Summary
The Chief Development Officer serves as a fundraising visionary, manages activities relating to the analysis, planning, execution, control, and evaluation of fundraising and selected public relations programs; provides leadership and works with and through the Board of Directors and appropriate committees for all fundraising programs, including communications and public relations programs that are designed to enhance and support the overall mission of the Company.
Essential Functions
Fundraising & Philanthropic Development:
- Evaluate and enhance the overall development program to maximize fundraising effectiveness.
- Develop and implement annual and long-range fundraising strategies, goals, and objectives.
- Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects.
- Secure support through annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants.
- Personally engage in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts in partnership with the President/CEO, Board of Directors, and key stakeholders.
- Lead capital campaigns for facility improvements, acquisitions, and endowment growth.
Community Engagement & Relationship Building:
- Expand and diversify support throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding communities.
- Build and maintain meaningful relationships with donors, community partners, corporations, foundations, and long-time supporters.
- Collaborate with program leaders and administrators to align fundraising initiatives with organizational priorities.
- Present the organization’s mission, impact, and funding needs to a wide range of stakeholders.
Volunteer Leadership:
- Design and oversee volunteer engagement strategies that support organizational goals.
- Recruit, train, motivate, and manage volunteers to strengthen fundraising and community outreach efforts.
- Expand and enhance the organization’s volunteer network and ambassador program.
- Provide support to the Board Development Committee and volunteer leadership as necessary.
Marketing, Communications & Public Relations:
- Direct media relations and promote the organization through print, television, radio, and digital channels.
- Oversee the development of key communication materials, including newsletters, annual reports, brochures, and fundraising campaigns.
- Ensure all communications align with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.
Grants & Resource Development:
- Lead the grant development and management process from prospect identification through reporting and compliance.
- Build and maintain relationships with funding organizations and philanthropic foundations.
- Ensure grant funds are administered and utilized in accordance with funding requirements.
Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning:
- Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, helping advance the organization’s mission and growth objectives.
- Develop innovative strategies to strengthen philanthropic support and organizational sustainability.
- Perform other leadership responsibilities and special projects as assigned.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred
- Excellent working knowledge of fund development practices in a non-profit, preferably including experience with social services or children’s organizations
- Able to personally solicit individuals, corporations, and foundations
- Very strong oral and written communication skills, with ability to relate to the public, coupled with very strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others
- Working knowledge of how to develop long-term relationships with community organizations, representatives of companies, and others that might provide financial or other support
- Effective computer skills, including MS Word, Excel and fundraising software
- Financial skills sufficient to develop and monitor an annual budget
- Supervisory skills to manage a small staff and establish objectives and set performance standards
- Demonstrated skills in project management, event planning and organization
- Must fulfill all requirements of employment, including clearance of all required background records (e.g. Department of Justice, Child Abuse, California Community Care Licensing, County Sanction List, etc.), professional and physical examination, and drug testing
Physical Requirements
In the course of performing this in-person job, the incumbent must be able to lift at least 40 lbs. Frequent sitting, twisting, typing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Occasional walking, driving, standing, bending, grasping, pulling, pushing, and reaching.
