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Chief Advancement Officer

Cook Silverman Search

San Francisco, CA · Posted October 10, 2026

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About the job

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Click on the link below for the full opportunity description: OPPORTUNITY DESCRIPTION THIS POSITION IS HYBRID. THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE IN THE SAN FRANCISCO OFFICE FOUR DAYS A WEEK. POSITION OVERVIEW The California Academy of Sciences seeks a Chief Advancement Officer to lead a division at an inflection point. The Academy is a scientifically rigorous, globally respected institution moving through a period of real change, including two rounds of layoffs, a newly ratified collective bargaining agreement, and a period of heightened external scrutiny. Despite these challenges, the internal culture and momentum are improving and reflect enthusiasm for the future. This is a hands-on role for a builder who can stabilize and re-energize a large, talented division and forge real partnerships with scientists, educators, and Board members who are eager to be activated as partners in philanthropy. Looking ahead, the Academy is building towards a comprehensive campaign spanning capital, operating, and endowment priorities. The incoming Chief of Advancement will help shape this campaign's scope and sequencing from the ground up, in close partnership with the Executive Director and Board. The Academy is concurrently conducting a search for its next Executive Director. The Chief of Advancement hire is expected to serve as a compatible, strong, activating fundraising partner to the incoming Executive Director, especially in the early days of that transition. SALARY/BENEFITS Salary Range : $325,000 - $350,000 Benefits include: 5 weeks of vacation, in addition to holidays, sick time, and floating holidays Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance 403b LOCATION : San Francisco, CA; Hybrid — four days in office a week YOU ARE An enthusiastic, activating doer with strong personal follow-through An enterprise thinker who partners naturally across science, education, communications, and governance A leader who embodies a growth mindset, with proven experience demonstrating success A talented, respected, and gifted storyteller A thoughtful and generous leader who supports and promotes their team Deeply rooted in Bay Area philanthropy EQUITY STATEMENT The California Academy of Sciences is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The California Academy of Sciences is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work—from scientific research and public programming to hiring and organizational culture. The Academy actively seeks candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and lived experiences and encourages applications from individuals who are underrepresented in the nonprofit and scientific communities. TO APPLY For more information, or to apply for the Chief Advancement Officer position at the California Academy of Sciences, please upload your resume and cover letter here . All applications will be kept confidential, and every applicant will receive a response.