Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Startup Foundation | U.S.-Based
Position Summary
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key executive leader responsible for building the Foundation's financial sustainability and long-term growth. As a startup organization, the CDO's primary mission is to generate revenue that enables the Foundation to expand its programs, increase its impact, and achieve its strategic goals.
This role is responsible for creating and executing comprehensive fundraising and revenue-generation strategies, developing strategic partnerships, securing grants, cultivating major donors, identifying new funding opportunities, and establishing systems that support sustainable growth. The CDO will work closely with the Founder, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors to build a diversified funding portfolio and position the Foundation for long-term success.
Key ResponsibilitiesRevenue Generation & Growth
- Develop and execute a comprehensive revenue-generation strategy aligned with the Foundation's mission and strategic objectives.
- Build multiple revenue streams, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, major gifts, planned giving, events, and earned-income opportunities where appropriate.
- Establish annual fundraising goals, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Continuously identify innovative funding opportunities to increase financial sustainability.
Fundraising Strategy
- Design and lead annual fundraising campaigns.
- Develop donor acquisition, engagement, and retention strategies.
- Create donor stewardship programs that encourage long-term giving.
- Monitor fundraising performance and adjust strategies to maximize results.
Major Gifts & Donor Relations
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and philanthropic partners.
- Build relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and community leaders.
- Prepare compelling proposals and presentations for prospective donors.
- Ensure exceptional donor experience and recognition.
Grants & Institutional Funding
- Identify local, state, federal, and private grant opportunities.
- Lead grant strategy, proposal development, submission, and reporting.
- Ensure compliance with grant requirements and funding agreements.
Corporate Partnerships
- Develop strategic partnerships with corporations and businesses.
- Secure sponsorships for Foundation programs and events.
- Create mutually beneficial partnership opportunities that support both community impact and organizational growth.
Business Development & Strategic Partnerships
- Identify opportunities that generate sustainable income for the Foundation.
- Develop collaborations with nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, and private organizations.
- Explore innovative revenue-generating initiatives consistent with the Foundation's mission.
Marketing & Brand Development
- Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to strengthen the Foundation's visibility.
- Support campaigns that increase donor engagement and public awareness.
- Represent the Foundation at networking events, conferences, and community functions.
Leadership & Organizational Development
- Build and lead the Foundation's Development Department.
- Develop fundraising policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Recruit, mentor, and manage development staff as the organization grows.
- Present fundraising performance, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership and the Board.
Financial Stewardship
- Develop annual development budgets and revenue forecasts.
- Track fundraising performance through key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with all fundraising regulations and ethical standards.
Startup Expectations
As an early-stage Foundation, the Chief Development Officer is expected to be a hands-on leader who can both develop strategy and execute it. This role requires creativity, entrepreneurial thinking, and a willingness to build systems, relationships, and fundraising programs from the ground up.
The CDO will play a critical role in transforming the Foundation from a startup organization into a financially sustainable nonprofit with diversified revenue sources and long-term community impact.
QualificationsEducation
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
- Master's degree preferred.
Experience
- 8–10+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, business development, or nonprofit leadership.
- Proven track record of securing major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, and strategic partnerships.
- Experience building fundraising programs for growing or startup organizations is highly preferred.
- Experience working with executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
Preferred Skills
- Fundraising strategy
- Revenue generation
- Business development
- Grant writing and management
- Corporate partnership development
- Major gift solicitation
- Strategic planning
- Financial forecasting
- Public speaking and presentations
- Relationship management
- Leadership and team development
- CRM and donor management systems
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Annual fundraising revenue achieved
- Total unrestricted funds raised
- Major gifts secured
- Grant funding awarded
- Corporate sponsorship revenue
- Number of strategic partnerships established
- Donor acquisition and retention rates
- Revenue diversification
- Return on fundraising investment (ROI)
- Growth in the Foundation's annual operating budget
- Progress toward long-term financial sustainability
Send CV/Resume to: [email protected]
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
