Chief Development Officer

ABOUT CURE EPILEPSY

CURE Epilepsy is a parent-founded nonprofit that is laser-focused on research to find a cure for epilepsy. Epilepsy is a complex, often debilitating neurological disorder that will affect 1 in 26 Americans in their lifetime. One-third of people with epilepsy are uncontrolled on medication, and even those for whom medications work often face horrible side effects. Since its inception in 1998, CURE Epilepsy has raised more than $100 million to fund research and other initiatives that will lead the way to cures. Our work has already led to incredible advancements for the community. Research is our greatest hope of finding a cure, we have been at the forefront of major breakthroughs for almost 30 years, and each discovery brings us closer to achieving freedom from seizures and medication side effects for people living with epilepsy. Join us as we lead the search for a cure.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) reports to the Chief Executive Officer and serves as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and advancing CURE Epilepsy's mission through visionary fundraising leadership. This leader will manage and lead the evolution of CURE Epilepsy's comprehensive development program, driving continued revenue growth while building a high-performing, donor-centered culture that supports investment in groundbreaking epilepsy research toward a cure.

As a key member of the Leadership Team joining CURE at the launch of its next strategic planning cycle, the CDO will provide input into the organizational strategy and business model to support a thriving, integrated program that brings the power of major gifts, annual giving, institutional philanthropy, planned giving, events, and donor engagement work together to achieve revenue and research goals toward a cure. Success in this role will be measured not only by revenue growth, but by strengthening the people, systems, partnerships, and culture that sustain long-term community engagement and philanthropic success.

The CDO will build, coach, and inspire a talented development team responsible for generating $6M+ annually and growing in philanthropic support while positioning the organization for continued growth and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. As an enterprise leader, this individual will champion data-informed decision-making, strengthen fundraising operations and performance, and cultivate a culture of shared fundraising ownership across staff and the Board of Directors.

This role sits at the intersection of scientific innovation and philanthropy, ensuring that promising research is translated into compelling opportunities for donors to accelerate breakthroughs that improve the lives of people living with epilepsy. Because CURE Epilepsy funds cutting-edge scientific research, this leader must be equally comfortable engaging donors and collaborating with scientific colleagues. The successful candidate will translate complex research concepts into compelling, donor-focused stories that inspire philanthropic investment and clearly communicate how research is accelerating the path toward cures for epilepsy.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative, and results-oriented fundraising executive who combines strong business acumen with emotional intelligence. They are an exceptional relationship builder, inspiring people manager, and persuasive communicator who connects scientific discovery with donor passion. Energized by building organizations as much as building donor relationships, they thrive on creating strategy, developing talent, strengthening systems, and translating world-class science into philanthropy that accelerates cures for epilepsy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary duties of the Chief Development Officer include being a strategic, collaborative, and entrepreneurial leader with a demonstrated ability to support a growing enterprise through revenue growth, team development, operational systems design, and effective cross-organizational partnership and communication.

Enterprise Leadership

• Lead and strengthen an integrated development organization that aligns fundraising strategy and operations with communications and scientific priorities.
• Serve as a strategic member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational planning, decision-making, and long-term growth.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy and shared fundraising ownership across staff, leadership, and the Board.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen fundraising engagement, identify new philanthropic opportunities, and support board development activities.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making throughout the development function.

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of a multi-year fundraising strategy that grows and diversifies philanthropic revenue across all giving channels.
• Establish annual fundraising goals, performance metrics, and key performance indicators to drive sustainable growth.
• Identify emerging philanthropic opportunities and adapt fundraising strategies to capitalize on changing donor trends and organizational priorities.

Revenue Growth & Philanthropic Partnerships

• Develop integrated donor strategies that coordinate the efforts of the CEO, Principal & Strategic Gifts Officer, Board members, and development staff to maximize philanthropic outcomes.
• Personally manage a select portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects, focusing on strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key relationships.
• Expand and strengthen annual giving, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving, and other revenue-generating initiatives to create a balanced and diversified fundraising program.
• Build systems and strategies that increase donor acquisition, retention, engagement, and lifetime value across the organization's fundraising portfolio.
• Partner with the CFO to develop and monitor fundraising forecasts, pipeline metrics, and performance dashboards to ensure accurate revenue projections and informed strategic decision-making.
• Provide regular fundraising performance reports and strategic recommendations to the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership team.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing development team by establishing a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Establish clear performance expectations and support staff in achieving ambitious fundraising goals.
• Model best practices in donor engagement, fundraising ethics, and relationship management.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Scientific Storytelling

• Partner with the Chief Scientific Officer and scientific staff to translate complex research into compelling philanthropic investment opportunities.
• Foster productive partnerships across departments to ensure fundraising strategies are integrated with organizational priorities.
• Serve as an ambassador for CURE Epilepsy, representing the organization with donors, corporate partners, foundations, volunteers, and the broader epilepsy community.
• Identify opportunities to increase CURE Epilepsy's visibility and strengthen its reputation as a leader in epilepsy research.

Operations, Events & Performance Management

• Ensure systems, processes, analytics, stewardship, and reporting effectively support fundraising growth.
• Oversee the strategy, financial performance, and execution of CURE Epilepsy's signature fundraising events.
• Promote continuous improvement by leveraging fundraising analytics and industry best practices.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

While applicants are not expected to possess all the desired qualifications listed below, the ideal candidate will be passionate about CURE’s mission and will bring many of the following skills and experiences:

Fundraising Leadership

• 10+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in fundraising or revenue development.
• Proven success growing enterprise investment and philanthropic revenue.
• Demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing seven-figure philanthropic gifts ($1M+).
• Ability to develop and execute fundraising strategies.
• Experience leading comprehensive fundraising programs.
• Expertise across major gifts, annual giving, planned giving and events.
• Track record cultivating high-capacity donors and philanthropic partners.

Leadership & Team Development

• 7+ years of people management experience preferred.
• Experience building and developing high-performing teams.
• Collaborative leadership style with strong coaching skills.
• Experience partnering with boards, volunteers, and executive leaders.

Strategic & Operational Excellence

• Data-driven approach to fundraising strategy and decision-making.
• Experience developing budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT or similar CRM platforms.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Communication & Mission Engagement

• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Compelling storyteller with donor-focused communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences.
• Passion for advancing CURE Epilepsy’s mission and research priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare, medical research, or voluntary health organizations.
• Familiarity with Chicago philanthropic community.
• CFRE certification and/or advanced degree.

Education

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree and/or CFRE preferred.

WORK LOCATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Location: Given the highly collaborative nature of this leadership role, Chicago-area residency is preferred. However, outstanding remote candidates will be considered if they can commit to regular in-person engagement in Chicago. If residing in the Chicago area, the position is hybrid (in-person office days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Some evenings and weekends are required. Some travel required; to be mutually agreed upon.

Compensation & Benefits: The salary range for this position is $175,000 - $210,000 commensurate with relevant experience. CURE Epilepsy has an attractive and competitive benefits package that includes medical and dental insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with a match, and vacation, sick, and personal days. Full benefit details will be shared with candidates.

TO APPLY

More information about CURE Epilepsy may be found at: www.cureepilepsy.org.

This search is being led by Katherine Jacobs and Jessi Davison of GDSI Leadership. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume, via GDSI’s applicant portal.

CURE Epilepsy is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.