Chief Development Officer, SHRM Foundation Full Time

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally.

Summary

We are seeking a strategic, mission-driven leader to serve as the Vice President of Fundraising and Operations. This role is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies, leading donor stewardship efforts, overseeing capital campaign initiatives, and ensuring operational excellence in support of the organization’s long-term sustainability and growth. Reporting directly to executive leadership, this role works cross-functionally to align revenue development with organizational priorities and values.

Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Development

• Lead the design and execution of multi-channel fundraising strategies, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, and grant acquisition.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of high-impact individual, foundation, corporate, and government donors.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising performance using data-driven insights to inform strategy and optimize revenue growth.
• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to activate their networks and deepen donor relationships.

Donor Stewardship & Engagement

• Develop and oversee donor engagement plans to ensure a high level of stewardship and long-term giving.
• Ensure a consistent and personalized donor experience across all touchpoints, including events, communications, and impact reporting.
• Serve as the lead relationship manager for key supporters, ensuring timely follow-up and strategic engagement.

Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee operational functions supporting development, including CRM/database management, gift processing, and donor analytics.
• Ensure efficient workflows, compliance with fundraising regulations, and adoption of technology to streamline donor management and reporting.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to align fundraising efforts with programmatic goals and organizational priorities.

Events & Communications

• Collaborate with marketing, communications, and program teams to design and execute donor events and campaigns.
• Guide the development of compelling donor-facing content that reflects the organization’s mission, vision, and impact.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit management.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals through individual giving, foundation support, and/or capital campaigns.
• Experience working with executive teams and boards to expand fundraising reach.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Expertise in multi-channel fundraising, including major gifts, capital campaigns, and institutional giving.
• Proven success securing and stewarding six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Skilled in donor engagement and long-term relationship management.

Strategic Leadership & Execution

• Ability to develop strategic, data-informed fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Effective in leading cross-functional teams and managing complex initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and lead teams in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Operations & Technology

• Proficient in donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and fundraising operations.
• Knowledge of nonprofit finance, grant reporting, and compliance.
• Strong skills in data analytics and donor CRM optimization.
• Ability to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve overall work quality.

Communication & Events

• Exceptional communicator with experience crafting persuasive cases for support.
• Skilled in developing donor communications and leading cultivation events.
• Collaborative partner to marketing and program teams.

Interpersonal & Organizational Skills

• Strong emotional intelligence and relationship-building capabilities.
• Effective project and time management in dynamic environments.
• Hands-on, collaborative leader with a solutions-oriented mindset.

Mission Alignment

• Deep commitment to mission-driven work and values-based leadership.
• Able to serve as a persuasive ambassador to donors, partners, and stakeholders.

Certifications

• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

This position operates in a typical office environment and requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements may include:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, handling documents, and using office equipment.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.

Work Environment

Hybrid Position (3 Days In-Office, 2 Days Remote):

• This position follows a hybrid work schedule, with Tuesday through Thursday in office and Monday and Friday remote. Employees must be available during standard business hours, with core hours beginning between 8:00AM – 9:00AM and concluding between 5:00PM – 6:00PM.

Travel: 0 – 10%

The hiring range for this position is $180,000 to $225,000 per year. This range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications. SHRM offers a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. The benefits for this position include professional growth and development, health, dental, vision, well-being, health savings, flexible spending, retirement, open leave, and annual discretionary bonus and incentives.

Our employment practices are in accordance with the laws that prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, marital status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.

SHRM is an equal opportunity employer (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran).

We do not sponsor applicants for work visas.

C1DO