Chief Development Officer

Reporting to the CEO, and in collaboration with the Board of Directors, this position is responsible for all development activities including fundraising, marketing, and public affairs. The CDO is tasked with building visibility, impact, and financial resources through the solicitation of major gifts, federal and state grants, special events, and corporate and foundation support.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Director of Development and Director of Marketing and Communications

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising and Marketing Strategy

• Establish and manage the execution of BGCSAs overall fundraising and marketing strategy to achieve or exceed annual fundraising goals of $7 million.
• Develop appropriate plans and strategies to address BGCSAs diverse needs, mapping various types of giving (major and leadership gifts, annual fund, planned giving, corporate and foundation support) for capital projects, endowment, scholarships, and programmatic interests.

Financial Oversight and Reporting

• Report on Resource Developments financial progress through monthly budget-to-actual analysis.
• Interface with finance and programming personnel to track the progress of funded projects.
• Oversee the portfolio moves management process, ensuring proper integration with all frontline fundraisers.
• Track and assess donor retention and growth performance, setting clear benchmarks for the team and regularly reflecting on progress through donor data tracking and analysis.

Donor Engagement and Relationship Building

• Serve as an ambassador for BGCSA, representing the organization externally and building authentic, lasting relationships with donors, partners, vendors, and contractors.
• Cultivate new donors and partnerships while expanding and deepening existing relationships, including managing the corporate partnership program and coordinating the boards activities related to fundraising efforts.
• Serve as a liaison for the Development and Marketing committee to identify and lead major gift efforts with key stakeholders.

Event Management and Execution

• Orchestrate special events to boost fundraising efforts, including galas, openings, corporate and private gatherings, and celebrations recognizing donor contributions and milestones for BGCSA.
• Develop and implement necessary processes and systems to ensure scheduling, logistics, and execution of development activities and events are effectively tracked in Boomerang and Grant Seeker.

Communication and Education

• Draft proposals and communications for key donors on behalf of the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Create written proposals and correspondence for donors as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of philanthropic trends, creating templates and presentations to educate colleagues, lay leaders, and BGCSA leadership on best practices.

Brand Awareness and Outreach

• Elevate BGCSA brand awareness through community outreach, strategic partnerships, media engagement, and digital marketing opportunities.
• Manage monthly portfolio review meetings to facilitate the timely movement of potential donors toward solicitation and closure.

Team Management and Operations

• 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.
• Coach, support, and encourage the Board of Directors in their efforts to build and strengthen their identification, cultivation, and solicitation of donors (current and prospective)

Education:

• Masters degree preferred from an accredited college or university in business, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field.

Experience:

• Over eight years of fundraising experience in a sizable, high-performing organization, encompassing capital campaigns, endowments, annual funds, event management, and budget oversight.
• Proven success in securing major gifts and building long-term relationships with donors whose priorities evolve.
• Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed fundraising outcomes in a previous role with an organizational budget of at least $6 million.
• Successful track record in leading and completing capital campaigns.

Leadership and Culture:

• Serve as a key culture carrier, modeling inclusive leadership and collaboration.
• Proven leadership skills in negotiation, problem-solving, decision-making, and delegation.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, direct, and manage staff while supporting the fundraising activities of lay leadership and alumni.

Communication Skills:

• Exceptional communicator, both in writing and verbally, who thrives on connecting with individuals, aligning the case for support, and fostering collaboration.
• Strong listener and strategist, comfortable synthesizing input from diverse sources into a well-organized plan.
• Ability to challenge assumptions while maintaining focus on institutional priorities.

Personal Attributes:

• Self-motivated with the capacity to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Committed to operating with the highest ethical standards.
• Exhibits an empathetic disposition and perseverance, reflecting a positive attitude and sensitivity to donor needs.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Microsoft Project, and experienced with Boomerang and Grant Seeker database.