Chief Growth Officer at MAAC
At Blair Search Partners, we know that the right leadership can unlock an organization’s full potential. Through our Project Impact series, we highlight changemakers placed in mission-driven roles and explore the transformative effect they’ve had on their organizations and communities.
Today, we’re excited to feature Susan Arias, Chief Growth Officer at MAAC. Over the last two years, Susan has led a strategic shift in MAAC’s development efforts. She helped build a sustainable fundraising program and positioned the organization for long-term impact.
Meet Susan: A Nonprofit Leader with Deep Roots in Fundraising
For over 20 years, Susan has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector. From her early days in program management to becoming a seasoned fundraising and philanthropy expert, she has consistently sought opportunities to enhance community engagement and drive meaningful change.
“I started off in programming. I learned very quickly that if I wanted to do more in my programs, I had to fundraise to be able to do that,” Susan shared. “And that is what brought me into the fundraising side of the house and I grew my skills there.”
When BSP introduced Susan to MAAC, she was immediately drawn to the organization’s mission and the opportunity to expand its impact. The chance to build a comprehensive fundraising strategy and elevate MAAC’s visibility in the community was an exciting challenge she couldn’t ignore.
The Opportunity: A Broader Impact at MAAC
Despite her deep roots in the nonprofit sector, Susan wasn’t initially familiar with MAAC. When Blair Search Partners introduced her to the organization, she was amazed by the breadth of MAAC’s services.
“I was surprised when I looked at the MAAC website and discovered all the work that they were doing in the community, how much reach they had in the county, and the work that they were doing across a variety of service pathways,” Susan said. “It was fascinating to get to know the organization, and I recognized the potential there.”
Stepping into her role at MAAC meant more than just a career move—it was a chance to amplify the organization’s voice and inspire deeper community investment in its mission.
The BSP Difference: A Supportive Hiring Process
Susan credits Shira Jacobs, Director of Executive Search & Recruiting at Blair Search Partners, for playing a pivotal role in her transition:
“Shira sent me the Director of Philanthropy job description, and at first, it felt huge. She immediately cheered me on, saying, ‘No way—look at your experience, look at your resume. You’ve got this!'”
Unlike most traditional recruitment processes, Blair Search Partners provides a personalized, human-centered approach. Susan appreciated the level of engagement and encouragement that made the transition feel like a true partnership rather than just a job search.
Transforming MAAC’s Fundraising & Communications Strategy
When Susan joined MAAC in 2022, the organization had strong programs and leadership, but had not yet had a dedicated person solely focused on fundraising. Fundraising efforts had been dispersed among department heads, limiting MAAC’s ability to maximize philanthropic support.
“Before I joined the team, MAAC did not have someone who was just focused on fundraising,” Susan explained. “It was happening within the departments. The senior leaders of the departments would identify funding to support their work, but I think just organizing it under one department while still working very collaboratively across all of our different departments has made a big difference.”
Expanding Responsibilities: Marketing, Communications & Advocacy
As MAAC’s Chief Growth Officer, Susan’s role has evolved beyond fundraising. In August 2023, she took over the Marketing & Communications team, further aligning donor outreach with MAAC’s broader public engagement efforts.
More recently, she stepped into policy and advocacy work, expanding MAAC’s role in policy discussions related to housing, education, and economic mobility.
“The new addition to my role and the transition there is looking at policy and advocacy– government relations–knowing that the federal funding landscape is going to change drastically over the next several years. What can we do about that strategically, and how can MAAC position itself to be prepared for those changes in the future?” Those are the questions Susan is answering.
Choosing Blair Search Partners: A Lasting Impact
One of the most impactful aspects of Susan’s journey is how well-aligned she is with MAAC’s mission. Her ability to build strong donor relationships, elevate the organization’s visibility, and prepare for long-term funding challenges has been instrumental in her success.
Reflecting on her experience with Blair Search Partners, Susan offers this advice to candidates considering a career move:
“I probably would have sold myself short a little bit in the application process if [Shira] hadn’t helped connect those dots for me and said, like, ‘You can do this. This is something that is well within the work that you’ve been doing in the past.'”
Susan has also seen firsthand the impact of strategic recruiting: “Blair Search Partners doesn’t just fill roles—they build relationships and find people who truly align with an organization’s culture and mission.”
Your Next Opportunity Starts Here
We’re incredibly proud of the impact Susan is making at MAAC. It’s inspiring to see how she’s driving change and strengthening the organization’s ability to serve the community. Congratulations, Susan!
If you’re an organization striving to make a difference by hiring a team of changemakers, or an individual looking for your next career move in the nonprofit sector, visit us at blairsearchpartners.com and let’s see what we can do together.
We’d love to help you find your next great hire.