and events
What You'll Do
- Lead a comprehensive advancement strategy across major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, grants, events, marketing, and communications
- Personally manage and grow a robust portfolio of major donors and prospects
- Guide and support Development & Marketing team members in achieving ambitious, mission-aligned goals
- Partner with the CEO and Board to articulate a compelling case for support and long-term fundraising priorities
- Ensure donors experience meaningful stewardship and connection to the families they support
- Represent the organization with warmth, credibility, and professionalism throughout the community
What We Offer
- Purpose-driven leadership work with visible, human impact
- A collaborative, values-based culture that genuinely cares for its people
- A chance to lead with both head and heart - and see the difference your work makes every day
- Competitive compensation and benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance that is 100% paid for employees
- Retirement plan with match
- Generous time off
- Life insurance and ancillary benefits
If you're a relationship-builder, strategic leader, and fundraiser who finds energy in meaningful connection and community impact, we'd love to meet you.
