CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER
OLV Charities, Buffalo, NY
Review the full Position Profile HERE
THE OPPORTUNITY
OLV Charities, the philanthropic and support arm for OLV Human Services, OLV National Shrine & Basilica and related ministries founded by Father Nelson Baker, seeks its next Chief Advancement Officer (CAO). The ideal CAO will be a strategic, mission-driven, and relationship-centered advancement leader. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the executive leadership team.
As OLV Charities nears completion of a major capital campaign supporting OLV National Shrine & Basilica and related ministries, the organization is preparing to launch its next phase of philanthropic growth and donor engagement. The CAO will play a central role in shaping and executing this next chapter—strengthening annual giving, expanding major and planned gifts, enhancing donor engagement, and building the systems and relationships necessary to support long-term sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to lead advancement across a deeply respected, faith-based organization with a broad portfolio of ministries serving thousands of individuals and families annually.
This role is ideal for a seasoned advancement leader who brings both strategic vision and hands-on execution, along with a demonstrated track record of fundraising success and building a strong culture of philanthropy. The successful candidate will be a collaborative and mission-driven leader capable of strengthening advancement capacity while advancing OLV Charities’ and Father Baker’s enduring legacy of service and impact.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
Founded on the legacy of Father Nelson Baker, OLV Charities serves as the central philanthropic and support organization for a family of ministries dedicated to serving children, families, and individuals in need. Rooted in Catholic values and guided by a mission of compassion, dignity, and service, OLV Charities plays a vital role in sustaining and advancing multiple affiliated entities and initiatives.
OLV Charities (OLVC) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit and provides philanthropic leadership and operational support for the following mission partners:
- OLV Human Services - One of WNY's largest non-profit organizations that carries forward Father Baker’s compassion to serve 12,000 children and families through specialized education, residential programs, and community-based care.
- OLV National Shrine & Basilica - Remains the spiritual heart of the mission, this historic house of worship welcomes nearly 300,000 pilgrims, parishioners and visitors through its doors each year.
In addition, OLV Charities directly administers and sponsors the following ministries:
- Camp Turner - provides overnight summer camp experiences for children ages 7-15, forming young leaders through faith-filled activities.
- St. Gianna Pregnancy Center - upholds the sanctity of life with compassionate support by providing basic supplies for new mothers, fathers and babies.
- Father Baker’s Cause for Canonization - promotes his life of heroic virtue with the Universal Church.
OLV Charities supports these mission partners through fundraising, donor engagement, and operational support services including financial management, communications, and infrastructure. In the past year alone, OLV Charities provided more than $5.4 million in philanthropic and operational support across its affiliated ministries, helping sustain programs that impact thousands of individuals and families. OLV Charities maintains a national donor base of more than 37,000 individuals and supporters, with strong regional roots and growing national engagement.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Advancement Officer serves as the senior advancement leader for OLV Charities, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive advancement strategy that supports the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and affiliated ministries.
The CAO will oversee all aspects of advancement, including:
- Major and principal gifts
- Planned giving programs
- Annual giving programs
- Corporate and foundation relations
- Campaign leadership
- Donor engagement and stewardship
- Advancement communications and messaging
- Advancement operations, systems, and analytics
The CAO will lead and develop a team of approximately 11 advancement professionals and will personally manage a portfolio of key donors and prospects.
As a member of the executive leadership team, the CAO will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and Board, helping shape organizational strategy and philanthropic priorities.
Strategic Context and Leadership Opportunity
OLV Charities is at a critical inflection point in its advancement evolution. The organization is nearing completion of a multi-year capital campaign and is preparing to transition into its next phase of philanthropic growth.
The incoming Chief Advancement Officer will:
- Shape and execute the next generation advancement strategy
- Expand and deepen major gift and planned giving programs
- Strengthen annual giving and donor engagement
- Enhance advancement systems, infrastructure, and team effectiveness
- Build upon a strong foundation while helping position the organization for long-term growth
This is an opportunity to lead advancement for an organization with a deeply loyal donor base, strong mission alignment, and significant opportunity to expand philanthropic support and engagement.
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Advancement Strategy, Revenue Growth, and Campaign Leadership
- Design and execute a comprehensive, multi-year advancement strategy aligned with organizational priorities and long-term sustainability goals.
- Provide strategic oversight and integration of all advancement revenue streams, including major and principal gifts, planned giving, annual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation and institutional giving, special events, and capital and strategic campaigns.
- Serve as a key strategic leader in shaping the organization’s post-campaign advancement strategy, strengthening ongoing fundraising programs while positioning OLV Charities for future campaign initiatives.
- Identify, cultivate, and secure new philanthropic opportunities that align with OLV Charities’ mission and strategic priorities.
- Partner closely with the CEO and finance leadership to align advancement strategy with organizational financial planning, ensuring predictable and sustainable philanthropic revenue.
- Establish and monitor advancement performance metrics, goals, and forecasting processes to support strategic decision-making and accountability.
- Provide strategic oversight of foundation, institutional, and corporate giving programs, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of funding partners.
- Strengthen relationships with corporate and foundation partners while identifying new opportunities for institutional funding and strategic partnerships.
- Oversee grants management processes to ensure strong alignment between institutional funders and OLV Charities’ mission and programmatic priorities.
Major Gifts Leadership and Donor Relationship Management
- Personally manage and cultivate a portfolio of major and principal gift donors and prospects, building long-term relationships and securing transformational philanthropic support.
- Partner with the CEO, Board members, and senior leadership to identify, cultivate, and solicit high-capacity donors.
- Expand donor engagement through curated cultivation opportunities, events, and mission-based experiences that deepen donor connection and investment.
- Ensure consistent and effective donor stewardship practices that reinforce donor trust, engagement, and long-term philanthropic commitment.
- Promote the values of OLVC throughout the organization and external relationships.
- Participate as a member of the Gift Acceptance Committee.
Advancement Team Leadership and Organizational Capacity Building
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing advancement team of approximately 11 professionals, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous professional growth.
- Evaluate advancement team structure, roles, and capabilities, and implement enhancements to strengthen organizational capacity and effectiveness.
- Establish clear performance expectations, goals, and accountability measures to support individual and team success.
- Strengthen advancement infrastructure, systems, and processes, including effective utilization of CRM and donor analytics tools to improve pipeline management, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
- Build organizational advancement capacity that supports sustained philanthropic growth.
Executive Leadership, Board Partnership, and Organizational Collaboration
- Serve as a strategic partner and advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team on advancement strategy, donor engagement, and organizational growth opportunities.
- Partner closely with the Board of Directors and Advancement Committee to strengthen Board engagement in advancement efforts.
- Prepare and support Board members in donor cultivation and stewardship activities, providing guidance, strategy, and resources.
- Provide regular advancement updates and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and Board stakeholders.
- Collaborate across departments and affiliated ministries to develop compelling cases for support and ensure alignment between programmatic priorities and advancement strategy.
Advancement Communications, Brand Positioning, and External Engagement
- Partner with communications and marketing leadership to strengthen OLV Charities’ philanthropic messaging and brand positioning.
- Ensure compelling donor-facing communications and materials that effectively convey mission impact and philanthropic opportunities.
- Serve as an ambassador for OLV Charities within the philanthropic community, strengthening the organization’s visibility and reputation.
- Represent the organization in donor, community, and industry settings to build awareness and expand philanthropic engagement.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor’s degree and 7-10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, preferably within a leadership or executive role.
- A passion for OLV’s mission and organization.
- Demonstrated success building and scaling advancement revenue across multiple revenue streams.
- An independent, self-motivated, and proactive leadership approach.
- Deep expertise in institutional giving and grants, including multi-year funding strategies.
- Strong major gifts experience, with the ability to personally engage high-net-worth donors while leading others to do the same.
- Demonstrated ability to select, supervise, develop, and inspire a professional development team with clarity in performance expectations.
- Confidence and credibility to partner with an engaged Board at a strategic level.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, adept at storytelling.
- Ability to maintain donor and beneficiary confidentiality.
- Consistent high energy, optimism, and a positive attitude.
- Superior interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate professionally with a diverse group of volunteers, co-workers, beneficiaries, and donors.
- CFRE certification preferred.
- Experience with donor research, data analytics, and CRM systems required.
- Understanding of and commitment to the Catholic Church, its teachings, and traditions.
MISSION, VISION, VALUES
OLVC MISSION
Inspired by Father Nelson Baker’s service to the poor, homeless and young, we believe in the inherent dignity and value of all human life, especially those that are most vulnerable, marginalized, or otherwise at risk, and work tirelessly to empower our mission partners to thrive by:
- Engaging a growing network of relationships.
- Securing financial resources.
- Providing essential support services.
OLVC VISION
Ever-sustainable resources provide support for those in need and for continuing the living legacy of OLV and Father Nelson Baker.
OLVC VALUES
- Respect – We see the face of the Divine in everyone, welcoming them with dignity and kindness.
- Trust – We earn and build trust with others through transparency, competency, and concern for their needs.
- Integrity – We are honest and accurate. Our decisions honor Father Baker’s legacy, protect our assets, and strengthen our foundation for the future.
- Passion – We enthusiastically pursue our goals and innovative ways of serving others.
- Teamwork – We create a spirit of inclusiveness, collaboration and camaraderie to achieve our shared goals.
- Accountability – We deliver what we promise and create an impact that makes a difference in our community.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $140,000-$175,000, depending on qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, HRA, FSA, retirement match, life and disability insurance, EAP, and generous holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
OLVC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to addressing discriminatory practices and working toward racial equity. The equal employment opportunity policy of OLVC provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, disability, or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local law. OLVC hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.
Catapult has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of OLV Charities.
