Chief Development Officer

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Chief Development Officer to lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports the organization’s mission and long-term growth. This senior executive will oversee major donor engagement, institutional partnerships, and capital campaigns, focusing on securing significant philanthropic contributions from individuals, family offices, corporations, and foundations.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in major gifts fundraising and a strong entrepreneurial approach to building and scaling a development operation capable of generating substantial philanthropic capital.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a capital-intensive fundraising strategy to support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Cultivate, steward, and secure major gifts from high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and institutional funders.
• Build and lead a high-performing development team, including major gifts officers and donor relations staff.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership to leverage networks and activate peer-to-peer fundraising efforts.
• Design and manage donor engagement experiences and fundraising events.
• Ensure fundraising activities align with the organization’s mission, brand, and values.
• Work cross-functionally with Finance, Programs, and Communications teams to align fundraising goals with impact reporting and donor communications.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of senior fundraising leadership experience with a proven record of securing multi-million-dollar philanthropic gifts.
• Strong background in cultivating and managing relationships with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and foundations.
• Experience leading fundraising efforts for high-profile or mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Excellent relationship management skills, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with experience building or scaling fundraising operations.
• Knowledge of donor stewardship best practices, gift structuring, and fundraising compliance.
• Passion for advancing social impact through philanthropy.