Chief Advancement Officer

The Center for Discovery
Harris, NY (this position may be based in New York City)

Anticipated Start Date: 10/15/25

The Center for Discovery

Description

The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a member of The Center for Discovery’s executive team and will lead and motivate a team focused on increasing public awareness through marketing and communications and secure increased funding from both public and private sources to support TCFD’s mission, continued innovation, and growth. The CAO will be expected to build upon the existing advancement program and lead a comprehensive, strategic plan to generate increased revenue for priorities that include but are not limited to the annual operating budget, program initiatives, and capital projects, such as a future complex care and palliative care units, among other plans.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be diplomatic, of the highest integrity, and able to navigate complex organization structures, serving as a resource for the entire organization. The CAO will also be an active participant in strategic discussions and plans about current and anticipated priorities and opportunities and the future direction of the organization. Most recently, the Center has embarked upon a new, ambitious strategic growth trajectory, with new programs and capital projects planned and in process.

The CAO reports to the Center’s President and CEO, Theresa Hamlin, Ed.D., and will also work with an engaged board of directors and with appropriate board committees. Reporting to the CAO is a team of nine. This is a highly visible role and an opportunity to elevate the organization’s public profile and ability to help people with special needs to live their lives to the fullest.

The CAO will accept the challenge to raise significant funds in uncertain times and to expand the base of support over time. He/she/they will join the dedicated team of a nationally recognized organization that serves children and adults from across New York State and beyond. The selected candidate should be prepared to spend extensive time on the campus in Sullivan County to familiarize themselves with the work, mission, executive team, and workforce, as well as to tour potential donors. There is an office located in New York City for outreach to philanthropic prospects.

Requirements

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

  • Successful record of driving growth in advancement, ideally in a healthcare and/or human services related environment; familiarity with the entire range of advancement strategies and tactics; a genuine connection to the TCFD mission;

  • clearly demonstrated understanding of large, high-profile, complex not-for-profit settings; proven ability to plan and implement a comprehensive advancement program; core strength in frontline major gift cultivation and solicitation;

  • able to establish ambitious goals and objectives and to reach benchmarks and deliverables; strategic—able to plan for the future and also deliver on current goals and objectives; experience working with a sophisticated donor base; familiarity with the New York City area philanthropic community;

  • capacity to foster, enhance, and expand relationships with existing donors and to tap into new, diverse supporters; experience working effectively with board members and other volunteer leadership; comfortable employing traditional and on-trend approaches to philanthropy;

  • an effective communicator at all levels within the organization with strong verbal, editorial, and presentation skills; demonstrated success in building, mentoring, and coaching a team; some experience with marketing and communications; event production experience is a plus; experience giving feedback on video production and photo selection is beneficial;

  • able to analyze trends and performance metrics; able to maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in working with diverse teams;

  • able to travel occasionally to attend evening and weekend events, as necessary; bachelor’s degree is required.

Salary Range and Employee Benefits

The annual compensation range for this role is $200,000-$250,000 commensurate with experience and accomplishments, plus generous benefits.


How to Apply for this Job

Howe-Lewis International is pleased to assist TCFD with this important search. Please email your resume and letter of interest in confidence to kirk@howe-lewis.com


About the Organization

The Center for Discovery® (TCFD, The Center) is a non-profit organization, designated as a Center of Excellence by the New York State Department of Health and OPWDD. The Center is a major research and specialty center that offers residential, medical, clinical, specialty hospital, and special education programs as well as world-class Music and Creative Arts Therapy, Adapted Physical Education, and a biodynamic agricultural program among other unique services.

Located on 1,500 acres of land in the Mid-Hudson Region less than two hours from New York City, The Center has become a magnet institution where individuals from around the region and world travel to receive highly advanced care and access to groundbreaking research and treatment for a myriad of complex conditions.

The Center has a long history of innovation in curriculum development, program implementation, and assistive technology, leading to significant breakthroughs and life-changing opportunities. Each year, The Center serves 1,200 children and adults from across New York State and beyond. Growing from 25 employees in 1980 to over 1,800 employees in 2024, The Center is the largest employer in Sullivan County, New York. Throughout 2010 and 2019, The Center for Discovery generated $1.77 billion of economic impact for the State of New York. The organization’s current operating budget is approximately $175 million with anticipated growth to $200 million.

FUNDING: TCFD raises approximately $12-$15 million in philanthropic support annually, and the most recent annual gala generated $4.2 million from a New York City event with 600 people in attendance including well-known names from the national and international world of the finance, business, the arts, entertainment, and media.

 

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