Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

Newhouse

Kansas City, Missouri (hybrid)

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Newhouse to recruit the organization's next Chief Development Officer (CDO).

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Chief Development Officer, Chief Advancement Officer, Vice President, or Director of Development to build and lead Newhouse's comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy through an exciting period of growth.

Organizational Background

Newhouse partners with domestic violence survivors to help them rise through the impacts of trauma. As the catalyst for systems change, Newhouse provides an ecosystem of transformative services that lead to safety, self-sufficiency, and whole-person healing. Guided by values of survivor-centered innovation, transformation, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and belonging, Newhouse has become one of the region's most innovative organizations serving survivors.

Under the leadership of CEO Courtney Thomas, Newhouse has significantly expanded its visibility, philanthropic support, and community impact. Over the past seven years, the organization has increased annual revenue from approximately $2.3 million to $8 million while expanding the number of individuals served by 165%. The organization is poised to enter its next transformational chapter: planning a $35 million Community Impact Campus that will redefine comprehensive services for survivors and families and deepen its impact for generations.

Position Summary

Newhouse is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and results-driven Chief Development Officer to lead the organization's fundraising and philanthropic growth during a transformational period of expansion. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CDO will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to accelerate philanthropic growth and advance Newhouse's bold vision for the future. The CDO will be the organization's senior fundraising leader, primary major gifts officer, and a trusted thought partner to the CEO.

The CDO will lead a high-performing development team while providing strategic leadership and accountability for all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, annual giving, sponsorships, signature fundraising events, and donor stewardship. Working closely with the CEO, an engaged Board of Directors, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Financial Officer, volunteers, donors, corporate partners, foundations, and community leaders, the CDO will strengthen relationships, inspire philanthropic investment, and foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

As Newhouse advances its vision for a first-of-its-kind Community Impact Campus, the Chief Development Officer will play a pivotal role in bringing that vision to life. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a highly relational leader who thrives in both strategy and execution - someone energized by building high-performing teams, cultivating transformational relationships, securing significant philanthropic investments, and leading innovative fundraising initiatives that drive lasting community impact. With a passion for building relationships and telling powerful stories, the Chief Development Officer fuels the resources that help survivors heal, grow, and thrive while helping redefine what is possible for survivors, families, and the community.

Roles & Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Philanthropic Growth

• Design and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with Newhouse's strategic plan and vision for its $35 million Community Impact Campus. Integrate major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, sponsorships, signature events, stewardship, planned giving, and future campaign fundraising into a cohesive philanthropic strategy that drives sustainable revenue growth.
• Establish fundraising goals, revenue projections, and performance benchmarks to measure success and support long-term sustainability.
• Serve as Newhouse's primary major gifts strategist and frontline fundraiser, partnering closely with the CEO to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward transformational philanthropic investments.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive donor stewardship and portfolio management strategy that strengthens donor engagement, deepens long-term philanthropic relationships, and increases donor retention and lifetime giving.
• Partner closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, volunteer leaders, and executive leadership to advance fundraising priorities, strengthen community investment, and expand philanthropic support. Serve as a strategic thought partner to the CEO in establishing fundraising priorities and shaping Newhouse's long-term philanthropic strategy.
• Position Newhouse as one of the region's premier philanthropic investment opportunities.

Donor Engagement, Community Partnerships & Board Relations

• Lead the strategy and oversee the execution of Newhouse's signature fundraising events and integrated annual fundraising calendar.
• Build, cultivate, solicit, and steward meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, corporate partners, foundations, business leaders, and community stakeholders through strategic engagement, donor meetings, site tours, and other relationship-building opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with the Chief Marketing Officer, Vice President of Corporate & Community Engagement, and Marketing team to expand corporate partnerships, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer engagement, fundraising campaigns, donor communications, impact storytelling, and community awareness.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board Development Committee and Volunteer Fundraising Committee, equipping board members to become effective philanthropic ambassadors and fundraising partners.
• Serve as a visible ambassador for Newhouse while fostering a culture of philanthropy, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Leadership, Team Development & Fundraising Operations

• Provide leadership, direction, accountability, and professional development for the development team, including direct supervision of the Vice President of Corporate & Community Engagement and the newly created Development Operations & Events Coordinator, while partnering closely with the Vice President of Grant & Program Funding and Marketing team to foster a high-performing, collaborative, and results-oriented culture.
• Provide strategic oversight of Newhouse's fundraising operations and infrastructure, ensuring the effective use of the Neon CRM platform and fundraising performance metrics to guide fundraising strategy and growth.
• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer to prepare and manage departmental budgets, fundraising forecasts, performance reports, and revenue updates for executive leadership and the Board of Directors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, with a minimum of seven years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development.
• A passionate appreciation for Newhouse’s mission.
• Experience developing and leading a comprehensive fundraising strategy that integrates major gifts, annual giving, corporate partnerships, events, stewardship, and capital fundraising.
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gift donors. Capital campaign experience is a plus.
• Highly strategic, entrepreneurial, and self-directed leader who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and enjoys building relationships in the community.
• Collaborative executive with exceptional judgment, listening skills, and a transparent and empowering leadership style.
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams while fostering a culture of philanthropy, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Proven experience with special event planning, event revenue generation, and leading volunteer committees.
• Demonstrated success in meeting and exceeding fundraising goals.
• Familiarity with donor CRM and event management platforms (e.g., Neon, Raiser's Edge, OneCause) and Microsoft Office. Experience in Neon CRM is a plus.
• Outstanding storytelling ability, strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect authentically and meaningfully with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Cultural competence, sensitivity, and discretion when working with protected populations.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional weekends and evenings.
• Knowledge of the Kansas City philanthropic community.
• Must pass a background check and have reliable transportation.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range is $120,000-$135,000, with eligibility for an annual performance-based bonus. This is a full-time, exempt position. The general schedule is Monday through Friday, plus occasional weeknights and weekends for events/planning. However, Newhouse does practice a flexible work environment if the work and key objectives are being accomplished.

Newhouse pays 100% of employee health and dental benefits and matches 401(k) contributions 4% (following a 90-day qualifying period for enrollment). Newhouse offers an EAP (Employee Assistance Program), a generous PTO package starting at six weeks of PTO per year, and a two-week sabbatical after one year of employment for full-time employees. Newhouse also has an executive chef on staff and provides three hot meals to residents that shelter staff can also enjoy.

Application deadline: August 14.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Newhouse is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to a work environment that gives voice to, supports, inspires, and respects all individuals. Employment at Newhouse is solely based on a person's aptitude, qualifications, and professional competence. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.