Chief Advancement Officer

Mission

Ellis Early Learning partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio‑economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood.

Vision

Every child thrives, and every educator flourishes in an inclusive and equitable environment.

Who We Are

Ellis Early Learning (Ellis) is a vibrant nonprofit with a proud history dating back to 1885. We are redefining what it means to deliver inclusive, equitable, and high-quality early education. Ellis is among only 6% of early childhood programs accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Ellis is more than a learning center—we’re a nationally recognized model for diversity and innovation in early childhood education. Serving more than 300 children annually across two vibrant campuses in the South End and Jamaica Plain, we ensure every child, regardless of their background, develops the social, emotional, and academic skills to thrive in school and life.

Why Ellis?

At Ellis, you will join a dynamic team leading bold initiatives to shape the future of early education. As a result of our first seven‑figure transformative gift, we’ve recently launched a Center of Excellence, and are making groundbreaking improvements in fundraising, leadership, programming, and evidence‑based practices, setting new benchmarks for early learning outcomes.

Our partnerships are as innovative as our mission! Imagine working with organizations like the New England Conservatory, where weekly onsite music instruction ignites creativity in our classrooms, or collaborating with Boston Public Schools on four high‑performing Boston Pre‑Kindergarten (formerly UPK) classrooms. Programs like Raising a Reader add even more depth to our work.

What Sets Us Apart?

• A Rich Legacy and Visionary Future : With over a century of impact, Ellis combines tradition with trailblazing initiatives that inspire and lead.
• A Thriving, Inclusive Community : Ellis is a socio‑economically, racially, and culturally diverse organization serving Boston’s children.
• Recognition and Results : Ellis’s commitment to quality and inclusion has earned us widespread accolades and positioned us as a leader in the early education field.

Position Overview

This an exciting moment to join Ellis. The Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) is a key strategic partner to the CEO, responsible for identifying and securing the resources necessary to propel Ellis into its next era of impact. This role demands a visionary leader with a proven track record in managing development operations and creating comprehensive advancement strategies. The CAO must be proactive, results‑driven, and possess exceptional interpersonal skills to inspire support and drive meaningful impact.

The CAO leads all fundraising, external communications, and advancement efforts for the organization, including individual giving, grants, and corporate partnerships. In collaboration with the CEO, the CAO sets the vision and strategy for Ellis’s advancement efforts and serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser, cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders to drive revenue and elevate Ellis’s programs and mission.

As a member of Ellis’s 4‑person senior leadership team, the CAO reports directly to the CEO and manages a staff of four. A central focus of the role is to build and sustain a robust individual giving program, engaging Ellis’s parents, alumni, and the broader community and raising $2.0 M annually with an expectation to nearly double that goal by 2028.

The CAO plays a vital role in supporting the CEO’s management of the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance and staffing for the Development, Nominating and Governance, and Program Committees.

Scope of Primary Responsibilities

Qualifications

Benefits

Full time (40 hr. / week) exempt position with a generous benefits package including vacation, sick time, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flex spending account and 401K, along with resources for professional memberships and training. Please submit your resume and cover letter to HR@EllisEarlyLearning.Org to apply.

The purpose of this description is to describe the major responsibilities of the position. It should not be considered a complete statement of all elements of the work that may be performed.

Ellis does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, homelessness, or military status. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.

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