Chief Development Officer

Association of Fundraising Professionals; Litchfield (CT); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Association of Fundraising Professionals seeks a Chief Development Officer to lead all fundraising and external relations. The role reports to the President/CEO and partners with senior leadership to build a robust philanthropic program focused on major gifts, donor stewardship, and technology-enabled fundraising.

The CDO will oversee a comprehensive development strategy across multiple entities, align priorities with organizational goals, and engage the Board in donor engagement and

Qualifications

• Seven or more years of progressive fundraising or external relations experience.
• Track record in obtaining major gifts and donor stewardship.
• Experience with CRM systems and digital fundraising tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy.
• Lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major donors.
• Oversee all fundraising initiatives across channels and partners.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and the Board on donor engagement.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor stewardship

Relationship building

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA or CFRE certification

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

The Opportunity

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership for all fundraising and external relations at CJR. This is a pivotal moment for the organization: a new CEO takes the helm on June 1, 2026, and the CDO will be a key partner in building the philanthropic foundation to support CJR's next chapter. The CDO oversees a comprehensive, relationship-driven development program with a focus on major gifts, donor stewardship, technology-enabled fundraising, and board engagement across a four-entity nonprofit structure.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Partner with the President and CEO and senior leadership to identify funding priorities and align development strategies with organizational goals
• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy centered on donor engagement and relationship-building.
• Lead the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors, with an emphasis on major gifts and long-term relationship development.

Donor Engagement & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain a portfolio of key donors and prospects, developing personalized engagement strategies.
• Support and guide the President and CEO and Board in donor relationship development and solicitation efforts.
• Strengthen donor retention through thoughtful stewardship and ongoing engagement.

Fundraising & Revenue Development

• Oversee all fundraising initiatives, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation support, and planned giving.
• Integrate traditional fundraising approaches with digital and technology-driven strategies.

Team Leadership & Compliance

• Lead, supervise, and develop Development Department staff; foster a collaborative, results-oriented team culture.
• Seven or more years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or external relations, including demonstrated success in relationship-based fundraising and securing major gifts.
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA, CFRE certification, or advanced degree preferred.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems (Raiser's Edge preferred) and digital fundraising tools.
• Experience working with senior leadership and Boards of Directors in donor engagement and solicitation.
• Familiarity with planned giving, capital campaigns, and donor segmentation strategies.
• Experience in a nonprofit, human services, or education environment strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build and sustain meaningful donor relationships

Location:Litchfield, Connecticut

Hybrid: On-site three days per week

Travel:Local and statewide travel required.