Chief Development Officer

CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (CDO)

THE OPPORTUNITY (HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL)

EDI is proud to partner with a distinguished and reputable institution in its search for a Chief Development Officer (CDO). This inclusive strategic leader will play a pivotal role in advancing the institution’s financial well-being and focus on enhancing an inclusive organizational culture and climate within a diverse educational community.

The School seeks a dynamic, collaborative, innovative, diverse, and/or inclusive leader with strategic responsibilities and a proven track record in leading advancement operations. The incumbent will have the opportunity to oversee all development-related areas and direct the institution's advancement functions, adhering to professional standards and complying with state, federal, and local laws. The CDO serves as a strategic partner on the senior leadership team, providing guidance, support, and consultation on advancement decisions, stewardship, and growth throughout the institution.

If you are an exceptionally experienced and/or credentialed advancement professional with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive excellence, then this is the right opportunity for you to join an institution with deep social justice roots to match your interests and a focus on preparing exceptional graduates for meaningful and impactful careers.

PURPOSE & SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

Reporting to the President, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key executive leadership position . Responsible for leading and implementing the School’s fundraising strategy, events management, communications, marketing, public relations, building and managing the development team, and driving advocacy and awareness of the School’s mission, vision, and deliverables to expand mission impact and organizational growth.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Is a results-oriented leader with a track record of success in financial leadership roles
• Is a strategic thought partner to the leadership team with the ability to recruit, develop, and motivate a diverse and high-performing finance team
• Possesses the ability to navigate competing priorities and be solution-focused
• Is a dynamic servant leader with high emotional intelligence and organizational/self-awareness in an academic environment 
• Excels in communication and collaboration with other departments
• Exhibits a solid understanding of advancement, donor relations, alumni relations, analysis and reporting, public relations, programming, and data-driven decision-making
• Demonstrates commitment to DEIB in current and/or previous role(s)

The pay for this position ranges from $85,000 to $110,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising and marketing strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes identifying and cultivating individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects.
• Lead and manage all aspects of the fundraising program, including major gifts, planned giving, annual fund, and special events.
• Develop and implement a marketing strategy to support fundraising efforts, including creating collateral materials, social media content, and other communications to promote the School’s mission, vision, programs, and services.
• Work closely with the President and Board of Directors to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and community leaders.

Drive awareness and advocacy of the School’s mission, vision, need, and deliverables to expand mission impact and organizational growth

• Develop and implement strategies to raise awareness of the School’s mission, vision, and programs to increase its visibility and support.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage and mobilize supporters to advocate for the School’s mission and its impact on the community.
• Represent the School at community events, conferences, and other public forums to enhance the School’s visibility and influence.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including potential donors, community leaders, and elected officials, to advance the organization’s mission and goals.

Staff management & mentorship

• Build and manage a high-performing development team that is aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to development staff to build their capacity to achieve fundraising goals and to support the School’s mission and goals.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the development team and across the organization.
• Develop and implement performance metrics and evaluation tools to ensure the team’s performance meets or exceeds fundraising targets and other organizational goals.

Building a donor-centered strategy

• Develop and implement a donor-centered fundraising approach that builds strong relationships with donors, emphasizes the School’s mission and impact, and encourages donor engagement and investment.
• Develop and maintain a donor recognition program that celebrates and acknowledges donors’ contributions to the organization.
• Ensure the timely and accurate acknowledgment of all gifts and donations and the proper stewardship of donor relationships.
• Work with the President and Board of Trustees to develop and maintain a robust donor pipeline to support the organization’s long-term fundraising goals.

Build the infrastructure and team to carry out a well-crafted donor-centered development plan

• Develop and maintain effective systems and processes to support fundraising and development operations, including gift processing, database management, and reporting.
• Develop and implement a fundraising plan that includes clear goals, metrics, and timelines for achieving fundraising targets.
• Build and manage a budget for the development team that is aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities and goals.
• Identify and implement technology solutions to support fundraising and development operations and to enhance donor engagement and stewardship.

MAJOR DONOR CULTIVATION & ENGAGEMENT

Develop and implement strategies for identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to expand the organization’s donor base

• Develop and maintain relationships with major gift donors through personalized engagement and stewardship activities, such as one-on-one meetings, cultivation events, and recognition programs.
• Work closely with the President and Board of Trustees to solicit major gifts and to develop tailored proposals and gift agreements that align with donors’ interests and the School’s priorities.
• Develop and manage systems for tracking and reporting on major gift fundraising progress and success.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP, TEAM LEADERSHIP, PLANNING AND STRATEGY

Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, working collaboratively with the President and other senior leaders to develop and implement the School’s strategic plan and vision  

• Provide leadership and direction to the development team and other departments as needed to ensure alignment with the School’s goals and objectives.
• Lead the annual planning and budgeting process for the development department, ensuring that goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). 
• Provide regular updates to the President and Board of Trustees on fundraising progress and challenges and make recommendations for course correction as needed.
• Represent the School in public forums and develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and peer organizations, to advance the School’s mission, vision, and goals.

REQUIRED & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required, and a master’s degree or other advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, including at least 3 years in a leadership role
• A demonstrated passion for the School's mission and fundraising, with a deep understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of theological education
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with prior experience in public speaking and external relations, and the ability to represent the School to a variety of stakeholders, including donors, alumni/ae, and partner organizations
• Prior experience creating strategic multiyear fundraising plans and building consensus among stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals
• Demonstrated success in staff management and mentorship, with a commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth and development
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Deep sensitivity and commitment to DEIB (culture, race, gender, etc.)
• Experience in higher education is highly desired

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

SUPERVISED BY: President

BENEFITS: Refer to Employee Handbook

FLSA STATUS & LOCATION: Full-time, Exempt, Greater Rochester Area

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

EDI is assisting our partner in this highly confidential search. All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a DEIB Statement, a CV or resume, and a cover letter that addresses the themes outlined in this posting. For fullest consideration, all application materials and inquiries should be submitted immediately to EDI via ( View email address on click.appcast.io ).