Job Description
The Out-of-Door Academy (ODA), a premier independent school in Sarasota, FL, is pleased to partner with CarterBaldwin Executive Search to identify its first Chief Advancement Officer. With more than 860 students across three campuses, ODA is rooted in a century-long tradition of student-centered, college-preparatory education that emphasizes academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.
Following the celebration of its centennial, ODA is entering a dynamic new chapter. The newly established Chief Advancement Officer role presents a compelling opportunity to shape and lead a modern, comprehensive advancement program. Reporting directly to the Head of School, Dr. Debra Otey, and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the CAO will oversee fundraising, alumni relations, communications, and marketing, including leadership of the largest capital campaign in the school’s history, currently in its quiet phase.
The ideal candidate will be a strategic and relational leader capable of inspiring philanthropic support, fostering meaningful connections within the ODA community, and building the internal systems necessary for long-term institutional success. This individual will combine high-level strategic vision with hands-on leadership, while demonstrating a deep commitment to ODA’s mission and the evolving philanthropic landscape of Sarasota.
This is a transformational role for a mission-driven leader energized by the opportunity to build something lasting. For more information about the opportunity, please click here to access the full position profile. At ODA, we value a diverse workforce. Applicants of any race, creed, physical ability, color, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation or national origin are encouraged to apply. All nominations, inquiries, and expressions of interest will be handled in confidence and should be directed to Jen Tozier at [email protected].
Out-of-Door was founded on Siesta Key in 1924 to serve students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. In 1996, a second campus in the Lakewood Ranch area of Sarasota was acquired to accommodate the addition of an upper school. Both campuses have evolved and developed to meet the needs of a growing enrollment as well as to enhance and enrich the experience of every student at ODA. Today, the five-acre Siesta Key campus is home to the Lower School (PK-5), and the 90-acreUihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch houses both the Middle and Upper Schools.Facilities include interactive technology in every classroom, a fine and performing arts center with a black box theater, a student and STEM Center, a competition gymnasium with a wellness center, a field house, a lighted stadium, tennis courts and a practice complex.
The Out-of-Door Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, gender, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, physical disability or any other characteristic protected by Federal, State or local laws. We are committed to hiring the best and the brightest talent in support of our mission and core values.