Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer

The Boston Arts Academy Foundation (BAAF) is dedicated to supporting the Boston Arts Academy, the city's only public high school for the visual and performing arts. Our mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to a transformative education that prepares them for a future in the arts. Join us in making life-changing opportunities a reality for our talented and diverse students.

The Opportunity: The Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer is a dynamic leadership position that will play a critical role in advancing the mission of BAA and driving philanthropy efforts to fuel the foundation’s growth. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the CPO will oversee a portfolio of approximately 200 individual donors, manage a talented philanthropy team, and contribute to BAAF’s multimillion-dollar fundraising goals.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced philanthropy professional with a proven record in leadership, relationship building, and major gift solicitation. If you are passionate about the arts, education, and helping young people thrive, this role offers a unique chance to have a direct impact on Boston’s arts community.

The Role:

Revenue Generation, Relationship Building, and Individual Giving (50%)

• Serve as a key driver in advancing the mission of BAA Foundation and raising funds to support the success of Boston Arts Academy’s students.
• Raise $750,000+ annually from a portfolio of 200 private individual donors, including both major gifts and the Annual Fund.
• Maintain detailed records in Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT® for donor portfolio management, ensuring all actions and correspondence are tracked for reporting and analysis.
• Meet or exceed established metrics for donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with the Manager of Annual Giving & Engagement (MAGE) to develop and implement donor engagement programs, including new donor recruitment, recurring donations, planned to give, and a robust annual fund program.
• Partner with the Director of Marketing and Events Management and other team members to secure more than $2.5 million annually for BAA Honors and our Champion Reception through individual donors and select corporate relationships.
• Oversee individual donor tours of the BAA campus and coordinate cultivation events in partnership with Gift Officers, Board members, and community leaders.
• Serve as the liaison to the Advisory Council, helping achieve annual fundraising goals through individual give/get goals, event participation, and other volunteer-driven fundraising opportunities. 

Management of Philanthropy Team (40%)

• Lead and manage a team of 5+ fundraisers, guiding their work to cultivate relationships and drive event-related fundraising efforts.

Leadership (10%)

• Serve as an integral member of BAAF’s Executive Team alongside the President & CEO and Vice President of Finance & Operations, contributing to the strategic direction of the Foundation.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors, attending meetings and presenting at regular intervals to provide updates on fundraising activities and progress toward goals.
• Collaborate with the Executive Assistant & Board Clerk to produce and deliver board materials and content.

Qualifications:

• A proven record of success in fundraising, with a focus on major gifts, individual giving, and annual funds.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a passion for the arts and education.
• At least 7-10 years of experience in a philanthropy leadership role, with significant exposure to individual giving and donor cultivation in the Greater Boston area.
• Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed fundraising goals, especially in a complex and competitive environment.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing and mentoring a diverse philanthropy team.
• Knowledge of Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT® or similar CRM systems is preferred.

Why Join Us? This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to shape the future of young artists and make a lasting impact in the Boston community. As the Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer, you will be at the forefront of one of the most inspiring and impactful arts education institutions in the country. You will collaborate with a passionate team and a diverse community of donors, alumni, and supporters who believe in the transformative power of the arts.

Benefits and Salary

The salary range for this position is $140-$145K + 15% bonus annually depending on experience and results. Out benefits package includes medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, vision, life and short-term disability, vacation, sick, personal time, as well as the option to participate in our 403(b)-retirement plan with employer match.   

Work Hours

This position is located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston at 9 Lansdowne Street. Located close to public transportation. This position occasionally requires irregular hours as needed, including early mornings and evenings, and occasional weekend events. BAAF now follows a hybrid work schedule.

Apply by emailing Karen Slein, Managing Human Resources Consultant at [email protected].

Join us in making a difference—one student, one donation, one partnership at a time!