Chief Development Officer, Major Gifts & Endowment

Parks-and-People; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Parks & People is seeking a Director of Development in Baltimore to lead fundraising efforts that sustain park and community programs. You will build relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners while guiding and growing a small development team to meet ambitious revenue goals.

Reporting to the President & CEO, you will drive annual giving, major gifts, and endowment initiatives, ensuring strong stewardship and data-driven management across all fundraising activities.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Baltimore fundraising landscape and key funders.
• Ability to engage potential major donors effectively.
• 7+ years of development experience with six-figure gifts, grants and awards.
• Proficient in MS Office, development CRM software, and office tools.
• Strong time management for multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience leading a professional fundraising team.
• Ability to motivate staff and board members.
• Collaborative work ethic and cross-team coordination.
• Ability to use data/analytics to drive strategy and decisions.
• Willingness to work beyond standard hours when needed.

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate major givers to secure at least $300K in annual operating support.
• Administer outreach, communications and stewardship plans with donors.
• Provide leadership for a $5M endowment campaign through feasibility, case, and strategy.
• Manage the development staff and ensure fundraising targets are met.
• Develop and execute annual giving, endowment, and sponsorship initiatives.
• Staff the Board's Development and Events Committees with guidance and plans.
• Collaborate with the CEO to engage public/private sectors and major donors.
• Maintain genuine relationships across Baltimore's philanthropic landscape.

Skills

Baltimore fundraising landscape

Major donor engagement

Development experience 7+ years

MS Office & CRM

Time management

Team leadership

Interpersonal leadership

Collaborative mindset

Data analytics

Flexible schedule

Job description

Parks & People is seeking a Director of Development in Baltimore to lead fundraising efforts that sustain park and community programs. You will build relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners while guiding and growing a small development team to meet ambitious revenue goals.

Reporting to the President & CEO, you will drive annual giving, major gifts, and endowment initiatives, ensuring strong stewardship and data-driven management across all fundraising activities.