Summary
Description
ZRG Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Kesem in the search for a Chief Development Officer.
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Development Officer will lead Kesem's national fundraising efforts. In partnership with the Chief Executive Officer and leadership team, the Chief Development Officer will create a comprehensive fundraising strategy, transform the department into a world-class fundraising operation, and oversee development initiatives that will resource the growth of Kesem programs into its next 25 years of serving children. The Chief Development Officer will serve as a key external-facing representative of the organization and fundraising partner to the Chief Executive Officer, responsible for contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, events, and fundraising campaigns. They will be expected to significantly grow Kesem's national fundraising strategy, capability, and revenue over time, in addition to supporting the growth of fundraising potential for its 100+ chapters.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the rebuilding of Kesem's fundraising momentum post-pandemic by strengthening fundraising strategy, stewardship, systems, operations, and long-term development capability, with the goal of growing national office fundraising revenue from $3.3 million to more than $5 million. Kesem has a new Strategic Plan with the ambition to grow impact by 50% in 3 years and is investing to change the trajectory of its growth through program innovation. The Chief Development Officer will be a dynamic and influential part of a new executive leadership team eager for growth and innovation who can realize immediate opportunities with donor retention and alumni and family engagement.
Kesem was established in 2000 to serve a unique and underserved population – children impacted by a parent or guardian's cancer. Today, Kesem is the largest national organization serving these children ages 6 to 18, with over 115 Kesem chapters in 41 states and the District of Columbia. Kesem's flagship program, Camp Kesem, provides an experience for these children to be children and build bonds with other children and college student leaders who understand what they are going through.
Today, more than five million children are impacted by a parent's cancer in the United States. These children can experience increased anxiety, emotional isolation, loss of social interest, and feelings of hopelessness among other things. While many programs, services, and communities support cancer patients themselves, their children often lack the resources, spaces, or peer-to-peer support tailored to their needs and experiences. That is why Kesem is committed to creating a world where every child who has a parent with a cancer diagnosis or has lost a parent to cancer is never alone. Kesem supports these children through and beyond their parent's cancer with free, fun-filled creative programs and a lasting community.
Kesem provides college chapter members with ongoing leadership development training and support. These students are responsible for nearly every aspect of their chapter management. The delivery of Kesem's free annual summer program, Camp Kesem, and year-round services requires students to build strategic plans, recruit and train professional volunteers, facilitate family and community outreach, and fundraise to cover all costs.
Kesem families choose to return year after year. To date, Kesem has supported more than 90,000 children. The data shows that current programs are delivering positive outcomes for children and families, and Kesem plans to broaden its approach to meet more families where they are with programs that address their unique needs and preferences.
A bachelor's degree and at least ten years of fundraising experience, specifically in major gifts and individual giving, is preferred for this position. Kesem will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to Kesem, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Kesem and the responsibilities and qualifications specified in the position prospectus.
The salary range for this position is $155,000 to $190,000 annually. Kesem is committed to supporting its staff with comprehensive benefits and incentives including partially subsidized health insurance; vision and dental Insurance plan options; health savings account or flexible spending account with employer contribution; dependent care flexible spending account; employee assistance program (EAP); healthcare concierge service; wellness reimbursement; cellular phone provided or partially reimbursed; paid time off (vacation, personal, sick leave, holidays, birthdays, trade days); 403(b) retirement fund; and professional development.
Kesem is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Julie Lugo at julielugo@aspenleadershipgroup.com and Nicole Seipel at nicoleseipel@aspenleadershipgroup.com.
To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/8276.
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