Chief Development Officer

Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut; New London (CT); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

403(b) plan 10% employer contribution

PTO 24 days and 12 holidays

Health benefits 90% employer-paid

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut seeks a visionary Chief Development Officer to shape our fund development strategy and deepen donor relationships across 42 towns. You will report to the President & CEO and guide growth of the Foundation’s endowment through major gifts, planned giving, annual appeals, grants, and strategic donor engagement.

The ideal candidate brings 5-10 years of senior leadership in development, deep knowledge of philanthropic trends, exceptional communication,

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of senior-level development or nonprofit leadership experience, including success in closing major gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Deep knowledge of philanthropic trends, donor-advised funds, complex gifts, and planned giving strategies.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, writing, and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to inspire colleagues, trustees, donors, and community partners.
• A strong commitment to helping people translate generosity into lasting local impact.

Responsibilities

• Build and steward meaningful relationships with donors, prospects, professional advisors, trustees, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
• Lead a comprehensive donor relations strategy that advances ambitious fundraising goals and strengthens long-term philanthropic investment.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to donors seeking to align their charitable goals with pressing community needs.
• Champion planned giving, major gifts, annual appeals, grants, and strategic development systems.
• Represent the Foundation as an ambassador and advocate for philanthropy throughout Eastern Connecticut.
• Provide supportive leadership to the Director of Development and Director of Donor Relations.

Job description

We’re looking for a visionary fundraising leader to help shape the future of philanthropy in Eastern Connecticut.

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is seeking a Chief Development Officer

to lead our fund development strategy and deepen the relationships that make lasting community impact possible across the 42 towns we serve.

This is an opportunity for an experienced development professional to bring bold thinking, trusted relationship-building, and a deep commitment to community into a senior leadership role. Reporting to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer will guide efforts to grow the Foundation’s endowment through major gifts, planned giving, annual appeals, grants, and strategic donor engagement.

In this role, you will:

• Build and steward meaningful relationships with donors, prospects, professional advisors, trustees, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
• Lead a comprehensive donor relations strategy that advances ambitious fundraising goals and strengthens long-term philanthropic investment.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to donors seeking to align their charitable goals with pressing community needs.
• Champion planned giving, major gifts, annual appeals, grants, and strategic development systems.
• Represent the Foundation as an ambassador and advocate for philanthropy throughout Eastern Connecticut.
• Provide supportive leadership to the Director of Development and Director of Donor Relations.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• 5-10 years of senior-level development or nonprofit leadership experience, including success in closing major gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Deep knowledge of philanthropic trends, donor-advised funds, complex gifts, and planned giving strategies.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, writing, and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative leadership style and the ability to inspire colleagues, trustees, committee members, donors, and community partners.
• A strong commitment to helping people translate generosity into lasting local impact.

Employment benefits at the Community Foundation include:

• Hybrid work schedule - generally Mondays and Fridays remote and Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday in office (schedule may change based on the need for in-person meetings or events)
• 10% employer contribution to a 403(b) plan
• 24 days of PTO and 12 paid holidays
• Individual medical, dental, and vision – 90% employer-paid
• Employer-paid Short and Long-term Disability and Life Insurance

Salary:

$150,000

If you are energized by mission-driven work, passionate about building enduring relationships, and ready to help grow resources for the people and communities of Eastern Connecticut, we would love to hear from you.

Join us in strengthening philanthropy, expanding opportunity, and investing in a thriving Eastern Connecticut.