Chief Business Development and Advancement Officer

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.

What You'll Do:

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.  

Our Ideal Candidate:

• 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. 

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Aspire Living & Learning's Internal Mobility Policy ensures an equitable and efficient internal mobility system that aligns with the agency’s commitment to professional development and growth. This policy fosters a culture of mobility within the organization, aiming to provide employees with opportunities for career advancement and fulfillment. Please reference the Internal Mobility Policy to review the process to be considered for other jobs at Aspire Living & Learning.  

Lateral Transfers: You do not need to submit an application at this time. You need to let your HR Partner know you’re interested in being considered for the position. Your HR Partner will be the point of contact between you, your current manager, and your hiring manager.   

Promotions/ Cross-functional jobs: Please let your HR partner know you’re interested in being considered for the position and they will confirm your eligibility to apply. Once you speak with your HR Partner, please submit an application.  

Below is the name and information of your HR Partners to be contacted prior to applying for a promotion or cross-functional opportunity.  

Connecticut (AS) employees: Heather Murphy, hmurphy@allinc.org  

Connecticut (Child Services) employees: Wanetta Wilcher wwilcher@allinc.org  

Maryland employees: Debbie Duran dduran@allinc.org  

Massachusetts employees: Michelle Cutting  mlcutting@allinc.org 

New Hampshire employees: Michelle Cutting  mlcutting@allinc.org 

Vermont employees: Judy Stermer, jstermer@allinc.org  

Shared Services and Agency Leadership: Judy Stermer jstermer@allinc.org