Chief Development Officer

Annual Giving Network LLC; Staunton (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization is seeking a Chief Development Officer to lead major gifts and fundraising efforts. The position entails strategic planning, managing donor relationships, and collaborating with senior leadership to meet organizational goals. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in fundraising, strong analytical abilities, and excellent communication skills. A Bachelor’s degree is required, with a Master’s degree preferred. The role involves national travel and oversight of various advancement services.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in major gift or planned gift experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
• CFRE certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Major Gifts and Planned Giving teams.
• Develop and implement strategies for major gifts.
• Manage an assigned donor portfolio.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is primarily responsible for leading the Major Gifts, Sweet Briar Fund, and Planned Giving teams, the Director of Advancement Services, the processing of gifts and stewarding of donors, and the Advancement and Stewardship Manager. This position will collaborate with the VP of Alumnae Relations and Development and the President to identify fundraising priorities and meet the College’s strategic vision and mission goals.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates support of the College’s mission and beliefs.
• Manages all gift officers and is charged with enhancement and operationalization of the major gifts, annual giving, and gift planning team members.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates strategic plans for securing major ($25k+) gifts with a focus on, but not limited to, unrestricted annual fund support, restricted initiatives, scholarships, and foundation priorities.
• Identifies potential donors, cultivates and solicits prospects, and provides exemplary stewardship of our supporters.
• Utilizes and understands comprehensive prospect management, wealth engine, and research systems to assist in implementing strategic plans and other actions.
• Manages an assigned donor portfolio of 50 top Sweet Briar prospects, including alumnae, parents, and friends.
• Initiates contacts with potential leadership and major gift donors; develops appropriate cultivation strategies, including working with volunteers, campus partners, and other development officers; moves potential donors in an appropriate and timely manner toward solicitation and closure.
• Develops an overall objective for major donor stewardship with the Manager of Advancement and Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: Major Gifts Officers, Director of Sweet Briar Fund, Director of Advancement Services, and Manager of Advancement and Stewardship.

Position Type/Expected Work Hours: M-F 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with possible evenings, weekends, and/or holidays as needed for event preparation, etc. This position requires travel nationally to cultivate and solicit major gifts and support events for the President.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Three to five years or more in major gift, planned gift, leadership development or similar comparable professional experience that would lend to transferable skills;
• Strong analytical skills;
• High level of integrity, dependability, and sound judgment;
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines;
• Ability to lead and motivate staff and volunteers;
• Strong interpersonal skills with a collaborative approach to building teams and fostering a best place to work culture;
• Excellent communication and technology skills;
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently;
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products;
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or strong background in a higher education environment from an institutionally related foundation setting;
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certification or similar professional certification designation.

Work Environment: The position is on campus and will require talking on the telephone and sitting at a desk. Primarily indoors, but some outdoor environments may also be required.

Physical Demands: Extensive periods of sitting/standing, talking on the telephone and working on the computer are required.

Travel: Job requires overnight travel nationally and weekend commitments.

Deadline for Submissions: Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

How to Apply: If applying for a faculty or staff position, please ensure you have attached a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to your online application and that you have fully completed the online applicant profile information.