Chief Development Officer

KC Pet Project; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

KC Pet Project is seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead donor relations, fundraising initiatives, and the overall development strategy. The role partners with the Executive Director and Board to secure funding and raise the organization’s public profile.

The CDO will oversee major gifts, annual giving, grants, events, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving while guiding a high-performing Development & MarComm team in a mission-driven nonprofit focused on saving animal lives in Kansas

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree and relevant certifications preferred.
• Minimum 10+ years of nonprofit development experience with 5+ years in leadership.
• Experience in fundraising, major gifts, grants, events, and marketing/communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Development and MarComm teams to align with organizational goals.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans including major gifts and grants.
• Oversee donor stewardship and engagement programs to maximize donor retention.
• Guide marketing and communications to raise public awareness and support.
• Collaborate with the Board and Executive Director on revenue projections and budgets.
• Manage grants process, reporting, and compliance across funding sources.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Strategy

Project management

Donor relations

Public relations

Fundraising

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Donor Perfect

Classy

Job description

Want to work for one of the most progressive, effective, and innovative lifesaving animal shelters in the country?

Do you believe in "Solutions, Not Excuses" when it comes to saving the lives of more than 16,000 from our community? Join our team!

We are currently hiring for a number of positions at our locations around the metro area.

KC Pet Project is committed to being a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or disability, feels valued and respected. We at KC Pet Project are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and locations. We respect and value diverse life experiences and cultures and ensure that all voices are valued and heard.

We are committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire animal welfare community, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.

Benefits Overview

KC Pet Project offers a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect employee health, family, and way of life.

2023 Awards

Best Place to Adopt a Pet – The Pitch Kansas City Magazine "Best Of" KC Awards

2022 Awards

Best Place to Work (over 50 employees) – The Pitch Kansas City Magazine "Best Of" KC Awards

Best Place to Adopt a Pet – The Pitch Kansas City Magazine "Best Of" KC Awards

Best Nonprofit – Kansas City Magazine "Best of KC" Awards

Workplace Culture Statement

At KC Pet Project, we celebrate personal growth and organizational innovation to keep up with the demands and needs of the community we support.

Please note: If you apply for a position with KC Pet Project, any communication from our HR representatives may be filtered to your junk/spam folder.

Position:Chief Development Officer

Location: Kansas City, MO

Job Id:972

# of Openings:1

Title: Chief Development Officer

Department: Development

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Category:Full time/Exempt; Salary

Supervises: Development & MarComm Teams

Salary: $100,000 - $140,000

Schedule: 40+ hours per week, typically performed Monday through Friday. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

About Us: Kansas City Pet Project is a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a more compassionate community for pets & people. We are a nonprofit organization that operates the Kansas City, MO animal shelter, caring for more than 16,000 pets a year.

About You: We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our donor relations, fundraising initiatives and overall development strategy, thus ensuring the continued success of Kansas City Pet Project.

Position Summary: The CDO plays a key role in driving sustainability and growth for the organization by cultivating relationships with donors, community partners, foundations, and other stakeholders to secure critical funding, while also enhancing the organization’s public presence and engagement through effective marketing and communications strategies. The CDO will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and the broader leadership team to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans that align with the organization’s mission, goals, and financial needs. The ideal candidate will have a passion for animal welfare, extensive experience in nonprofit development, and the ability to inspire and engage others in our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Development and MarComm teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and provide a collaborative work environment
• Support the professional growth of team members through training and career development opportunities
• Work collaboratively with other departments (programs, finance, and operations) to ensure alignment of messaging and strategy
• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, events, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving
• Lead the design and implementation of capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives
• Set ambitious fundraising goals and oversee efforts to meet or exceed them annually
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and maintain a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, prospects, and corporate partners
• Oversee donor stewardship initiatives, ensuring a consistent and meaningful donor experience
• Develop and implement strategies for donor engagement, retention, and growth
• Organize and manage donor recognition programs, ensuring transparency and accountability
• Identify and apply for funding opportunities from government agencies, private foundations, and corporations
• Oversee the preparation and submission of grant proposals, ensuring adherence to deadlines and required reporting
• Manage and track the progress of grants, ensuring compliance with funding agreements.

Board Engagement & Support

• Partner with the Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising efforts, leveraging their networks and expertise to meet goals
• Provide regular updates to the Board regarding development activities, marketing initiatives, and progress toward goals
• Work closely with the finance team to develop accurate revenue projections and manage the development and marketing budgets
• Monitor and report on fundraising and marketing progress, expenses, and results to the Executive Director and Board
• Ensure that donor funds are used efficiently and effectively to support the organization’s mission
• Oversee the organization’s marketing and communications strategy to raise public awareness and promote the organization’s mission, programs, and impact
• Work closely with the marketing and communications team to design campaigns that support fundraising efforts and increase engagement with the community
• Ensure consistency of messaging across all communication channels, aligning with the organization’s core values and brand
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of marketing and communication strategies to improve outreach and engagement and overall development efforts

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree and relevant certifications in nonprofit management, business, marketing, or a related field preferred
• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of experience in nonprofit development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role; ideally in the animal welfare or advocacy sector
• Experience in doing or leading marketing and communications teams strongly preferred
• Proven success in major gift fundraising, grant writing, and event planning within the nonprofit sector
• Strong track record of building and managing donor relationships, as well as media and public relations

Skills:

• Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences
• Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and project management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and manage multiple priorities
• In-depth knowledge of fundraising best practices, tools, and trends
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of Donor Perfect and Classy databases a plus
• Knowledge of the philanthropic community of Kansas City preferred

Attributes:

• Deep passion for animal welfare
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to work in office
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed
• Willingness to travel locally and occasionally to out-of-state conferences
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation
• Comfortable working with animals of various species and sizes

Working Conditions: We ask you to assess your ability to effectively manage and navigate the emotional aspects of animal welfare before applying. Most functions will be performed at the KC Campus for Animal Care. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Must be able to sit for up to eight hours, with breaks. Must be able to perform computer work and data entry for up to eight hours per day.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to saving and improving animal lives
• Work alongside a passionate team of advocates, caregivers, and rescuers
• Make a tangible impact through compelling storytelling and advocacy

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.