Summary
Description
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for developing and implementing all aspects of the organization’s annual fundraising plan focused on targeting individual donors, foundations, corporations, civic groups, and community organizations. These efforts are the result of strong donor relations, including cultivation opportunities, engagement initiatives, and stewardship, as well as the identification, research, cultivation, and solicitation of major gifts and planned gifts. The CDO will organize and conduct face-to-face solicitations involving Club executives and key volunteers, as appropriate. Special event planning and oversight are required to reach annual goals, and the CDO will serve as a primary liaison with external partners to support the collective impact efforts of the organization. This position will develop and oversee marketing and social media planning, print and electronic materials, website management, and social media content. The CDO will be a member of BGCPP’s senior leadership team and must be a seasoned professional with a track record in leadership, comprehensive donor relations, and an understanding of the communities served by BGCPP. As an integral part of BGCPP’s Senior Leadership Team, the CDO will work closely with the organizational leaders in Program/Operations, Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, and Program Quality.
Type: Full-Time, Exempt position
Direct Reports: Senior Manager, Development and Communications, and Development Manager
General Essential Responsibilities:
Lead and manage all aspects of the fundraising program, including major gifts, planned giving, annual fund, special events, and grant writing.
- Design and implement a fundraising plan to meet annual organizational fundraising objectives, including but not limited to:
- Strategic Planning and Vision
- Donor Identification, Cultivation, Solicitation
- Major Gifts Efforts ($15k and Up)
- Strategic Partnerships ($15k and Up)
- Stewardship Matrix and Cultivation Events
- Fundraising and Internal Special Event Planning
- Annual Appeals
- Online Campaigns
- Plan and oversee all special events, including fundraising events, internal support events, and external cultivation events.
- Design and implement a marketing and communications plan to meet annual organizational objectives, including but not limited to:
- Social Media content and scheduling
- Brand Messaging
- Website Oversight
- Graphics and Communications
- Manage all aspects of donor relations for the organization, including foundations, corporations, major donors, public grantors, volunteer groups, and other contributors.
- Manage the daily activities of achieving departmental goals, including developing staff and outside service vendors.
- Manage and utilize donor database software to:
- Ensure all donor records are maintained and up-to-date
- Track fundraising income, grant reporting, and other development reports
- Recognize contributions with acknowledgement letters and special recognition events
- Establish, maintain, and grow Community Partnerships to provide financial contributions, in-kind donations, increased event participation, and increased volunteer hours.
- Ensure a productive working environment, providing support to Club management on fundraising issues.
Fundraising and Marketing Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes identifying and cultivating individual, corporate, major donors, foundation donors, and prospects.
- Develop and implement a marketing strategy to support fundraising efforts, including creating collateral materials, social media content, and other communications to promote the organization’s mission, programs, and services.
Building a Donor-Centered Strategy
- Develop and implement a donor-centered fundraising approach that builds strong relationships with donors, emphasizes the organization’s mission and impact, and encourages donor engagement and investment.
- Develop and maintain a donor recognition program that celebrates and acknowledges donors’ contributions to the organization.
- Ensure the timely and accurate acknowledgement of all gifts and donations and the proper stewardship of donor relationships.
- Work with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop and maintain a robust donor pipeline to support the organization’s long-term fundraising goals.
Finance & Grants
- Establish and monitor departmental budget, including revenue, expenses, and grant reconciliation.
- Research, identify, and submit grant applications to private and corporate foundations as well as municipal, state, county, and federal agencies.
- Coordinate with external grant writing vendors as required.
Awareness and Advocacy
- Drive Awareness and Advocacy of the Organizational Mission, Need, and Deliverables to Expand Mission Impact and Organizational Growth.
- Develop and implement strategies to raise awareness of the organization’s mission, programs, and services to increase its visibility and support.
- Develop and implement strategies to engage and mobilize supporters to advocate for the organization’s mission and its impact on the community.
- Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and other public forums to enhance the organization’s visibility and influence.
Development Infrastructure
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- In collaboration with the CEO, develop and implement an annual resource development plan that includes long-term objectives for the resource development department and measurable revenue targets.
- Develop and maintain effective systems and processes to support fundraising and development operations, including gift processing, database management, and reporting.
- Develop and implement a fundraising plan that includes clear goals, metrics, and timelines for achieving fundraising targets.
- Build and manage a budget for the development team that is aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities and goals.
- Identify and implement technology solutions to support fundraising and development operations and to enhance donor engagement and stewardship.
Strategic Planning
- Research and develop a comprehensive multi-year plan for achieving resource development needs of the organization, including a staffing plan for growth.
- Contribute to the planning and implementation of the strategic plan regarding activities relating to donor solicitations and other club fundraising efforts.
Major Donor Cultivation & Engagement
- Develop and implement strategies for identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to expand the organization’s donor base.
- Develop and maintain relationships with major gift donors through personalized engagement and stewardship activities, such as one-on-one meetings, cultivation events, and recognition programs.
- Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to solicit major gifts and to develop tailored proposals and gift agreements that align with donors’ interests and the organization’s priorities.
- Develop and manage systems for tracking and reporting on major gift fundraising progress and success.
Executive Leadership Team Leadership, Planning, and Strategy
- Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, working collaboratively with the CEO and other senior leaders to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan and vision.
- Provide leadership and direction to the development team and other departments as needed to ensure alignment with the organization’s goals and objectives.
- Lead the annual planning and budgeting process for the development department.
- Provide regular updates to the CEO and Board of Directors on fundraising progress and challenges and make recommendations for course correction as needed.
Administration, Community Support, and External Relations
- Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and community leaders.
- Effectively manage, implement, and report to the Board on strategic initiatives within the organization and support Board Committees as assigned.
- Work effectively and strategically with peers in Finance, Development, Human Resources, and Program/Operations.
- Represent BGCPP at external program-related, community, and fundraising events.
- Identify and cultivate authentic relationships with external stakeholders, including funders, government officials, school districts, community leaders, families, and program providers.
- Regular travel between sites and to activities.
Staff Management & Mentorship
- Build and manage a high-performing development team that is aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to development staff to build their capacity to achieve fundraising goals and to support the organization’s mission and goals.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the development team and across the organization.
- Develop and implement performance metrics and evaluation tools to ensure the team’s performance meets or exceeds fundraising targets and other organizational goals.
Expertise and Skills Required:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required. Master’s Degree in related field preferred, equivalent experience considered.
- 10-15 years of experience in a Resource Development leadership position as part of an executive leadership team at a non-profit agency.
- Considerable knowledge of the mission, objectives, policies, programs, and procedures of Boys & Girls Clubs; of the principles and practices of non-profit organizations is desired.
- Proven experience leading grant writing programs and securing funding from a variety of sources, including Foundation, State, and Federal Grants, with a track record of achieving fundraising goals.
- Deep expertise in fundraising techniques, pipeline management, and sources of funding for non-profit organizations.
- Excellent project management skills will drive the development and implementation of multi-year programmatic, strategic, and financial plans for the organization’s efficient management.
- Ability to establish, influence, and maintain effective working relationships with Club staff, coworkers, Board members, community groups, volunteers, and other related agencies.
- Strong management, administrative, and organizational skills.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and listening skills, with prior experience in public speaking and external relations, and the ability to represent the organization to a variety of stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and partner organizations.
- Prior experience creating strategic multi-year fundraising plans and building consensus among stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals.
- Demonstrated success in staff management and mentorship, with a commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth and development.
- Excellent organizational skills, flexibility, and energy, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines, with limited supervision, while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.
- High energy level, comfortable performing multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities, good reasoning abilities, sound judgment, and the ability to work under time pressures.
- Experience in evaluation and measurement; demonstrated focus on outcomes measurement.
- MS Office and web competency.
- Flexibility to work varied hours, especially as seasons and service needs change.
Environmental and Working Conditions:
Normal internal office environment; travel to/from sites on a regular basis. The individual selected for this position must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain or to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives of employees assigned to this job. The Boys & Girls Club of Paterson and Passaic is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by law.
