Chief Development Officer

Overview  

Are you a driven, organized and detail-oriented professional who is passionate about being part of the solution to combat climate change and protect biodiversity? Would you like to work for an international organization working to realize the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals while protecting and preserving the world’s forests?  

FSC Investments and Partnerships (FSC I&P) is seeking a Chief Development Officer to support the Executive Director, Development staff and the growing team in Seattle, Washington. Our team collaborates with more than 300 colleagues and dozens of partners worldwide. The Chief Development officer will oversee the full fundraising program, delivering big picture goals and executing systems and processes to assess and move opportunities forward.  

The Chief Development Officer is full-time and based out of FSC I&P’s Seattle office (5101 14th Ave NW). It reports directly to the Executive Director.  

About FSC and FSC Investments & Partnerships 

In the early 1990s, an international group of leaders in business, human rights and the environment came together to develop standards for managing forests. These visionaries were responding to the many dire threats to the world’s forests. 

FSC certification tells you that the products you buy come from a forest that is responsibly managed according to a robust set of guidelines benefiting the environment, economy and society. The standards include limiting the number of trees removed, restricting highly hazardous pesticides, and protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as wildlife and habitats. 

FSC I&P is a 501(c)(3) non-profit established in 2016 with a commitment to amplify responsible forest management efforts and catalyze innovative solutions. FSC I&P collaborates with FSC offices around the world and the International Secretariat in Bonn, Germany, to deliver on its common goal of Forests for All Forever.  

About the Ideal Candidate: 

The ideal candidate is a dynamic and agile professional with a proven track record in fundraising, capable of navigating ambiguity and building strong relationships with colleagues worldwide. 

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a pivotal leadership role responsible for shaping and executing our fundraising strategy. Reporting to the Executive Director, the CDO will lead a small team and collaborate with colleagues globally to achieve fundraising targets. The ideal candidate is a persuasive leader, adept at building trust and collaboration across diverse teams. Agility, adaptability and a drive towards success are crucial traits for success in this role. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive annual development plan, setting clear targets and strategies for success. 
• Identify, develop, manage, and evaluate fundraising opportunities aligned with our mission, the Forest Stewardship Council, and FSC’s Global Strategy 
• Lead and manage a team of three direct reports, providing guidance and support to ensure their success. 
• Inspire global colleagues to engage with FSC Investments & Partnerships for fundraising collaboration. 
• Collaborate with colleagues to craft impactful programs and translate them into successful fundraising initiatives. 
• Work with the Executive Director to set annual revenue goals that align with our strategic plan and foster revenue diversification. 
• Establish performance metrics, monitor progress, and report results to stakeholders. 
• Cultivate, secure, and manage a pipeline of donor relationships and partnerships, including high-level donors capable of making six-and seven-figure gifts, to support our mission. 

Qualifications: 

• Proven success in nonprofit major gift fundraising, securing significant donations from foundations, governments, multilateral agencies, or corporations. 
• Ten years of relevant experience. 
• Experience in developing and implementing major gift strategies and campaigns. 
• Ability to build and maintain relationships at the C-suite level. 
• Track record of significantly increasing revenue and achieving fundraising goals. 
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and growing a development team. 
• Demonstrated ability to secure and lead fundraising units achieving seven and eight figure gifts. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring both staff and donors while effectively conveying our mission and impact. 
• Proven experience in leading organizational change and adapting strategies to evolving circumstances. 
• An energetic, flexible, collaborative, supportive, and proactive approach to work; ability to manage competing priorities and excel in a fast-paced environment 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 

FSC I&P is committed to building an organization and team, supporting leaders, and developing policies that embrace diversity, foster an environment of inclusion, and enhance equity. We believe that differences in backgrounds, in experiences, in perspectives, and in identities lead to stronger organizations, stronger teams, and stronger, more effective solutions for forests and the people that call them home. We value diversity across multiple dimensions, including but not limited to race, color, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious belief, disability status, and age. 

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do.  

Compensation & Benefits:  

Salary for this position is commensurate with experience and in the $110,000 to $155,000 range annually. FSC Investments & Partnerships maintains a competitive and generous benefits package including premium health and dental insurance, optional flexible spending accounts for any out-of-pocket medical expenses, disability and life insurance, 401k retirement savings plan with 3% employer safe harbor contribution, paid holidays (10 days), and 31 days annually of paid time off (vacation, floating holidays and paid sick leave). 

Work Conditions 

FSC I&P is based in Seattle, Washington, and applicants who currently or plan to live there will be prioritized. Travel is moderate. The Chief Development Officer will need to occasionally work hours that accommodate colleagues in time zones around the world. The position reports to the Executive Director. 

Physical Requirements 

The employee will spend most working hours in an indoor office environment and may be subjected to moderate noise. This position will require occasional travel to internal or external events, which may be indoors or outdoors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, or speak for extended periods of time and spend full days using their hands to operate a computer. It is necessary to communicate information and ideas so others will understand, and the employee must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. The employee must be able to work under deadlines.  

TO APPLY 

Valid US work authorization is required. 

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications and interested in FSC to Ryan Foster, r.foster@fsc.org. Please reference “CDO - [YOUR NAME]” in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until July 8, 2024.  

FSC Investments & Partnerships is an equal opportunity employer and will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities during the hiring process. 

http://www.fsc.org/donate 

FSC Investments & Partnerships maintains a competitive and generous benefits package including premium health and dental insurance, optional flexible spending accounts for any out-of-pocket medical expenses, disability and life insurance, 401k retirement savings plan with 3% employer safe harbor contribution, paid holidays (10 days), and 31 days annually of paid time off (vacation, floating holidays and paid sick leave). 

Valid US work authorization is required.

TO APPLY: 

Valid US work authorization is required. To apply, email your resume and cover letter to r.foster@fsc.org. Reference “Chief Development Officer - [YOUR NAME]” in the subject line. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until 8 July 2024.