Chief Development Officer | Habitat for Humanity

Bryn Mawr College; Bryn Mawr (PA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Sick leave and holidays

Job summary

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia seeks a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead strategic fundraising initiatives, enhance donor engagement, and elevate the organization’s visibility. The CDO will work closely with the CEO, Board, and Leadership Team to develop comprehensive strategies that drive philanthropic revenue.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of experience in fundraising leadership, exceptional project management skills, and a strong background in building relationships with diverse stakeholders. A Bachelor’s degree is required, with a Master’s preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive fundraising and leadership experience.
• Proven expertise in strategic fundraising initiatives with significant revenue growth.
• Exceptional project management skills and ability to handle multiple initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Manage fundraising budget and oversee departmental operations.
• Identify and cultivate major donors and corporate partners.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor engagement

Project management

Leadership

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree or professional certification

Tools

Salesforce

CRM systems

Job description

At Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia ("HFHP"), we are builders who work alongside, not for others. We are driven by accountability and defined by our stick-to-itiveness.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Leadership Team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) will partner closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Leadership Team to drive a comprehensive advancement strategy that strengthens philanthropic revenue, deepens donor engagement, elevates organizational visibility, and supports Habitat Philadelphia’s long‑term strategic priorities.

The CDO is both strategic and hands‑on leader who can architect sophisticated fundraising systems and campaigns while also building authentic relationships with donors, corporate partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders. This role requires a passionate, emotionally intelligent leader skilled in people management, strategic planning, and risk mitigation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising and advancement strategy aligned with Habitat Philadelphia’s strategic goals.
• Implement diversified fundraising strategies to attract,retain, and motivate donors and volunteers.
• Ensure fundraising alignment with organizational values and strategic plans.
• Build fundraising infrastructure, team, systems, accountability measures, and performance metrics that support long‑term sustainability and growth.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
• Monitor trends in philanthropy and recommend policy positions.
• Represent Habitat Philadelphia externally with donors, civic leaders, corporate partners, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• Lead all philanthropic revenue strategies with accountability for annual fundraising goals and long‑term revenue growth including annual fund, events, individual, foundation, corporate, and planned giving, volunteer engagement, marketing, and communications.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and transformational donors.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, ethical standards, and internal policies.
• Maintain accountability to donors and uphold professional conduct.
• Represent Habitat to donors, prospects, and external stakeholders.

Philanthropic Talent Management

• Select, develop, motivate, and build capacity of development staff.
• Support leadership development within the advancement function.
• Establish clear accountabilities and conduct regular performance evaluations.

Board & Committee Engagement

• Partner with Board of Directors to achieve 100% participation with annual board giving.
• Leverage expertise and engagement of Resource Development Committee.

Advancement Operations

• Manage advancement budget, cash flow, projections; work in tandem with CFO.
• Oversee fundraising analytics, reporting, budgeting, forecasting and CRM management.
• Ensure strong development operations, data integrity, gift processing, stewardship systems, and performance tracking.
• Utilize data and metrics to drive strategic fundraising decisions and organizational learning.

Campaign & Program Management

• Design and implement cost‑effective fundraising programs with strong ROI.
• Lead major gift fundraising and multi‑year campaigns, including strategy development, donor cultivation, and stewardship.
• Oversee campaign planning, communications, volunteer recruitment, and consultant management.
• Ensure data integrity, fiscal responsibility, and adherence to ethical standards throughout campaigns.
• Conduct post‑campaign evaluations to capture lessons learned.

Marketing & Communications

• Provide strategic leadership for marketing and communications efforts that elevate Habitat Philadelphia’s visibility, reputation, and community impact.
• Partner closely with the Director of Marketing & Communications and MarComms team to develop and implement an integrated, mission‑aligned annual communications strategy.
• Supervise and support the Marketing & Communications Director to advance organizational storytelling, brand management, media relations, and public engagement initiatives.
• Help strengthen Habitat Philadelphia’s external profile through strategic partnerships, thought leadership, storytelling, and community visibility opportunities.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or advanced professional certification preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive fundraising and advancement leadership experience, including oversight of annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, institutional giving, events, volunteer and donor engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategic fundraising initiatives that drive revenue growth, strengthen donor relationships, and expand organizational visibility and impact.
• Proven leadership and people management experience with the ability to build, mentor, and lead high‑performing teams in a collaborative, mission‑driven environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and organizational leadership skills, with a deep understanding of comprehensive development operations, donor pipeline management, budgeting, forecasting, and advancement strategy.
• Experience managing complex fundraising goals, departmental budgets, and financial reporting, including oversight of annual revenue targets of $5M+.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, and execute effectively in a fast‑paced environment. Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, written, and verbal communication skills, including strong storytelling, presentation, and relationship‑building abilities with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with CRM and fundraising database systems; Salesforce experience preferred.
• Strong operational and analytical mindset with attention to detail and a commitment to data integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive information.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations available upon request.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, paid time off, sick leave, and holidays.
• Competitive salary based on experience.