The client is seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead fundraising strategy and resource development efforts. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Team, the Chief Development Officer will help shape and advance organizational strategy in partnership with the CEO and Board leadership, ensuring the resources and partnerships needed to expand impact. The role will lead major-gifts-focused individual giving to complement the organization’s historic strength in institutional giving.
The Chief Development Officer will develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to sustain and grow the organization’s annual budget through institutional and individual support. Responsibilities include overseeing donor engagement across cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for major donors, foundations, and institutional partners, as well as planning and executing events that engage donors and prospective supporters. The role supervises a development team and provides stable, agile leadership to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges in dynamic geopolitical and philanthropic environments.
The ideal candidate will have authentic alignment with The client’s mission and the ability to operate effectively amid evolving, volatile geopolitical and philanthropic conditions. The role typically requires at least twelve years of nonprofit fundraising experience with progressively increasing responsibility, including at least seven years of development staff management experience, ideally with experience leading hybrid or remote team models. The candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of modern fundraising principles and best practices, including ethical engagement and approaches to diversify the funding base and deepen donor commitments.