Chief Advancement Officer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at monell chemical senses center

Chief Advancement Officer

Monell Chemical Senses Center

Reports to: President and Executive Director

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with regular on-site presence

Classification: Full-time, exempt

Position Summary

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) leads Monell’s philanthropy and advancement strategy. The CAO builds lasting relationships with donors and institutional partners, expands philanthropic support, and connects Monell’s scientific priorities with compelling opportunities for investment.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the CAO partners with the President and Executive Director, Board and Foundation leaders, scientists, and colleagues across Monell. The role combines direct fundraising responsibility with leadership of the people, systems, and practices needed for a sustainable advancement program.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a multiyear advancement strategy with clear fundraising goals, priorities, and measures of progress.

Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects.

Grow support from individuals, foundations, corporations, annual giving, planned giving, and special initiatives.

Translate scientific and institutional priorities into persuasive cases for support, proposals, and donor experiences.

Build a reliable prospect pipeline and oversee research, relationship management, forecasting, and reporting.

Partner with Board and Foundation leaders, the President and Executive Director, and scientists in donor engagement and fundraising.

Lead donor stewardship, including acknowledgments, recognition, impact reporting, and adherence to donor intent.

Assess campaign readiness and lead campaign planning and execution when authorized.

Recruit, develop, and lead the advancement team; manage its budget, technology, data quality, and operating practices.

Collaborate with the executive leader responsible for growth, branding, and communications to align Monell’s public narrative with advancement priorities.

Work with Finance and other functions to ensure sound gift documentation, controls, privacy, and compliance.

First-Year Priorities

The CAO will assess the donor base, prospect pipeline, staffing, systems, and campaign readiness; present a multiyear advancement plan; establish a focused portfolio of priority prospects; and advance near-term gift opportunities while building a stronger long-term pipeline.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will bring substantial senior advancement leadership experience, a record of securing significant gifts, and the ability to build productive relationships with donors, Board members, executives, and scientific leaders. They will be able to explain complex research clearly, lead a team with accountability and care, and exercise sound judgment and discretion. A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required. Experience in a research, academic, health, or similarly complex nonprofit setting is preferred.

About Monell Chemical Senses Center

Monell is an internationally recognized research institute dedicated to advancing knowledge of taste, smell, and chemesthesis. Our collaborative environment supports innovation and professional growth, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant scientific community.

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter detailing your relevant experience, a current CV, and contact information for three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Please follow the link to apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Monell provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.