Chief Development Officer

The Chief Development Officer’s responsibilities include:

Development Leadership and Management

• Prioritize donor cultivation, stewardship, and appreciation.
• Build and manage a portfolio of approximately 50 current and prospective institutional, corporate, and government funders. The CDO also serves as a front-line fundraiser of high-level individual supporters by creating, managing, and securing gifts from a portfolio of 150+ current and prospective mid and major individual donors.
• Establishes development strategies, including an annual plan, and administers and oversees the implementation of all fundraising efforts.
• Work closely with the SLT to optimize the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Work closely with community partners and businesses to increase the visibility of FFC.
• Provide detailed fundraising progress reports to the President and Board.
• Develop and maintain relationships on behalf of the organization, connecting others to the mission of FFC and educating the public to enhance fundraising efforts.
• Collaborate with other organizations within FFC’s coalition of nonprofit partners to leverage resources that benefit the sports-based youth development sector as a whole.

Communications and Grant Management

• Oversee production of all direct mail letters/emails, case statements, grants, brochures, and sponsorship proposals to facilitate donor engagement.
• Oversee the grant process ensuring accountability to funding entities.
• Ensure all internal and external fundraising communications are focused on quality, accuracy, and effectiveness.

Event Fundraising and Special Events

• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of the organization’s signature fundraising events, including the annual gala, to raise substantial funds and increase visibility for the organization.
• Develop and manage the event fundraising strategy, including setting clear goals for sponsorships, ticket sales, silent and live auctions, and other revenue-generating components.
• Cultivate relationships with event sponsors, ensuring they receive value and recognition for their support.
• Collaborate with the Board, host committees, and staff to ensure the success of the gala event, from pre-event planning to post-event follow-up and stewardship.
• Engage with major donors and prospective supporters at the event to build stronger relationships and secure future commitments.
• Track and report on event results, measure outcomes against goals and provide detailed analysis to the President and Board.
• Ensure the gala and other special events align with FFC’s overall fundraising strategy and mission.

Board Relations

• Participate in the orientation of new board members annually.
• Share the development plan with the Board including specifics on individual Board Members’ responsibilities and involvement.
• Work with and support the Board Fundraising Committee.

Community Engagement

• Actively seeks and maintains positive relationships with business partners, governmental entities, donors, and the community at large to increase knowledge of FFC and enhance partnerships.
• Supports new and ongoing community engagement events

Skills and Experience Required

The following represents the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Personal values aligned with organizational values: commitment, compassion, excellence, integrity, and respect.
• Committed and enthusiastic to the mission of Fight For Children.
• 5-10 years of proven experience managing a nonprofit fundraising program with a robust professional work history, showcasing increased work responsibilities throughout career progression.
• A successful track record of personally engaging and stewarding donors and sponsors.
• Experience working with a high-functioning team.
• Ability to work in a hands-on environment and “get the job done”.
• Must be willing to network in and build strong relationships within the FFC community.
• Ability to gain the respect and support of various constituencies including Board and staff members, donors/funders, and civic leaders.
• Demonstrated experience organizing and implementing fundraising activities for galas and special events.
• Strong interpersonal communication and collaboration skills including empathy, patience, inclusivity, and active listening.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Committed to promoting a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and belonging culture.
• Strong ability to be a self-starter with excellent prioritization and time management skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and experience working with CRMs (FFC uses Donor Perfect).
• Knowledge of the Washington, DC landscape is a plus.