Chief Development Officer

Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (WACIF); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

HSA/FSA

Dental

Vision

Life & AD&D

Disability insurance

401(k) Matching

Paid Holidays

PTO

Education Assistance

Job summary

Washington Area Community Investment Fund, Inc. (WACIF) seeks a Chief Development Officer to guide development and fundraising strategy. You will expand funding, deepen partnerships with philanthropic and corporate partners, and ensure resources align with strategic priorities.

The role reports to the CEO and sits on the Executive Team, collaborating with the Board and development staff to strengthen WACIF's position as a leading CDFI in the DC region.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance or related field (MBA/CPA/CFA preferred).
• 15+ years in senior financial management roles within financial services or non-profit sectors.
• Strong ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders and maintain transparency.
• Experience leading organizational change and implementing new processes/systems.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects with priorities and deadlines.
• Experience engaging with debt investors and blended capital structures.
• Comfort with credit risk decisions and investment committee participation.
• Demonstrated leadership of a finance team in growing organizations.
• Knowledge of nonprofit revenue recognition (ASU 2014-09 606; ASU 2018-08).
• High motivation, initiative, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and fundraising strategy for growth.
• Expand and diversify funding sources and partnerships.
• Work with CEO, Board, and executives to secure resources.
• Oversee external relationships and fundraising performance.
• Provide executive leadership to the finance team.

Skills

Strong communication

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Project management

Analytical skills

Change leadership

Financial acumen

Debt/investment experience

Nonprofit revenue knowledge

Education

Advanced degree in Accounting or Finance

MBA/CPA/CFA preferred

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Who We Are

Established in 1987, the Washington Area Community Investment Fund's (WACIF) mission is to increase economic opportunity in communities in the Washington, DC area by investing knowledge, social, and financial capital in low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Our mission is driven by three strategic pillars: entrepreneurship, community wealth building, and economic development, and is fulfilled by providing access to capital products and services, and capacity building technical assistance to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. WACIF has been continuously certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 1996, making the organization one of the nation's first CDFIs.

WACIF is entering an important period of growth and opportunity. With ambitious strategic priorities expanding regional partnerships, a growing portfolio of programs and investments, and the continued development of the Anacostia Arts Center, we are seeking a Chief Development Officer to build the relationships and resources needed for what comes next.

Reporting to the CEO and serving on the Executive Team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will lead WACIF's development and fundraising strategy. The CDO will expand and diversify WACIF's funding base, deepen relationships with philanthropic and corporate partners, cultivate new sources of support, and ensure WACIF has the resources needed to pursue its strategic priorities.

This is a highly external role for a strategic and entrepreneurial leader who enjoys building relationships, opening doors, and creating opportunities. The CDO will work closely with the CEO, the Board of Directors, the Executive Team, and development staff to strengthen WACIF's position as a leading community development financial institution and economic development partner in the region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Development Strategy
• External Relationships and Fundraising
• Fundraising Strategy & Performance
• CEO & Board Partnership
• Executive & Team Leadership

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Accounting, Finance or another related field or commensurate similar experience (MBA, CPA, of CFA preferred);
• At least 15+ years of progressive experience in senior financial management roles within financial institutions, investment firms, or broader financial services (non-profit experience preferred);
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, facilitate decision-making processes, and maintain transparency;
• Experience in leading or supporting organizational change initiatives, including restructuring, process improvements, or system implementations, to ensure smooth transitions and continuity of operations;Proven ability to identify and address complex challenges or issues that may arise, utilizing creative problem-solving skills and resourcefulness to find effective solutions;
• Experience in managing multiple projects or initiatives simultaneously, setting priorities, allocating resources, and ensuring timely delivery of results;
• Proven experience engaging with private and public sector debt investors through deal sourcing, due diligence and closing investment stages;
• Proven experience with creative and catalytic capital structures or blended capital financing models, including the use of credit risk guarantees, loan loss reserves, long-term subordinated debt (EQ2s);
• Experience making credit risk decisions and sitting on internal credit risk or investment committees;
• Experience leading a highly functioning finance team within growing organizations;
• Working knowledge of non-profit revenue recognition principles (ASU 2014-09 Topic 606 and ASU 2018-08);
• Compliance and risk-oriented; strong analytical skills
• Experience working in a CDFI, financial services, or investment management firm a plus;
• A high level of motivation, initiative and attention to detail;
• Ability to work under pressure and handle stress;
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint);
• Interest in and commitment to WACIF's mission of working with low- and moderate-income individuals and underserved communities.

Salary Range:

$130,000 - $185,000

Benefits:

• Healthcare
• HSA & FSA
• Dental
• Vision
• Life & AD&D
• Short- & Long-Term Disability
• Matching 401(k)
• Paid Holidays
• PTO
• Education Assistance

Equal Employment Opportunity: WACIF is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.