Kennedy Krieger Institute seeks an inaugural Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead a bold transformation of its advancement enterprise, elevating the organization's national visibility, philanthropic reach, and long-term impact in service of Kennedy Krieger Institute's mission: to improve the lives of children, youth, and adults with disorders of the developing nervous system through patient care, research, education, professional training, and community collaboration. This moment represents a rare opportunity to build upon an extraordinary, unique, and deeply respected organization and elevate its philanthropic reach as a world-class, emotionally resonant cause capable of inspiring transformational philanthropy.

Kennedy Krieger is a place like no other. It is an internationally recognized institution focused on improving the lives of children, youth, and adults with disorders of the developing nervous system through a uniquely comprehensive approach. Kennedy Krieger Children's Hospital is a pediatric specialty hospital offering both inpatient care and a broad network of outpatient services. Beyond clinical excellence, Kennedy Krieger is home to schools and educators serving publicly funded students, exceptional mission-driven researchers, and advanced clinical training programs. It also supports a wide range of child‑ and family‑focused community initiatives. This aggregation of segments---clinical care, research, special education, community partnership, professional training---is what makes Kennedy Krieger so unique.

Kennedy Krieger Institute means something deeply personal to the many thousands of patients, students, and families it serves. Still, at its core, it reflects hope, progress, and belief in what can be. Since 1937, Kennedy Krieger has evolved into an international leader in caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and injuries of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. The generosity of donors helps nearly 30,000 unique patients across 13 locations in Maryland each year. Patients come from throughout Maryland, all 50 states, and dozens of countries around the globe. Philanthropic support makes possible cutting-edge research, from basic laboratory investigations to clinical trials, all mission-driven. With more than 100 significant discoveries, the research at Kennedy Krieger continues to transform care and change lives.

The Chief Advancement Officer will lead and unify Kennedy Krieger Institute's fundraising and marketing/communications efforts to create a powerful, mission-driven advancement enterprise. Reporting directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, the CAO will partner closely with executive leadership and clinical, research, and program teams to align philanthropy, brand, and institutional priorities. The CAO position is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to play an active, hands-on part in comprehensive capital campaigns, annual fundraising, and telling the story of Kennedy Krieger to the many audiences and communities it serves.

The CAO will shape and execute next-generation philanthropic strategies that drive fundraising growth and expand Kennedy Krieger's extraordinary impact. This leader will model the Institute's core values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, and community while building a high-performing, mission-driven team. They will articulate a compelling case for support, foster a strong culture of philanthropy, and ensure all external engagement reflects the dignity, resilience, and potential of the individuals and families served. By aligning the Offices of Philanthropy and Marketing & Communications into a high-impact function, the CAO will amplify a powerful message of hope, celebration, and advocacy.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.

WittKieffer is assisting Kennedy Krieger Institute in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.

Kennedy Krieger Institute seeks an inaugural Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) to lead a bold transformation of its advancement enterprise, elevating the organization's national visibility, philanthropic reach, and long-term impact in service of Kennedy Krieger Institute's mission: to improve the lives of children, youth, and adults with disorders of the developing nervous system through patient care, research, education, professional training, and community collaboration. This moment represents a rare opportunity to build upon an extraordinary, unique, and deeply respected organization and elevate its philanthropic reach as a world-class, emotionally resonant cause capable of inspiring transformational philanthropy.

Kennedy Krieger is a place like no other. It is an internationally recognized institution focused on improving the lives of children, youth, and adults with disorders of the developing nervous system through a uniquely comprehensive approach. Kennedy Krieger Children's Hospital is a pediatric specialty hospital offering both inpatient care and a broad network of outpatient services. Beyond clinical excellence, Kennedy Krieger is home to schools and educators serving publicly funded students, exceptional mission-driven researchers, and advanced clinical training programs. It also supports a wide range of child‑ and family‑focused community initiatives. This aggregation of segments---clinical care, research, special education, community partnership, professional training---is what makes Kennedy Krieger so unique.

Kennedy Krieger Institute means something deeply personal to the many thousands of patients, students, and families it serves. Still, at its core, it reflects hope, progress, and belief in what can be. Since 1937, Kennedy Krieger has evolved into an international leader in caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders and injuries of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. The generosity of donors helps nearly 30,000 unique patients across 13 locations in Maryland each year. Patients come from throughout Maryland, all 50 states, and dozens of countries around the globe. Philanthropic support makes possible cutting-edge research, from basic laboratory investigations to clinical trials, all mission-driven. With more than 100 significant discoveries, the research at Kennedy Krieger continues to transform care and change lives.

The Chief Advancement Officer will lead and unify Kennedy Krieger Institute's fundraising and marketing/communications efforts to create a powerful, mission-driven advancement enterprise. Reporting directly to President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Bradley Schlaggar, the CAO will partner closely with executive leadership and clinical, research, and program teams to align philanthropy, brand, and institutional priorities. The CAO position is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to play an active, hands-on part in comprehensive capital campaigns, annual fundraising, and telling the story of Kennedy Krieger to the many audiences and communities it serves.

The CAO will shape and execute next-generation philanthropic strategies that drive fundraising growth and expand Kennedy Krieger's extraordinary impact. This leader will model the Institute's core values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, and community while building a high-performing, mission-driven team. They will articulate a compelling case for support, foster a strong culture of philanthropy, and ensure all external engagement reflects the dignity, resilience, and potential of the individuals and families served. By aligning the Offices of Philanthropy and Marketing & Communications into a high-impact function, the CAO will amplify a powerful message of hope, celebration, and advocacy.

All applications, nominations and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile.

WittKieffer is assisting Kennedy Krieger Institute in this search, which will remain open until an appointment is made.

Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer's candidate portal.