Chief Development Officer

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients. MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF’s social mission. Role Overview The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides vision, strategic management, and leadership to implement effective fundraising operations in the US Market in alignment with global movement-wide strategy. The CDO leads a more than 90‑person Development Department accountable to raise more than $800 million annually and provides strategic fundraising leadership across the international MSF community. Department Accountabilities Key Account Management Responsible for designing, developing, and delivering the organization’s account management strategy. May also personally manage a few relationships with the most strategic donors. Donor Development Pursue strategic opportunities in coherence with MSF‑USA´s strategy that creates long‑term value for the movement by cultivating partnerships or identifying and developing new geographies, markets, or donors for its mission. Donor Relationship Development Build trust and loyalty with potential donors. Update donors on activities at the simplest level. At a more complex level, build long‑term relationships with donors, especially large corporations or foundations. Brand Positioning Develop brand positioning based on the brand strategy and implement brand plans. Complexity and Problem‑Solving Skills Operates as a recognized expert to shift into and out of a mental mindset associated with assessing the facts and circumstances of the current situation and/or environment and making the appropriate/innovative adjustments to thinking and work habits to thrive in any scenario. Applies expertise to act as an authority to accurately identify and understand the key donation influences pertaining to an opportunity. Applies expertise to act as an authority to quickly and effectively establish trust within the client’s organization. Applies expertise to act as an authority to orient MSF USA around delivering the key needs of their donors. Behavioral Competencies People Focus Builds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team provides; takes action when standards are not met by the team; aligns processes with organizational needs. Manages Complexity Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding swiftly, cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms. Global Perspective Takes a broad view when approaching issues using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet different regions or countries’ unique needs. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges. Strategic Mindset Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies. Results Drives Results Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way. Ensures Accountability Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. People Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages “us versus them” thinking; shows appreciation for others’ ideas and input. Communicates Effectively Develops and delivers multi‑mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing. Values Differences Recognizes the value of different perspectives and cultures. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating. Builds Effective Teams Builds strong teams applying diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals. Manages Conflict Handles conflict situations effectively, with minimal noise. Builds Networks Builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization. Drives Vision and Purpose Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action. Self‑Awareness Gains confidence and trust through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be upfront. Demonstrates reliability and places emphasis on meeting commitments. Manages Ambiguity Operates effectively, even when uncertain. Responds to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity, and makes progress. Situational Adaptability Adapts approach in real time to match shifting demands of different situations, supporting others to do the same. Considers needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities accordingly. Technical Competencies Plans and Aligns Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with MSF‑USA goals. Interprets Financial Indicators Interprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions. Tech Savvy Anticipates and adopts innovations in organizational digital and technology applications. Data Collection and Analysis Assesses and analyzes trends from data to compile reports that inform decision‑making. Project Management Skills Plans and manages small projects within desired cost, time, and quality parameters. Presentation and Written Communication Skills Adapts communication to suit audiences, ensuring clarity and professionalism in written and spoken formats. Organizational Insight Applies knowledge of MSF‑USA and industry to advance the organization’s goals. Desired Qualifications & Experience While MSF USA will consider a broad range of backgrounds, the ideal candidate will align with the following minimum qualifications and competencies: Fifteen years of progressive development experience, including at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity, with a proven track record of building and managing effective fundraising organizations and exceeding revenue targets for a sustained period. Experience in large, complex, and international environments, with a history of increasing revenue and achieving ambitious fundraising goals in diverse constituencies. Strategic planning and execution; facilitative and collaborative leadership of large, diverse teams; change management; and budget development and management. Expertise in branding and marketing communications, including storytelling, digital fluency, social media content development, and multi‑channel marketing approaches. Ability to champion new approaches, personalize fundraising, and expand outreach through new platforms and channels. Strong collaboration skills; ability to engage senior staff and co‑create new initiatives. Proven use of data to support excellent supporter engagement. Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities, with the capacity to simplify and communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences. Track record of taking calculated risks that foster creativity while maintaining revenue health. Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills to represent MSF in public venues. Deep commitment to MSF’s humanitarian mission and to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles. Formal education in fundraising (e.g., CFRE Certification), business administration, and/or marketing preferred, or equivalent professional experience. Travel Requirements Must be willing to travel for work as needed. Location NYC (Hybrid – in office Tuesdays and Wednesdays). This role is based in our New York office where most of the team and operational infrastructure are located. Due to current staffing and budget constraints, we are unable to support this position in our DC or California offices. Compensation $197,984 – $306,875. According to MSF USA’s compensation framework, new hires are generally offered between the minimum and midpoint of the range based on relevant experience, skills, and internal equity. Equal Opportunity and Accommodations Statement MSF‑USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws. We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the humanitarian sector to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr