Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

Position Summary: The CDO plays a key role in driving sustainability and growth for the organization by cultivating relationships with donors, community partners, foundations, and other stakeholders to secure critical funding, while also enhancing the organization’s public presence and engagement through effective marketing and communications strategies. The CDO will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and the broader leadership team to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans that align with the organization’s mission, goals, and financial needs.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for animal welfare, extensive experience in nonprofit development, and the ability to inspire and engage others in our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Development and MarCom teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and provide a collaborative work environment Support the professional growth of team members through training and career development opportunities Work collaboratively with other departments (programs, finance, and operations) to ensure alignment of messaging and strategy

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, events, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving Lead the design and implementation of capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives Set ambitious fundraising goals and oversee efforts to meet or exceed them annually Establish and maintain strong relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and maintain a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, prospects, and corporate partners Oversee donor stewardship initiatives, ensuring a consistent and meaningful donor experience Develop and implement strategies for donor engagement, retention, and growth Organize and manage donor recognition programs, ensuring transparency and accountability

Grant Development & Management

• Identify and apply for funding opportunities from government agencies, private foundations, and corporations Oversee the preparation and submission of grant proposals, ensuring adherence to deadlines and required reporting Manage and track the progress of grants, ensuring compliance with funding agreements

Board Engagement & Support

• Partner with the Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising efforts, leveraging their networks and expertise to meet goals Provide regular updates to the Board regarding development activities, marketing initiatives, and progress toward goals

Financial Management & Reporting

• Work closely with the finance team to develop accurate revenue projections and manage the development and marketing budgets Monitor and report on fundraising and marketing progress, expenses, and results to the Executive Director and Board Ensure that donor funds are used efficiently and effectively to support the organization’s mission

Marketing Strategy

• Oversee the organization’s marketing and communications strategy to raise public awareness and promote the organization’s mission, programs, and impact Work closely with the marketing and communications team to design campaigns that support fundraising efforts and increase engagement with the community Ensure consistency of messaging across all communication channels, aligning with the organization’s core values and brand Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of marketing and communication strategies to improve outreach and engagement and overall development efforts

Qualifications