Summary
Description
For a limited time, all new hires are eligible for the benchmark incentive payments totaling up to $1000.00!! More information is on our Employee Benefits page on our website. Come join us and find out what it’s all about!
Under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as the driving force behind the organization’s long-term philanthropic vision. This strategic leader will design, launch, and refine multi-year fundraising initiatives that ignite deeper engagement with stakeholders, ultimately fueling transformative financial support and advancing our mission. This position requires a strong relationship builder with exceptional communication skills, a collaborative spirit, and the confidence to lead with integrity and adaptability. A high level of professionalism, a commitment to ethical fundraising practices, and a deep respect for confidentiality are required. This is a highly external-facing role, with approximately 80% of time spent cultivating and stewarding relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders. The CDO also provides direct supervision to the Associate Director, Engagement and the Associate Director, Grant Development, guiding team efforts with clarity, purpose, and inspiration.
WORK PERFORMED
Donor Strategy & Pipeline Development
• Design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy targeting individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Build and manage a donor pipeline that nurtures prospects into long-term, high-impact supporters.
• Develop and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving.
• Oversee prospect research and donor segmentation to identify new funding opportunities.
Relationship Management
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors, including high-net-worth individuals, corporate partners, and foundation officers.
• Represent the organization at donor meetings, community events, and networking opportunities.
• Partner with the Chief Executive Officer and Board to leverage their networks and deepen engagement.
Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Lead and mentor the development team, setting clear goals and fostering a results-driven culture.
• Collaborate with program, finance, and communications teams to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.
• Prepare regular reports and dashboards to track progress and inform strategic decisions.
Communications & Campaigns
• Oversee the creation of compelling fundraising materials, donor communications, and impact reports.
• Lead annual campaigns, capital campaigns, and special initiatives with creativity and precision.
• Ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment across all donor touchpoints.
Operations & Administration
• Develop and manage the annual departmental budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial stability.
• Oversee donor database integrity, gift processing, and reporting systems to ensure accurate and timely records.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, ethical standards, and donor confidentiality policies.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Master's degree plus seven years of relevant professional experience, or Bachelor's degree plus nine years of relevant professional experience. 30 relevant credit hours may be substituted for one year of experience. Five years of experience must be at a supervisory level.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) or other fundraising certification preferred.
• Experience with fundraising in the Greater Washington Metro area preferred.
• Experience conducting wealth screening, inclination scoring, RFM analysis (recency, frequency, monetary) and other donor engagement data analysis preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build a culture of philanthropy within an organization and to enthusiastically and successfully engage in one-on-one solicitation and ongoing donor stewardship.
• Comfort and facility with a wide range of philanthropic work, including solicitation and stewardship of individual, foundation and corporate donors, donor cultivation and research, grant writing, and special events.
• Successful track record in executing strategy, setting priorities, managing multiple projects, and working effectively under pressure to achieve individual and organization goals.
• Documented success with annual, major gift, grant, and legacy fundraising, and building long-term relationships with donors and funders.
• Experience with DonorPerfect or other CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platforms and Microsoft Office.
• Reliable personal transportation.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to read and write fluently in English and have a good understanding of the English language.
