Chief Mission Officer (Marketing)

LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a full-time Chief Mission Officer to join our Development team! The Chief Mission Officer (CMO) is a senior executive role responsible for leading LifeWorks' strategic initiatives in development, grants procurement, and marketing & communications to further the organization's mission of solving youth homelessness. Reporting to the CEO, the CMO collaborates with the Board and leadership team to ensure LifeWorks' fiscal sustainability, enhance donor relationships, and expand LifeWorks' public profile. The CMO plays a critical role in developing partnerships with donors and community leaders, ensuring LifeWorks has the resources and visibility to drive lasting impact. As appropriate, the CMO will support the CEO in government relations, advocating for legislative and funding support for LifeWorks' work. This position requires a visionary, mission-driven leader with proven success in nonprofit fundraising and stakeholder relations.

The full time, exempt position earns a competitive rate ranging from $160,479.44-$175,369,29 depending upon experience. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 15 paid holidays per year; a free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a comprehensive revenue strategy to support LifeWorks' mission, strategy, and financial goals.
• Oversee all development activities, including major gifts, corporate partnership, foundation grants, and individual giving campaigns. Spearhead sustainable philanthropy campaigns to expand operating, capital and endowment funding.
• Lead the grants procurement team in identifying, pursuing, and securing funding opportunities from public funding sources and private foundations, ensuring resources are available to support agency programming and operations.
• Ensure the grants procurement team researches opportunities, prepares and submits public and private grants, manages relationships with stakeholders and partners, and coordinates closely with programs and supporting departments.
• Responsible for the hiring, orientation, training, supervision, evaluation, and dismissal of direct reports, including Director-level positions, in accordance with Agency policies and procedures. Ensure staff are informed, their activities are well coordinated, and they have the necessary resources to carry out their work.
• Oversee the development of departmental budgets and monitors expenses in close collaboration with direct reports and the Finance Department.
• Guide the development and tracking of key metrics for all department priorities and communicate key trends to senior leaders and the Board.
• Lead the development and implementation of brand strategy that reinforces LifeWorks' mission and goals in public- and donor-facing communications and materials.
• Direct the Marketing & Communications team in developing content, as well as traditional and digital fundraising strategies, that effectively tells LifeWorks' story and engages stakeholders.
• Ensure all external communications, from marketing materials to grant proposals, are high-quality, compelling, and reflective of LifeWorks' mission.
• Oversee the creation of reports and presentations to share LifeWorks' mission impact with donors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Act as primary advisor and coach on culture of philanthropy, ensuring policies, systems and practices support fund development and stewardship; support Board members and the CEO in their development activities.
• Manage a leadership donor portfolio, including cultivation, solicitation, closing of gifts, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with the CEO to develop a government relations strategy aligned with the agency's strategic priorities.
• Serve as a spokesperson and representative for LifeWorks when the CEO is unavailable, engaging with media, public officials, and external audiences to promote awareness and support.
• Report regularly to the CEO and Board on relevant legislative and regulatory developments that could impact LifeWorks mission, services, and funding opportunities.
• Attend meetings and events on weekends, evenings, and out of town in order to cultivate stakeholder relationships or solicit donors.
• Establish and maintain constructive relationships with elected and appointed officials on a federal, state, and local level and invest time and energy in prioritized networking activities.
• Serve as a member of the agency's Executive Team, participating in strategic planning and policy development.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred;
• Requires 10 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising or a related field, with at least 7 years of management experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Capital campaign experience is strongly preferred.
• Senior leadership experience highly preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, preferred intermediate level Excel skills.
• Proven knowledge of current trends and best practices in the field of philanthropy, with a demonstrated ability to analyze fundraising activities and benchmark fundraising activities against peer organizations to guide strategy.
• Strong understanding of using social media and digital platforms to drive brand awareness, engage supporters, and enhance fundraising efforts.
• Experience using data to inform planning, evaluate performance, and execute development and marketing initiatives.
• Proficiency with donor management systems and other technology platforms to execute and track philanthropic strategies.
• Experience working in a large organization featuring multi-functional business units or programs (preferred).
• Demonstrated success in major gifts cultivation and solicitation, ideally with experience securing gifts of $100k or more.
• Familiarity with government relations and advocacy, including experience engaging with policymakers and public officials (preferred).

ABOUT LIFEWORKS

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, we are a fearless advocate for youths who are on journeys to lives they love and stability for themselves and their families. LifeWorks goal is to be able to provide clients with the resources they need a place to call home, the chance to heal, and the opportunity to learn and to work. We have one of the most comprehensive continuums of housing and support options for vulnerable youth in the country. We are committed to innovative problem saving, shared accountability and a relentless focus on achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve. A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow and develop your professional skills while making an immediate difference in the lives of youth and families in our community.

See job description