Chief Development Officer

The Carver; Norwalk (CT); On-site; USD 175,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization in Norwalk seeks a Chief Development Officer to drive innovative fundraising strategies. This pivotal role involves shaping a strategic development plan, overseeing various fundraising programs, and cultivating partnerships to enhance philanthropic revenue. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience and a passion for the mission of the organization.

Qualifications

• At least eight years of progressive development leadership experience.
• Experience in a large, complex nonprofit organization preferred.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute a multi-year strategic development plan.
• Oversee major gifts, annual giving, and capital campaigns.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with donors.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Strategic Planning

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with the Carver in the search for a Chief Development Officer.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Carver seeks a Chief Development Officer with the ability and drive needed to reimagine the future of fundraising and secure innovative financing to amplify the impact of the Carver. The Chief Development Officer will play a critical role in shaping and executing a bold, multi-year strategic development plan designed to diversify and significantly increase philanthropic revenue for the Carver, a rapidly growing nonprofit with a unique business model. This newly created and pivotal leadership role represents a major organizational investment in the Carver's long-term vision for growth, innovation, and sustainability. The successful candidate will thrive in the Carver's dynamic and entrepreneurial environment and build a high-performing development team that embodies creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. The Carver is poised for tremendous growth — and seeks candidates with the vision and skills necessary to take the Carver to the next level of fundraising. The Chief Development Officer will play a central role in shaping the future of an organization renowned for its transformative impact on young people's lives. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, executive team, and board of directors, the Chief Development Officer will set clear objectives and key results, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and long-term goals. The Chief Development Officer will bring an entrepreneurial mindset to the identification of emerging trends and innovative fundraising models, moving beyond traditional nonprofit fundraising to drive sustainable growth and will advocate for the Carver's mission, fostering a culture of philanthropy across the institution. Overseeing a comprehensive development program, the Chief Development Officer will manage major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, government grants, and capital campaigns, while personally cultivating and stewarding a portfolio of principal and transformational donors. The Chief Development Officer will cultivate strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals to maximize philanthropic investment in the Carver.

The Carver's afterschool and summer programming is among the most effective in the nation. The Carver equips all learners for global competitiveness by leading strategic partnerships with schools and communities that advance excellence and growth opportunities. The Carver operates more than 65 before-school, after-school, summer, and community programs in all K-12 public schools in Norwalk, Side by Side Charter School, the Classical Studies Magnet Academy in Bridgeport, four public elementary schools in Bridgeport, Naugatuck High School, Stamford High School, and the Carver Community Center. The Carver partners with school districts, serving as problem solvers — customizing programs for each school across science, technology, engineering, arts, math, and wellness. The Carver's programming aligns with in-school curricula, occurs within the students' respective schools, and is led by each school's daytime certified teachers. The Carver students advance to the next grade on time and prepared. Since 2005, 100% of the Carver seniors have graduated on time, and almost all have become first-generation college students. Programming includes K-12 workforce development, college tours, and college scholarships.

The Carver's impact is undeniable — its alumni are ambitious critical thinkers making their mark in law, government, medicine, finance, entertainment, professional sports, technology, education, entrepreneurship, and creative arts. The Carver has a strong reputation for fiscal management and has an annual operating budget of over $11 million which, through innovative fundraising leadership, could reach $20 million. A capital campaign to renovate the Carver's community center has raised approximately $5 million to date with approximately $6 million remaining. The Carver is recognized as a Top Work Places by Hearst Connecticut Media Group, and has a four star rating from Charity Navigator.

A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least eight years of progressive development leadership experience, preferably within a large, complex nonprofit organization, is preferred. The Carver will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to the Carver, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the Carver as well as the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the prospectus.

The salary range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000 annually.

The Carver is committed to the inclusion of all qualified candidates. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or participating in the selection process, please contact Michael Carver at [e-mail].

To apply for this position, visit: https://opportunities.aspenleadershipgroup.com/opportunities/3161.





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