Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park · 22 hours ago
Chief Advancement Officer
Gilroy, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$130K/yr - $180K/yr
7+ years expGilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is seeking a Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead and expand their philanthropic and fundraising initiatives. The CAO will be responsible for developing strategies to enhance community engagement and build strategic partnerships to support the park's mission as a nonprofit organization.
Facilities Support Services
Responsibilities
Develop and execute Gilroy Gardens’ first comprehensive advancement strategy
Build multi-year fundraising goals across major gifts, annual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and planned giving
Align advancement priorities with education, horticulture, sustainability, and capital initiatives, including the Hecker Pass Event Center
Establish a modern advancement infrastructure (CRM, dashboards, pipelines, stewardship systems)
Develop gift acceptance policies, donor recognition standards, and ethical fundraising protocols
Create and manage the annual advancement budget
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and new prospects
Design high-impact donor engagement opportunities, such as behind-the-scenes experiences and educational or horticultural showcases
Lead donor recognition programs and stewardship reporting
Serve as primary staff liaison to the Board on philanthropic strategy
Provide tools, training, and coaching to enhance Board engagement in donor identification, cultivation, and advocacy
Support Board committees (Fundraising, Development, Governance, Campaign) with planning, communication, and execution
Build relationships with city officials, education leaders, corporate partners, foundations, and community organizations
Expand Gilroy Gardens’ regional visibility as a nonprofit leader in education, horticulture, and family enrichment
Secure institutional funding and sponsorship opportunities
Oversee all fundraising and mission-centered communications, including annual impact reports, donor newsletters, case statements, digital fundraising content, and advancement website pages
Develop a compelling narrative that strengthens Gilroy Gardens’ identity as a nonprofit mission-driven institution
Partner closely with Marketing to ensure message consistency and visibility
Build and supervise a high-performing advancement team
Potential roles include Development Manager, CRM/Advancement Services Coordinator, Grants Officer, and Donor Relations Manager
Establish professional development plans, KPIs, and systems that reflect best practices in nonprofit fundraising
Qualification
Required
Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience
Proven success securing major gifts and developing donor portfolios
Experience partnering with Boards and senior executives
Strong strategic planning, communication, messaging, and public speaking skills
Ability to translate horticulture, education, and sustainability into compelling philanthropic messaging
Experience developing advancement systems and building fundraising operations
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and community stewardship
Preferred
Background in cultural institutions, gardens, museums, zoos, children's attractions, or community nonprofits
Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Professional development
Company
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park is California’s only horticultural theme park designed for families with young children & garden lovers.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
2025-08-21
2025-08-13
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