Chief Development Officer Job Description

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Chief Development Officer Job Description

Job descriptions
Executive

Job summary 1

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides the leadership, strategy, and management for all components of the Company’s fundraising efforts. They will develop and execute the strategy for increasing contributed revenue by 40% over the next three years. In addition to a high-touch stewardship and donor recognition program, the CDO will provide leadership on an institutional, corporate, and legacy giving strategy, and manage a small major gifts portfolio. The CDO should be the institution’s chief ambassador imbuing staff and lay leadership with inspiration and training to help create a culture of philanthropy. It is expected that within three years the Company will embark on a comprehensive campaign including endowment and capital segments.

Duties & Responsibilities 1

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Immediately assess the “state of play” of in-process fundraising efforts and provide support for those efforts as needed. Review the current fundraising support infrastructure to ensure that the organization can respond quickly, effectively, creatively, and contextually to long-term financial requirements and short-term operating needs. Serve as principal fundraising strategist for driving significant growth in contributed revenue. In collaboration with the CEO and Director of Development Operations, develop a comprehensive, data-driven fundraising plan that includes donor segmentation, objectives for individual and institutional fundraising and success metrics, identification of staff and board who will be actively involved in identifying, cultivating and stewarding relationships with existing and new donors, and donor recognition programs.
Develop appropriate plans and strategies to fund the diverse needs of the Company and map to various types of giving (major and leadership gifts, annual fund, planned giving, corporate and foundation) for capital projects, the endowment, scholarships, the annual fund for operating expenses, and giving that focuses on the programmatic interests of donors.
- Orchestrate special events that boost fundraising efforts, including galas, openings, corporate and private gatherings, and events celebrating contributions of various donor groups and marking special milestones for the Company.
- In collaboration with the Marketing Team, develop and evolve the overall messaging to appeal to various donor constituencies.
- Retain, recruit, and manage a team of development professionals with an appropriate balance of skills and experiences; establish work plans, performance objectives, and goals, and regularly review performance; provide professional development and training opportunities to cultivate staff skills and professionalism.

Requirements & Skills 1

Ten+ years’ fundraising experience with a sizable, high-performing organization that includes capital, endowment, annual fund, and event elements; demonstrated success in securing major gifts will be an advantage as will experience identifying and stewarding long-term relationships with donors with evolving priorities.
Demonstrated skills in motivating, directing, and managing staff and consultants, and in coordinating and supporting the fundraising activities of others, including current lay leadership and alumni leadership; outstanding interpersonal skills.
An exceptional communicator, both in writing and orally; a person who gets energy from connecting with individuals, aligning the support case, and creating opportunities for engagement.
A good listener and strategist; comfortable receiving input from many sources, and able to analyze and formulate disparate information into a sound, well-organized plan; gravitas to challenge assumptions and stay focused on institutional priorities.
- Emotionally mature with a very good sense of humor and the flexibility and sensitivity to work with diverse personalities and situations.
- Knowledge of individual Jewish funder landscape and regional and national foundation opportunities is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge and familiarity with using CRM systems, particularly Salesforce, are highly preferred.

Job summary 2

The ideal candidate can provide the company with a balanced point of view based on acquisition and development experience and business acumen. They are adept at collaborating with team members and publicly influencing decision-making. They act with a sense of urgency and accountability in a fast-paced environment. The Chief Development Officer leads the sourcing and conceptualization, planning and design, permitting, market, and financial analysis, financing, retail leasing, construction, and community impact for all development and acquisition transactions.

Duties & Responsibilities 2

Requirements & Skills 2

Job summary 3

The incoming Chief Development Officer (CDO) will have the high-impact opportunity to join a world-class team that is a driving force for change on the global stage. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and reporting to the Chief Strategy and Operations Officer (CSOO), the incoming CDO will bring an energetic passion for the mission of the Center alongside a proven track record of fundraising success. The CDO will guide the vision and strategy for this new era of global fundraising growth, manage a robust development team of 30, and foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization that supports this critical work. As a member of the Center’s Executive Team, the CDO will provide strategic input on key organizational decisions, and partner with leaders from across the organization to ensure a continued path for evolution, growth, and impact.

Duties & Responsibilities 3

Fundraising: With vision and creativity, capitalize on the critical moment and compelling mission to raise revenue from individual and institutional donors. Leverage the steady and outstanding growth trajectory of the last decade to lead sustainable, continued growth. Significantly expand the size of the major donor pool and its diversity, including demographics, geography, and areas of interest. Analyze data to drive strategy and resource allocation. Cultivate and solicit seven-figure gifts. Create opportunities to build a “home” for supporters, ensuring long-term engagement and giving. Apply a campaign mindset to create compelling fundraising programs across the Center’s global programs, and increase its exposure to, and gifts from, the international funding community.
Executive Leadership: As a vital member of the executive leadership team, serve as a key thought partner and collaborator to senior leadership and the Board to vision and drive strategy and initiatives, expanding our universe of donors and widening the aperture for organizational impact. Lead change with and through other executive leaders, development team members, and other key constituencies.
Development Team Leadership: Support a culture of collaboration and trust within the 30-person development team and among departments. Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the development team and across the organization. Lead staff and supporters to institutionalize a culture of philanthropy and fund development within the organization. Ensure the necessary systems, structures, and processes are in place to support the development objectives in the Strategic Plan, and the Center’s sustained growth.

Requirements & Skills 3

Mission & Values Alignment: Commitment to advancing reproductive rights as human rights. Demonstrated fit with the Center’s core values: globally inclusive, integrity, excellence, and impact. Possesses a global mindset and understands the contextual differences within the countries and core constituencies with which we work.
Fundraising Expertise: At least 20 years of experience and relationships with individual and institutional donor constituencies, and a strong track record as a proven fundraiser, including personally cultivating and successfully soliciting principal gifts; using data to drive strategy and decisions; and developing the case for support across a broad universe of donors. History leading a successful, comprehensive development function that includes a range of fundraising disciplines, while also personally maintaining a portfolio of donors. Ability to articulate a compelling vision for global work; experience fundraising for organizations that have operations in the global south is a strong plus.
- Executive Leadership Experience: Experience driving development strategy and execution in a C-Suite role, in a high integrity, inclusive way. Proven ability to understand the operating environment, and engage with stakeholders, internal and external, to define and achieve impact. History of strong partnership with a CEO, board, and other executive leaders to strategically advance the fundraising successes - and impact - of an organization.
- Development Team Leadership Experience: Phenomenal organizational leader and people manager with a track record of leading teams around a vision and through organizational change. Proven ability to structure, staff, and lead a cohesive, goal-oriented, and successful development team that includes a full and comprehensive complement of fundraising teams, including individual giving, institutional giving, direct response, events, development operations, and planned to give.
- Relationship Building & Collaboration: Ability to listen deeply, cultivate connections, break down silos, foster collaboration, and build a culture of trust within the development department, across the organization, and with external stakeholders. History of building lasting relationships at all levels of an organization. Ability to establish credibility and trust with diverse constituencies.

Job summary 4

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Development Officer (CDO) sets the vision, leads strategy, ensures alignment of the Company's development, and grants the team the to maximize revenue generation. The CDO serves as an integral member of the Leadership Team. The mission of the Leadership Team is to cultivate a culture of innovation, compassion, and mutual respect where patients, clients, employees, and volunteers thrive, resulting in the greater well-being of our community. It sets the priorities and direction that keep the agency committed to fulfilling its mission and vision.

Duties & Responsibilities 4

Requirements & Skills 4

Excellent writing skills.
Knowledge of PC functions, Microsoft Office Applications, event management software applications, and CRMs.
Multi-task, prioritize and perform under pressure. Must have strong organizational skills and be able to work with little supervision. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Interact well in a variety of settings and with varying populations.
- Utilize computer technology to facilitate tasks. Must demonstrate problem-solving, and decision-making ability to correct unforeseen issues on the spot during events and be flexible in a changing environment.
- Must be comfortable working with donors, community leaders, and the public.
- Lead and work in a team-oriented, friendly, and energetic environment. Excellent customer service skills are a necessity.

Job summary 5

You contribute to our success. Every role has an impact on our patients’ lives and you have the opportunity to make a difference. We are looking for a dedicated Chief Development Officer like you to be a part of our team.

Duties & Responsibilities 5

Requirements & Skills 5

MBA, MHA, or related Master’s Degree is required.
Requires a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive healthcare facility leadership experience, five (5) of which must have been in an acute care facility required.
Experience with coordinating and integrating strategic planning and business development.
Leadership experience in marketing, public relations, and physician relations/physician development required.
- Proven success in Service Line Portfolio Performance Metrics, Market share stabilization/growth, Net revenue and volume growth, and Physician Retention and Loyalty rates.
- Service Line management preferred
- Membership and active participation in appropriate healthcare professional associations and community organizations.

Job summary 6

The Chief Development Officer is a member of the executive management team, which along with the Executive Director and Board sets the direction and provides overall management for the organization.

Duties & Responsibilities 6

Requirements & Skills 6

Minimum of 7-10 years of fundraising experience, including experience managing teams
Demonstrated leadership skills, ability to manage and motivate staff, and ability to work effectively with members of senior leadership, including Board members
Track record of successfully building fundraising programs and managing high-level donor relationships
- Exceptional strategic thinking and creative problem-solving skills, and a demonstrated ability to effectively influence internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Collegial attitude and ability to work well with others

Job summary 7

The Chief Development Officer ensures the development and success of the organization by overseeing the financial stability, fundraising, and growth of the organization.

Duties & Responsibilities 7

Develop a donor base and produce a communications and execution strategy
Manage donor communications by inviting donors in the organization to utilize various communications tools
Collect and manage donor information
Create a donor webpage for potential donors to read quarterly updates, and find new ways to contribute to the organization's mobilization efforts. This also includes an End of the Year Giving summary and an Annual Report on Perspectives
- Collect, request, and/or write alumni stories, agency submissions, announcements, or other content.
- Work with the CEO to determine development priorities
- Proficiently utilize organization technologies (ex. ConstantContact, HubSpot, etc.)

Requirements & Skills 7

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or equivalent experience
Master’s degree preferred but not required
Minimum of 5 years of professional experience managing and leading projects
Proven track record of success in fundraising
Strong interpersonal, decision-making, and leadership skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Analytical thinking and ability to analyze data
- Experience with MS Office programs and virtual communication tools like Zoom

Job summary 8

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer will be instrumental in developing and implementing a strategy that encourages continued support of the Company's mission and programs and promotes a culture of philanthropy. The Chief Development Officer will define the organization's vision and direction to achieve philanthropic goals, ensuring Company's growth and success; establish and cultivate relationships with core funding partners and prospects; lead an expanding team of development professionals; and serve as an ambassador of the organization.

Duties & Responsibilities 8

Requirements & Skills 8

Job summary 9

The Foundation seeks an experienced, mission- and results-driven Chief Development Officer to lead its Development efforts. The ideal candidate has an ambitious strategic vision for fundraising, superior communication skills, and experience managing change in a growing organization.

Duties & Responsibilities 9

Develop and refine fundraising strategies for the organization
Oversee fundraising activities, including funder/key stakeholder targeting, cultivation and management, content development, digital engagement, and event planning
Develop and execute plans to expand endowments and planned to give
Organize donor cultivation events
present the Foundation to donors and supporters continually. Be an ambassador for Foundation, disseminating information to the community
Organize and facilitate the Fundraising Committee of the Board, including agenda setting, reporting on updates, and engaging committee members on strategies.
- Collaborate and establish good working relationships with Health Center staff
- Recruit, develop, manage, and coach a team of fundraising professionals.
- Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Skills 9

Proven experience in fundraising and/or related fields, with several years of management experience in a non-profit organization or similar environment.
Knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, particularly major gift fundraising, estate planning, and corporate fundraising.
Motivated, with the ability to solve complex problems and a passion for philanthropy.
- External orientation – willing to be “out there” and build external relationships.
- Positive attitude, concern for people and community, self-confidence.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Job summary 10

The new Chief Development Officer (CDO) will serve on the senior leadership team of the organization and is a highly visible, externally facing role. The CDO will be responsible for increasing fundraising success, including the design and implementation of a comprehensive development plan to support the mission and strategic goals of the organization. The CDO will also sustain and elevate the philanthropic support of current donors and develop a network of new prospects, particularly influential individuals and institutional prospects from the area’s biotech community and other area corporations who share the organization’s commitment to serving underserved and vulnerable people and families. This position serves as the chief fundraising officer for the organization and its subsidiaries. The CDO will manage a team of three staff and will work closely with President and CEO, the Foundation Board, and clinical leadership to identify and engage prospects and solicit gifts.

Duties & Responsibilities 10

Requirements & Skills 10

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of a chief development officer?

The role of a Chief Development Officer (CDO) is to oversee and lead an organization's strategic initiatives related to fundraising, donor relations, and revenue generation. The CDO plays a crucial role in driving the organization's growth, ensuring financial sustainability, and securing resources to support its mission and objectives. Here are some key responsibilities and duties of a Chief Development Officer:

Strategic Planning: The CDO works closely with the executive team and board of directors to develop and implement strategic plans for fundraising and revenue generation. This includes setting goals, identifying opportunities, and creating strategies to maximize the organization's fundraising potential.

Fundraising and Donor Relations: The CDO is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising campaigns and initiatives. They cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and other potential funding sources. They oversee the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors to secure financial support for the organization.

Development of Funding Strategies: The CDO assesses the organization's funding needs and develops strategies to diversify revenue streams. This may include exploring grant opportunities, corporate partnerships, planned giving programs, events, and other innovative approaches to generate financial support.

Leadership and Team Management: The CDO provides leadership, guidance, and support to the development team. They may oversee staff responsible for fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, and other development activities. They provide direction, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to the team.

Board Engagement: The CDO collaborates with the board of directors, providing them with fundraising expertise, guidance, and support. They engage board members in fundraising efforts, cultivate their individual giving, and provide regular updates on the organization's development activities and progress.

Collaboration and Relationship Building: The CDO works collaboratively with other departments and stakeholders within the organization to align fundraising efforts with organizational goals. They build strong relationships with program directors, finance teams, marketing and communications departments, and other staff to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to development.

Data Analysis and Reporting: The CDO monitors and analyzes fundraising data, evaluating the effectiveness of different strategies and initiatives. They provide regular reports on fundraising progress, trends, and metrics to the executive team, board of directors, and other stakeholders.

External Relations and Public Image: The CDO represents the organization externally, acting as an ambassador and spokesperson for fundraising efforts. They participate in networking events, conferences, and community engagement activities to enhance the organization's visibility and reputation.

Ethics and Compliance: The CDO ensures compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards in fundraising activities. They uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in donor relations and financial practices.

Continual Learning and Professional Development: The CDO stays informed about current trends, best practices, and innovations in the field of development. They seek professional development opportunities, attend conferences, and engage with industry networks to enhance their knowledge and skills.

The role of a Chief Development Officer is critical in building and maintaining strong relationships with donors and stakeholders, securing financial resources, and driving the organization's long-term sustainability and growth.

Who does a chief development officer work with?

A Chief Development Officer (CDO) works with various individuals and groups both internally and externally. Here are some key stakeholders with whom a CDO collaborates:

Executive Team: The CDO works closely with the executive team, including the CEO, CFO, and other senior leaders. They collaborate to align fundraising strategies with the organization's overall goals and ensure the integration of development efforts with other departments.

Board of Directors: The CDO engages and collaborates with the board of directors. They provide fundraising expertise, guidance, and support to board members. The CDO may also work with board committees, such as the development committee, to strategize and execute fundraising initiatives.

Development Team: The CDO oversees the development team, which may include staff members responsible for fundraising, donor relations, grant writing, event planning, and other development activities. They provide leadership, guidance, and support to the team, fostering a collaborative and effective working environment.

Finance Department: The CDO collaborates with the finance department to ensure accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance with financial regulations. They work together to track revenue, expenses, and financial projections related to development activities.

Program Directors: The CDO works closely with program directors or heads of various departments within the organization. They collaborate to understand programmatic needs, funding priorities, and potential funding opportunities. This helps align fundraising efforts with the organization's mission and programs.

Donors and Prospects: The CDO engages with individual donors, major donors, foundations, corporate sponsors, and other funding sources. They build relationships, cultivate prospective donors, solicit contributions, and steward existing donors. The CDO ensures effective communication and relationship management with donors to foster long-term support.

Marketing and Communications Department: The CDO collaborates with the marketing and communications department to develop fundraising messages, campaigns, and materials. They work together to ensure consistent branding, messaging, and effective communication of the organization's impact and funding needs to the public and potential donors.

External Partners and Consultants: The CDO may engage with external partners, consultants, or fundraising experts for advice, guidance, or specialized support. This could include consultants specializing in donor relations, grant writing, event planning, or other areas of fundraising.

Community and Industry Networks: The CDO engages with community leaders, business networks, and professional associations to build relationships and expand the organization's network of supporters. They participate in community events, industry conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance the organization's visibility and access to funding opportunities.

Government Agencies and Grantmakers: The CDO may collaborate with government agencies or grantmaking organizations to secure grant funding or explore partnership opportunities. They engage in discussions, submit proposals, and maintain relationships with these entities to support the organization's funding efforts.

The success of a Chief Development Officer relies on effective collaboration and communication with these stakeholders, all working toward the common goal of securing resources and support for the organization's mission and objectives.

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