Chief Development Officer - Service Lines (Santa Barbara)

Overview

WittKieffer is honored to partner with Cottage Health to find the inaugural Chief Development Officer, Service Lines—a strategic, experienced, and clinically fluent advancement leader who will shape and advance service-line philanthropy within one of California's most respected independent health systems. The role is based in Santa Barbara County, California, requiring a visible, engaged presence within Cottage Health and the surrounding community.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the head of advancement, the CDO, Service Lines will partner with clinical and program leaders, lead service-line-based fundraising, develop compelling clinical cases for support, and engage donors whose philanthropic interests align with Cottage Health's most significant clinical and programmatic priorities. The role will collaborate with Foundation and executive leadership, physicians across Cottage Health, and the Systemwide Chief Development Officer to ensure clarity, coordination, and alignment across advancement efforts. Additionally, the CDO will build and lead the Service Line Development team, recruiting top talent and positioning roles to support long-term philanthropic success.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in a related field such as Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, or Health Administration; a master's degree or JD is preferred; significant senior‑level experience (typically 20+ years), including 10+ years in direct fundraising and 7+ years in leadership roles; ability to partner closely with physicians and clinical leaders; and a proven frontline fundraiser energized by opportunity and motivated by growth.

Benefits

The base salary for this position is $257,040–$385,560. In addition, the CDO will be eligible for a discretionary annual incentive bonus, retirement, and additional benefits, including generous housing benefits. Salary will be determined based on scope of role, level of experience, education, accomplishments, and internal equity.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Cottage Health values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.