Kennedy Krieger Institute (KKI) seeks an inaugural Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead a bold transformation of its advancement enterprise and elevate the organization’s national visibility, philanthropic impact, and long-term sustainability of its mission to improve the lives of children, youth, and adults with disorders of the developing nervous system. Since 1937, KKI has grown into an internationally recognized leader in patient care, research, education, professional training, and community-based services. Its unique combination of a pediatric specialty hospital, groundbreaking research programs, special education schools, and family-focused community initiatives serves nearly 30,000 patients annually and attracts families from across the United States and around the world. Reporting directly to President and CEO Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, the CAO will lead and integrate the Institute’s philanthropy and marketing and communications functions, creating a unified advancement strategy that strengthens fundraising, brand awareness, and stakeholder engagement. This highly visible executive will partner closely with senior leadership to advance institutional priorities and play a hands-on role in major gifts, comprehensive campaigns, annual giving, and strategic communications. The successful candidate will be an accomplished advancement leader capable of building high-performing teams, cultivating transformational philanthropic relationships, and articulating a compelling case for support. The CAO will help position KKI as one of the nation’s most inspiring philanthropic causes, amplifying a powerful message of hope, innovation, and impact for the patients, families, and communities it serves. The comprehensive leadership profile is available at https://wittkieffer.com/positions/a1wun000001svsrmam. A resume and letter of interest, addressing the themes in the leadership profile, should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal: https://apptrkr.com/7263317. The search will remain open until an appointment is made. Nominations and inquiries: Mercedes Chacón Vance ([email protected]), Melissa Fincher ([email protected]), and Maya Holt-Brockenbrough, Ph.D. ([email protected]). 

Salary Range: $325,000 - $375,000

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