Chief Development Officer

Posted: Jul 21, 2026 Chief Development Officer | National Association of Community Health Centers Location: Bethesda, Maryland Contract type: Full-time Salary: $270,000.00 - $325,000.00 Annually Application Deadline: N/A Job Category: Health Services Organizational Overview The mission of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) is to champion Community Health Centers delivering affordable, effective, comprehensive primary care that is community-driven and improves health for all. The health care system in the United States has many flaws, including underinvestment in primary care, a clinical workforce crisis, and a system that perpetuates poor health outcomes. Yet NACHC – and its patients – know that isn’t the full picture. The Community Health Center movement is a model of possibility for excellence in access and health. And NACHC’s purpose is to advocate for it, strengthen it, and champion it. NACHC’s Work Serves as the leading national advocacy organization in support of Community Health Centers and the expansion of health care access for the medically underserved and uninsured. Conducts analysis that informs both the public and private sectors about the work of health centers, their value to the American health care system, and the overall health of the nation’s people and communities – both in terms of costs and health care outcomes. Provides training, leadership development and technical assistance to health center staff and boards to support and strengthen health center operations and governance. Develops alliances and partnerships with the public and private sectors to build stronger and healthier communities and bring greater resources to and investment in community health centers. NACHC also works closely with chartered State and Regional Primary Care Associations to fulfill their shared health care mission and support the growth and development of community-based health center programs. Role Summary & Context For Recruitment NACHC seeks candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset for the newly created role of Chief Development Officer (CDO), signaling the organization’s prioritization of and investment in a strategic development function or department. The CDO reports directly to the Executive Vice President & Chief Growth and Financial Officer (CGFO) with access to the President and Chief Executive Officer and the entire leadership team. The CDO is responsible for all fundraising efforts and initiatives and at times will need to be a player-coach, an individual who can bring their relationships and skillsets to enhance NACHCs revenues from foundations, corporations, high-net-worth donors, and government agencies. A core charge of the CDO is to build and lead NACHCs development operations with strategic sophistication and best-practices discipline. The CDO is responsible for converting high-level relationships into substantial, multiyear revenue and partnership opportunities. This role sits at the intersection of strategy, relationship management, and internal execution. The CDO will oversee five staff members of an evolving development team. It will be critical for this leader to drive ongoing diversification of fundraising revenues as well as to strategically engage both new and existing funding partners, corporate sponsors, and individuals to grow their support, inclusive of multi-year funding commitments. This is a remarkable opportunity for a committed, forward-thinking and experienced leader. In addition to guiding a mission-driven group of talented staff, the CDO will work alongside the Chief Growth and Financial Officer to implement the strategic priorities for NACHC. As a development leader, the CDO will be expected to work with other organizations and business partners throughout the country and should have the ability to travel as well as the intellectual curiosity and capacity to work with, motivate, and manage those of diverse backgrounds and perspectives from around the country. Candidate Profile Authentic connection to and passion for the mission and vision of NACHC. Minimum of 15 years of overall fundraising experience with progressive levels of responsibility, including strategic planning. Track record of effective collaboration with internal and external partners to establish strategic partnerships and the conditions for success. Broad knowledge of all functional areas comprising a multifaceted, comprehensive development program (e.g., individual, institutional, major, planned, digital, and membership or annual giving; special events; development communications; stewardship; fundraising operations) with a preference for specific expertise in institutional giving. Knowledge of and fundamental adherence to the principles, ethics, and best practices of modern fundraising, including the integration of various giving programs to diversify the funding base and cultivate greater donor commitments. Ability to manage, coach, motivate, and evaluate a development team and foster a high-functioning, results-oriented, inclusive workforce. Track record of maintaining best practices, clear goals and metrics, and shared accountability as well as facilitating cross-departmental collaboration when necessary to achieve results. Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and revenue forecasts. Demonstrated success in developing the case for support and strategic, innovative fundraising plans, and executing those plans to grow fundraising and exceed goals. Experience collaborating with C-level executives, senior staff, members, affiliates, and board or other volunteer leaders on development-related activities, providing them with quality support and intelligence and increasing their comfort with and success in fundraising. Significant experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts from individual and institutional donors at the level of six to seven figures or greater. Track record of advancing prospect discovery and engagement at all levels of giving, including both traditional and non-traditional sources of potential support, as well as examination of existing donors that may have greater capacity. Demonstrated ability to navigate and lead cross-functional internal teams (legal, finance, operations, delivery) to execute on externally negotiated commitments. Demonstrated ability in planning and executing strategic, integrated marketing and communications in support of development initiatives. Experience identifying and coaching project spokespeople. A working understanding of how to effectively utilize various communication mediums and distribution channels for optimal exposure and impact, as well as leveraging media to increase the visibility of NACHC. Forward thinker with a track record of innovation in constituent engagement and connectivity. Demonstrated ability to integrate data into decision-making and strategy development. Working knowledge of modern data management practices and innovations that can streamline development processes and contribute to the integration of related functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr