Chief Development Officer

About the Role:

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will lead the organization's strategic growth initiatives by developing and executing comprehensive fundraising and development strategies that align with the company’s mission and long-term goals. This role is pivotal in cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with government agencies, corporate donors, and other key stakeholders to secure funding and support. The CDO will serve as a trusted advisor to the Board of Directors, providing insights and guidance on development opportunities and organizational positioning. Additionally, the CDO will oversee capital campaigns and grant management efforts, ensuring compliance and maximizing revenue streams. A deep understanding of cyber security principles will be leveraged to protect sensitive donor and organizational information, reinforcing trust and integrity in all development activities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in development, fundraising, or related roles, including leadership experience.
• Proven track record in securing government contracts and managing corporate donor relationships.
• Demonstrated experience leading successful capital campaigns and managing complex grant processes.
• Strong knowledge of cyber security principles as they relate to data protection in fundraising activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as Business Administration, Public Policy, or Nonprofit Leadership.
• Experience working within or alongside nonprofit boards as a strategic advisor.
• Familiarity with advanced marketing communications strategies tailored to fundraising and donor engagement.
• Certification in grant writing or fundraising (e.g., CFRE) is highly desirable.
• Experience in a national or multi-state organizational context within the United States.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic plans to increase funding from government contracts, corporate donors, and other sources.
• Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key stakeholders including government officials, corporate partners, and philanthropic organizations.
• Lead and manage capital campaigns, ensuring clear communication, goal setting, and successful execution.
• Oversee grant management processes, including proposal development, submission, compliance monitoring, and reporting.
• Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors as a trusted advisor, providing regular updates and strategic recommendations.
• Coordinate marketing communications to effectively promote fundraising initiatives and enhance organizational visibility.
• Ensure cyber security best practices are integrated into all development operations to safeguard sensitive data.
• Mentor and lead the development team to foster a high-performance culture focused on achieving fundraising goals.

Skills:

The Chief Development Officer will utilize strategic planning skills daily to design and adjust fundraising initiatives that meet evolving organizational needs. Government contracting expertise will be essential for navigating regulatory requirements and securing public funding. Relationship-building skills will be critical in establishing trust and long-term partnerships with corporate donors and board members. Marketing communications abilities will support the creation of compelling campaigns that engage diverse audiences and promote the organization’s mission. Additionally, knowledge of cyber security will be applied to protect sensitive donor information and ensure compliance with data privacy standards, maintaining the organization's reputation and stakeholder confidence.