Chief Development Officer

Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a dynamic role, combining donor engagement and prospecting for new partnerships to drive philanthropic growth. Working closely with senior leadership, the CDO will develop and implement the organization’s Development Plan to expand the donor base, secure sustainable financial support, and build strategic partnerships. This position oversees all aspects of fundraising, including individual donations, grants, government support, and special events.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Administration

• Commit to Savage Wonder Arts’ core values and principles as established by the Artistic Director and Board.
• Collaborate with the senior team on short- and long-term development plans, with a focus on sustainable philanthropic revenue growth to meet financial goals.
• Conduct prospect research, including exploration, qualification, cultivation, and relationship-building to close contributions.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Spearhead all aspects of the grant-writing process, including identifying opportunities, compiling outcome measurements, submitting reports, and stewarding grantors for future support.
• Design and implement a donor identification and cultivation strategies for all gifts with a focus on recurring giving.
• Oversee the donor acknowledgment process to ensure timely and personalized recognition.
• Maintain the integrity of all donor-related data and ensure accurate, measurable reporting tailored to donor segments.
• Provide regular, detailed reports to the Artistic Director and Board of Directors on progress and outcomes.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Strengthen relationships with community stakeholders to foster mutually beneficial partnerships.
• Represent Savage Wonder Arts at events, cultivating relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Partner with the media team to develop and implement a dynamic and strategic communications plan to elevate Project Recover’s brand identity, broadening awareness and increasing visibility

Requirements

Must-Have

• Willingness to work on-site at Savage Wonder Arts’ offices in Beacon, NY.
• Proven ability to manage diverse tasks and competing priorities.
• Experience in prospecting, managing grant calendars, and donor databases.
• Proven achievements in revenue generation
• Ability to engage and coordinate effectively with Board and staff level teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Proficiency with Neon, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, and the ability to quickly learn new software tools.
• Must be self-directed, have initiative and strong organizational skills

Preferred

• Background as a current or former member of the military, law enforcement, fire/EMS, intelligence services, foreign services, Department of Defense, or as an immediate family member of someone in these roles.
• Direct experience working in the VSO/MSO nonprofit space.
• Demonstrated understanding of planned giving strategies, regulations, and gift instruments.