Chief Development Officer

About Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF)

Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) headquartered in Washington, DC. The organization has been continuously certified as a CDFI since 1996, making it one of the nation’s first CDFIs. WACIF operates with a mission to increase economic opportunity in communities throughout the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. WACIF’s strategic mission is built on three foundational pillars: entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and economic development. The organization fulfills this mission by providing comprehensive access to capital products and services, as well as capacity-building technical assistance tailored to support low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Through its programs and investments, WACIF has established itself as a leading economic development partner in the region, serving underserved communities and individuals with limited access to traditional financial services. The organization is currently in an important period of growth and expansion. WACIF is pursuing ambitious strategic priorities that include expanding regional partnerships, growing its portfolio of programs and investments, and continuing the development of the Anacostia Arts Center. These initiatives reflect WACIF’s commitment to deepening its impact in the Washington, DC area and strengthening its position as a premier community development financial institution.

About this Role

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a senior-level position reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the Executive Team. This highly external-facing role is designed for a strategic and entrepreneurial leader with a passion for relationship-building, opening doors, and creating opportunities for organizational growth and resource development. The CDO will lead WACIF’s comprehensive development and fundraising strategy, with responsibility for expanding and diversifying the organization’s funding base. This includes deepening relationships with philanthropic and corporate partners, cultivating new sources of financial support, and ensuring that WACIF has the necessary resources to pursue its strategic priorities and fulfill its mission. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors, the Executive Team, and development staff to strengthen WACIF’s position as a leading community development financial institution and economic development partner in the region. This role requires exceptional external engagement capabilities and a demonstrated ability to develop transformational partnerships and funding relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead development strategy initiatives and oversee strategic fundraising planning
• Manage external relationships and spearhead comprehensive fundraising efforts
• Develop and implement fundraising strategy and monitor performance against targets
• Partner closely with the CEO and Board of Directors on development matters
• Provide executive and team leadership within the development function
• Identify and cultivate relationships with private and public sector debt investors
• Source and evaluate investment deals through due diligence and closing processes
• Oversee creative and catalytic capital structure development and blended capital financing models
• Make credit risk decisions and serve on internal credit risk or investment committees
• Lead and develop a high-functioning finance team within the growing organization

Requirements

• Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred)
• Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in senior financial management roles within financial institutions, investment firms, or financial services (non-profit experience preferred)
• Strong communication skills with ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels, facilitate decision-making processes, and maintain transparency
• Experience leading or supporting organizational change initiatives, including restructuring, process improvements, or system implementations
• Proven ability to identify and address complex challenges using creative problem-solving skills and resourcefulness
• Experience managing multiple projects or initiatives simultaneously with effective prioritization and resource allocation
• Proven experience engaging with private and public sector debt investors through deal sourcing, due diligence, and investment closing
• Proven experience with creative and catalytic capital structures or blended capital financing models, including credit risk guarantees, loan loss reserves, and long-term subordinated debt (EQ2s)
• Experience making credit risk decisions and serving on internal credit risk or investment committees
• Experience leading a highly functioning finance team within growing organizations
• Working knowledge of non-profit revenue recognition principles (ASU 2014-09 Topic 606 and ASU 2018-08)
• Compliance and risk-oriented mindset with strong analytical skills
• Experience working in a CDFI, financial services, or investment management firm (a plus)
• High level of motivation, initiative, and attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stress effectively
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Interest in and commitment to WACIF’s mission of working with low- and moderate-income individuals and underserved communities

Benefits

• Healthcare
• HSA & FSA
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & AD&D
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• Matching 401(k)
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Education Assistance