Chief Business Development and Advancement Officer

Position Summary

At Aspire Living & Learning, we believe in the power of growth, partnership, and possibility to advance our mission. The Chief Business Development & Advancement Officer (CBDAO) is a key member of Aspire’s Executive Leadership Team and serves as the strategic quarterback for the organization’s external growth — driving affiliations, partnerships, and new opportunities that strengthen Aspire’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the CBDAO leads an integrated portfolio that includes Business Development, Philanthropy, and Advocacy & Government Affairs — with business development as the primary focus. This leader will bring structure, discipline, and strategy to how Aspire evaluates, pursues, and executes growth opportunities, while also shaping the organization’s presence with funders, policymakers, and partners.

This role calls for a relationship-driven strategist who is as comfortable in boardrooms and legislative meetings as they are in program settings. The CBDAO will translate mission into momentum — opening doors to new affiliations, deepening donor and government relationships, and ensuring Aspire remains a strong, forward-looking voice in the human services and IDD landscape. This position is posted in Vermont but open to any candidates who live within our footprint (VT, MA, NH, CT, MD). This position is primarily remote with travel.

Employees at Aspire enjoy working with a collaborative and dedicated team that values a culture of belonging and care. We take pride in offering a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance – Choose from multiple medical plans, with vision coverage included at no extra cost.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Account (HSA) options – Use pre-tax dollars for medical and dependent care expenses.
• Lifestyle Spending Accounts with JOON – Monthly funds for wellness, fitness, commuting, childcare, pet care, and more.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Match – A 100% match on contributions up to 2% of your salary.
• Generous Paid Time Off – Paid sick, personal, and vacation days, plus holidays.
• Professional Growth Opportunities – Access to training, leadership and management courses, mentorship, and career advancement.
• Employer-Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Telehealth Services and more!

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in advancement, external affairs, or related fields, including at least 5 years in senior leadership.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated strategies across fundraising, advocacy, and business development.
• Deep understanding of nonprofit strategy and mission-driven growth.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and storytelling skills.
• Experience within human services, education, or the IDD field strongly preferred.

Roles & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership 

• Serve as a thought partner to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team in driving strategic visibility, growth, and influence.
• Provide strategic oversight for a unified advancement strategy encompassing philanthropy, advocacy, and business development.
• Foster cross-organizational collaboration to align external initiatives with Aspire’s mission, strategic plan, and growth goals.
• Represent Aspire externally, cultivating relationships and partnerships that enhance organizational reputation and impact.

Business Development 

• Provide strategic direction for identifying and pursuing mission-aligned growth opportunities, partnerships, and new revenue streams.
• Collaborate with the Director of Business Development to strengthen Aspire’s position in competitive and emerging markets.
• Oversee the development and negotiation of contracts, service lines, and collaborations that advance Aspire’s mission and financial sustainability.

Philanthropy & Fundraising 

• Partner with the Director of Philanthropy to design and implement strategies that deepen donor engagement and expand philanthropic investment.
• Champion a culture of generosity and storytelling that connects supporters to Aspire’s mission and measurable impact.
• Strengthen Aspire’s capacity for grant acquisition and stewardship through systems, processes, and relationship management.

Advocacy & Government Affairs 

• Shape and guide Aspire’s advocacy agenda at local, state, and federal levels in partnership with the CEO and state leaders.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with policymakers, associations, and coalitions to advance the rights and inclusion of people with IDD.
• Monitor and respond to legislative and regulatory developments affecting Aspire’s mission and operations.

Collaboration 

• Partner closely with the Chief People & Culture Officer and the Marketing & Communications team to ensure that advancement strategies, messaging, and storytelling are aligned across all audiences.
• Collaborate with Finance, Operations, and Clinical teams to ensure business development and fundraising efforts are data-informed, integrated, and sustainable.

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