Chief Development Officer-Systemwide (Goleta)

Job Description

Cottage Health seeks a Chief Development Officer- Systemwide. The Chief Development Officer- Systemwide oversees all systemwide fundraising functions and initiatives for principal, foundation, and planned giving. Works closely with the Cottage Health Foundation leadership team, the Executive Management Group, the Foundation Board, and the Foundation Cabinet. Works at both the strategic and operational levels and will be expected to lead by example, working with a small portfolio of principal donors to achieve significant personal fundraising goals. The team will be expected to generate significant fundraising, often with goals of $25 million or more each year.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic oversight and direction for all systemwide fundraising functions and initiatives across Cottage Health, ensuring alignment with organizational and Foundation priorities.
• Builds, leads, and develops a high‑performing fundraising team, including direct management of the Directors of Principal Gifts, Planned Giving, and Foundations, and an Executive Assistant.
• Manages a small portfolio of principal and/or planned gift donors, leading by example to achieve significant personal fundraising results and modeling best‑in‑class donor engagement.
• Oversees goal setting, forecasting, pipeline management, and performance metrics to ensure the team achieves $25M+ in annual fundraising results once fully staffed.
• Works closely with the Vice President for Advancement, Executive Management Group, Foundation Board, and Foundation Cabinet to advance top‑tier cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Ensures effective systems, processes, and coordination across principal gifts, planned giving, foundation relations, and advancement operations.
• Serves as a senior ambassador for Cottage Health and the Foundation, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and community partners.

Qualifications

All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently.

Level of Education

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, or Health Administration. Equivalent combination of education and extensive development experience (major/principal gifts, planned giving, and/or foundation relations) may be accepted.

Preferred:

• JD or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as MBA, MHA, MPA or an MA/MS in a relevant field.

Technical Requirements

Minimum:

• Proficiency in MS Office and Blackbaud NXT or similar CRM.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

Preferred:

• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) FAHP (Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy) Specialized planned giving coursework or certification (e.g., through PPP or CAP programs).

Work Experience

Minimum:

• 20+ years of related professional experience.
• 10+ years of direct fundraising experience.
• 7+ years in a leadership role.

Compensation

Pay for non‑physician positions is determined based on related years of experience and internal equity. Eligible employees may also receive additional forms of compensation, including shift differentials, on‑call pay, incentive pay, and bonus opportunities, where applicable. Manager and above positions may participate in Cottage Health’s annual management incentive program. Physician compensation is determined based upon specialty and may include bonus potential. For more information on our comprehensive Total Rewards offerings, please visit

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cottage Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cottage Health applicants are considered solely based on their qualifications, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, transgender, gender expression and identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status or any other classification protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the relationship between Cottage Health and an applicant or employee. Cottage Health is committed to upholding discrimination‑free hiring practices. We strive to cultivate an environment where exceptional people bring diverse perspectives and find belonging, support and connection to their work.

Any Cottage Health applicants who require assistance or reasonable accommodations during the application process may request the need for accommodation with the Recruiter.