VP, Chief Development Officer

Children's Mercy; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's Mercy seeks a visionary Vice President, Chief Development Officer to lead philanthropy and donor engagement, shaping a comprehensive fundraising strategy across multiple channels. The role focuses on securing transformational gifts, expanding clinical programs, and funding research and innovation to improve patient care.

The VP Development will collaborate with executive leadership, clinicians, and the board to build a culture of generosity, data-informed decisions, and donor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree with 12+ years in nonprofit philanthropy, fundraising, donor relations, or related field.
• Or Master's Degree with 10+ years in nonprofit philanthropy, fundraising, donor relations, or related field.
• Proven success cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts, including gifts of $10M+.

Responsibilities

• Set the strategic vision for philanthropy aligned with mission and long-term goals.
• Lead donor, volunteer, and stakeholder engagement across the full lifecycle.
• Oversee philanthropy operations, donor systems, and stewardship programs.
• Build and sustain high-performing fundraising teams with accountable results.
• Partner with senior leadership, boards, and executives to advance major initiatives.

Skills

Major gifts

Donor relations

Campaign leadership

Communication

Executive presence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Non-Profit Mgmt/Marketing or related field

Master's degree in Business/Non-Profit Mgmt/Marketing or related field

Tools

Donor management software

Job description

The Vice President, Chief Development Officer serves as the strategic leader responsible for advancing the mission of the children's hospital through comprehensive fundraising, donor engagement, and community partnership efforts. This role is accountable for designing and executing a robust, multi-channel philanthropic strategy that secures transformational and sustainable financial support to enhance patient care, expand clinical programs, invest in research and innovation, and strengthen the hospital's impact on children and families. The VP of Development fosters a culture of generosity and stewardship by building meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community stakeholders, while partnering closely with executive leadership, clinicians, and board members. Through visionary leadership, data-informed decision-making, and a commitment to excellence, this role ensures the hospital's philanthropic initiatives align with its strategic priorities and uphold its reputation as a trusted, mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all children.

Responsibilities:

Strategy, Governance, and Enterprise Leadership:

• Set the strategic vision for philanthropy in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term goals.
• Evaluate internal and external trends to inform short and long range strategies affecting reputation, engagement, and philanthropic sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and professional ethical standards, maintaining accountability to donors, volunteers, guests, and governing bodies.
• Serve as a senior advisor and liaison to executive leadership, physicians, boards, and community stakeholders as a member of the Enterprise Leadership Team.
• Advance institutional priorities by advising and supporting advisory boards and major initiatives through advocacy and executive influence.
• Partner with senior leadership to identify and address organizational development needs that impact the effectiveness, alignment, and sustainability of philanthropy and volunteer programs.

Operations, Engagement, and Performance Execution:

• Provide executive oversight and strategic direction for philanthropy operations, ensuring alignment, performance, and integration across donor systems and stewardship programs.
• Lead enterprise level donor, volunteer, and guest engagement strategies across the full lifecycle to maximize philanthropic investment and enhance the overall stakeholder experience.
• Establish strategic plans, financial frameworks, benchmarks, and performance metrics to drive measurable outcomes and ensure effective stewardship of organizational resources.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors and volunteers, providing senior level engagement and accountability to advance major philanthropic initiatives.
• Build and sustain high performing leadership teams by setting clear expectations, optimizing organizational structure, coaching leaders, and fostering a culture of accountability and results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree Business, Non-Profit Management, Marketing or related field and 12 or more years of experience in non-profit philanthropy, fundraising, donor relations, or related field.
• Or Master's Degree Business, Non-Profit Management, Marketing or related field and 10 or more years of experience in non-profit philanthropy, fundraising, donor relations, or related field
• Demonstrated success cultivating, soliciting, and closing major and transformational gifts, with significant experience securing gifts.
• Proven track record of securing transformational gifts of $10M+ and leading solicitations for principal gift opportunities of $75M or greater.
• Proven success leading large-scale fundraising campaigns from inception through completion, including campaign strategy, prospect development, donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and achievement of campaign goals.li>
• Experience building, leading, and developing high-performing fundraising teams, with a demonstrated ability to inspire staff and drive organizational fundraising success.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and executive presence skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior leadership, board members, and key stakeholders.

Remote Work/Work from Home

This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children’s Mercy locations and may not work from home.