Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Cranbrook Educational Community in the search for a Chief Advancement Officer.

Reporting to the President, the Chief Advancement Officer will serve as a key member of Cranbrook Educational Community’s senior leadership team and report directly to the President. This role carries enterprise-wide responsibility for advancing philanthropic strategy and performance across Cranbrook Schools, Horizons-Upward Bound, Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Institute of Science, and Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research.

At the core of the role, the CAO will provide visionary, data-informed leadership to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue, deepen engagement with donors and constituents, strengthen volunteer and board partnerships, and build and lead a high-performing advancement organization. Working in close partnership with the President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Communications Officer, the Board of Trustees, program leaders, and volunteers, the CAO will ensure that advancement strategy and execution are fully aligned with Cranbrook’s strategic priorities, institutional values, and operational needs.

The CAO will play a key leadership role in a comprehensive campaign that, while currently in the quiet phase, is off to a strong start thanks to generous lead gifts; the current team has raised over $100 million towards a working goal of $300 million to support endowment, capital investments, and unrestricted annual needs.

Cranbrook Educational Community challenges minds and transforms lives. In fulfilling their mission, they provide access to extraordinary education and encourage creativity, innovation, and open inquiry. Cranbrook values and welcomes learners of all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences, preparing them to thrive in and shape a complex world and creatively influence contemporary culture. Cranbrook develops people who will live with purpose and integrity, create with passion, explore with curiosity, and strive for excellence.

Founded by Detroit philanthropists George Gough Booth and Ellen Scripps Booth in 1904, Cranbrook’s 319-acre campus features the work of world-renowned architects such as Eliel Saarinen, Albert Kahn, Steven Holl, Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, Rafael Moneo, Peter Rose, and sculptors Carl Milles, Marshall Fredericks, and others. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

Today, Cranbrook Educational Community is comprised of Cranbrook Academy of Art, Cranbrook Art Museum, Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research, Cranbrook House & Gardens, Cranbrook Institute of Science, Cranbrook Schools, and Horizons-Upward Bound.

A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least ten years of progressive advancement/fundraising leadership experience is required for this position. Cranbrook Educational Community will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Cranbrook, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Cranbrook Educational Community and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $253,000 to $281,000. Cranbrook Educational Community offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 403(b) and 401(k) retirement plan options, tuition reimbursement, and generous paid time off.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Marianna DiVietro at mariannadivietro@aspenleadershipgroup.com.

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/7253.

About Cranbrook Educational Community

Cranbrook History Founded by Detroit philanthropists George and Ellen Booth in 1904, Cranbrook Educational Community is one of the world’s leading centers of education, science, and art. Comprised of a graduate Academy of Art, contemporary Art Museum, House and Gardens, Institute of Science, and more than 1,600 students attending its PreK-12 independent college-preparatory Schools, Cranbrook welcomes thousands of visitors, students, and campers to its campus each year. Critics have called Cranbrook “the most enchanted and enchanting setting in America” and in 1989, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. The campus is located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, about 20 miles north of Detroit. Cranbrook Mission and Values Mission: Cranbrook Schools are independent day and boarding schools that provide students with a challenging and comprehensive college preparatory education. We motivate students from diverse backgrounds to strive for intellectual, creative, and physical excellence, to develop a deep appreciation for the arts and different cultures, and to employ the technological tools of our modern age. Our schools seek to instill in students a strong sense of personal a...nd social responsibility, the ability to think critically, and the competence to communicate and contribute in an increasingly global community. Guiding Principles: Cranbrook Schools comprise a college preparatory day and boarding educational institution, early childhood through 12th grade, consisting of three divisions: a lower, middle and an upper school. We are structured to recognize and respond to the developmental, cognitive and creative needs of boys and girls and are dedicated to excellence in all aspects of education.

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Connections working at Cranbrook Educational Community