The client is seeking a Chief Development Officer to provide strategic leadership for all fundraising and external relations. Reporting to the President and CEO, the role will help build and strengthen the organization’s philanthropic foundation during a period of leadership transition. The Chief Development Officer will oversee a comprehensive, relationship-driven development program across a four-entity nonprofit structure, with an emphasis on major gifts, donor stewardship, technology-enabled fundraising, and board engagement.
Key responsibilities include partnering with senior leadership to identify funding priorities and align development strategies with organizational goals; developing and implementing a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy centered on donor engagement; and leading the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors with a focus on long-term relationship development. The role will build and maintain a portfolio of key donors and prospects, strengthen donor retention through ongoing stewardship, and support the President and CEO and the board in donor relationship development and solicitation efforts.
The Chief Development Officer will oversee fundraising initiatives across individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and planned giving, integrating traditional approaches with digital and technology-driven strategies. The role will lead, supervise, and develop the Development Department team, fostering a collaborative, results-oriented culture and ensuring compliance with relevant requirements. The ideal candidate will have seven or more years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or external relations, demonstrated success in relationship-based fundraising and major gifts, and a bachelor’s degree; advanced credentials such as an MBA or CFRE may be preferred, along with experience using CRM systems and digital fundraising tools, experience working with senior leadership and boards, and familiarity with planned giving, capital campaigns, and donor segmentation.