Chief Relationship Officer (CRO)

Position Summary:
At NextAfter, we exist to unleash the most generous generation in history. We are seeking an inspiring, mission-driven Chief Relationship Officer (CRO) to serve as the ultimate brand evangelist for NextAfter and generosity in the nonprofit vertical. The CRO will champion our brand voice and mission to the world while leading our sales, marketing, events, and partnerships functions.

You will cultivate and steward relationships with nonprofit leaders, partners, and supporters. You’ll also be a key external spokesperson, willing and excited to speak at industry events, webinars, podcasts, and client gatherings to spread the message of generosity and fuel our organization’s growth. If you are passionate about advancing causes, building meaningful connections, and helping nonprofits grow in names, donors, and dollars, we’d love to meet you.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: (Other duties may be assigned. Assist at NIO Conference annually.)

Brand Evangelism:

  • Serve as a public face and voice of NextAfter to the nonprofit sector and beyond.
  • Speak on stages, podcasts, webinars, and industry events to advance the message of generosity and promote NextAfter’s research and services.
  • Authentically represent NextAfter’s values, voice, and mission in all external engagements.

Sales & Revenue Growth:

  • Own the full revenue pipeline by leading sales efforts focused on building strong, strategic client relationships.
  • Build, lead, and refine a high-performing sales team and process.
  • Personally steward key client relationships and major new business opportunities.
  • Collaborate with leadership, account management, and marketing teams to ensure alignment between business development efforts and agency capabilities.

Marketing Leadership:

  • Oversee marketing strategy to amplify NextAfter’s thought leadership, research, and service offerings.
  • Partner with internal experts to produce compelling content that drives engagement, lead generation, and brand awareness.
  • Guide brand positioning and storytelling across all channels.

Event Strategy:

  • Lead strategy and execution for key events like the NIO Summit, workshops, webinars, and client gatherings.
  • Identify and create opportunities to engage with nonprofit leaders both online and in person.
  • Develop partnerships with aligned organizations to co-host or sponsor events that expand NextAfter’s reach.

Partnership Development:

  • Identify, pursue, and deepen partnerships with platforms, associations, agencies, and companies that share our vision of unleashing generosity.
  • Negotiate partnership agreements that create value for NextAfter and its partners.
  • Represent NextAfter in partnership meetings, coalitions, and collaborative initiatives.

Ideal Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of experience in sales, marketing, business development, partnerships, or related leadership roles, preferably in the nonprofit, digital marketing, or SaaS sectors.
  • Strong public speaking and communication skills, with demonstrated experience presenting to large and diverse audiences.
  • Passion for generosity, nonprofit causes, and the unique role of research-driven fundraising strategies
  • Proven track record of driving revenue growth, leading sales/marketing teams, and building strategic partnerships.
  • Ability to travel up to 25–40% of the time for speaking engagements, client meetings, and events.
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with a deep sense of ownership and proactive leadership.
  • Highly relational, authentic, and aligned with NextAfter’s culture and core values.

Who You Are:

  • A compelling storyteller who can inspire action through words and presence.
  • A strategic builder who can scale relationships, partnerships, and revenue opportunities.
  • A connector who thrives on building meaningful relationships and finding win-win solutions.
  • A lifelong learner who is curious, humble, and always looking for new ways to grow and serve.
  • A believer in generosity — not just as a fundraising principle but as a way of life.

Salary: $200-$225k

NextAfter is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all team members.

Are you qualified and interested? Than, we want to hear from you!

Email Julie Connor at julie.connor@nextafter.com