Senior Advancement Officer

moCa seeks a distinctive leader who thrives where business meets culture—someone who can spot opportunity in any conversation, cultivate high-value relationships, and craft win-win partnerships. Applying ambition, magnetism, and action, moCa’s new Senior Advancement Officer (SAO) is more than a fundraiser; this person is the driver of a bold advancement strategy that connects visionaries to drive mission. If you have the sophistication to navigate C-suite conversations, the creativity to design standout experiences, the drive to exceed ambitious goals, and the courage and vision to find new market opportunities that push moCa and Cleveland into the future, you are the leader we want! Your work will directly and meaningfully contribute to moCa’s next chapter, helping to shape the museum’s profile and trajectory during this exciting time of dynamic evolution.

Job Overview

The Senior Advancement Officer is a dynamic, entrepreneurial, relationship- and revenue-focused leader responsible for driving moCa’s fundraising through high-value donor cultivation, new market sales, and revenue diversification strategies. Serving as a key advisor to the Kohl Executive Director and critical member of moCa’s Senior Leadership Team, the SAO provides experience and data-driven insights to support executive decision-making and institutional strategy.

This role oversees the Advancement Department (3 staff members), leading efforts to cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual, corporate, foundation, government, and nontraditional donors—while advancing high-impact partnerships and earned revenue opportunities. The SAO also leads the development and growth of the moCa NOW Donor Program, engaging high-level patrons and corporate members via exclusive access and experiences that deepen their commitment to moCa’s mission.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Department Oversight

• Serve as a trusted advancement advisor to the Kohl Executive Director and collaborative member of the Senior Leadership Team, delivering actionable, data-informed recommendations that support institutional growth.
• Lead the Advancement Department in setting, tracking, and evaluating fundraising strategies, departmental goals, budgets, and performance metrics aligned with moCa’s strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to analyze and interpret financial data, creating comprehensive budgets and long-term revenue projections.

Revenue Strategy & New Market Expansion

• Develop and execute an annual funding plan that balances stewardship of current donors with new market penetration.
• Identify and pursue new revenue sources including corporate partnerships, sponsorships, government support, and nontraditional donors.
• Lead end-to-end sales efforts for donor and corporate engagement: prospecting, pitching, negotiating, and closing agreements.
• Create customizable giving and sponsorship packages tailored to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with the Engagement Department on initiatives supporting membership, events, and other revenue opportunities.

Fundraising, Donor Relations & moCa NOW Program

• Manage a portfolio of high-value individual and corporate donors, ensuring consistent growth in engagement, giving, and retention.
• Lead cultivation and stewardship strategies for the moCa NOW Donor & Corporate Program.
• Oversee donor recognition, communications, and high-level cultivation events including the annual gala and exclusive moCa NOW experiences.
• Secure contributions that support operations, exhibitions, special initiatives, endowments, and capital campaigns.

Performance Management & Analytics

• Apply data analysis to generate insights that shape revenue strategy.
• Build and maintain revenue forecasts, dashboards, and reporting tools.
• Optimize Advancement Department operations using project management tools (e.g., Asana) and best practices to increase efficiency and impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (business administration, finance, marketing, communications, or related preferred).
• At least 10 years’ direct experience and success in nonprofit development, corporate sales, B2B partnerships, or equivalent revenue-generating roles, with at least 4 years in a related leadership role
• Proven track record in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, new market sales, and campaign support. Capital and endowment campaign experience preferred.
• Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Advanced writing and editing skills with ability to create strategic, persuasive content.
• Strong financial acumen: able to interpret and communicate budgets and fundraising results.
• Demonstrated success managing and motivating teams.
• Skilled in donor and partner relationship-building, with a deep understanding of fundraising strategies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and donor management software (e.g., DonorPerfect).
• Exemplary reliability, productivity, and ability to navigate shifting priorities.
• Advanced communication and public speaking skills to inspire, persuade, and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to moCa’s mission, vision, and values (listed on our website)
• Knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art and culture.

Benefits

This position is eligible for a highly competitive benefits package upon starting date and eligible for a hybrid work schedule as guided by moCa’s remote work policies.

Salary Range: $100k - $125k

Reporting & Travel

Reports to the Kohl Executive Director

Direct reports: Grants Stewardship Director, Development Manager, Special Events & Development Programming Manager

This position requires regular local travel, some regional travel, very limited national travel, and no international travel. 

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To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to apply@mocacleveland.org with the subject line “Senior Advancement Officer Application.”

• Applications may not be considered if they are missing materials, do not use this subject line, or include grammatical or spelling errors.