Chief Development Officer

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a key member of United Community’s Executive Team, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organization's long-term strategies and goals. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional skills in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individual gifts, demonstrating a high degree of motivation and self-direction to define and achieve ambitious fundraising targets. The CDO should be a visionary leader, driving innovative approaches to donor engagement and pushing the boundaries of traditional fundraising practices.

In addition to fundraising, the CDO will lead the organization's marketing and communications efforts, ensuring a cohesive strategy that elevates United Community's brand, enhances its visibility, and strengthens its relationships with key stakeholders. This integrated approach will support both fundraising and overall organizational growth.

United Community is poised for significant growth, requiring the CDO to navigate and thrive in an evolving environment while the Board and CEO make strategic decisions about the agency's future.

This role oversees the Development and Communications Team while also managing skilled development and communications interns and volunteers.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBJECTIVES:

1. Strategic Fundraising: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic fundraising plan, monitor progress regularly, and adjust strategies as needed.
2. Donor Engagement: Achieve significant growth in major gifts and cultivate new major donors through targeted engagement strategies. Increase the overall donor base substantially.
3. Community Partnerships: Establish new strategic partnerships with civic, faith, and corporate communities, and secure increased financial, in-kind, and volunteer support.
4. Event Management: Plan and execute major fundraising events with innovative approaches that increase event revenue year over year.
5. Board and Committee Engagement: Lead the Development Committee to achieve high participation in fundraising activities and develop mentorship programs to enhance fundraising efforts.
6. Marketing and Communications: Develop and implement marketing and communication strategies to promote the organization’s mission, programs, and fundraising initiatives.

CORE COMPENTENCIES:

1. Leadership: Provide transformational leadership to the Development and Communications team, ensuring staff understand and effectively fulfill their role in the execution of the overall strategy.
2. Communication: Serve as one of the key spokespeople for the organization, gaining an in-depth understanding of the organization’s values, policies, culture, history, key stakeholders, programs, donor base, and finances.
3. Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a dynamic fundraising strategy that drives new donor growth and retention while meeting and surpassing current goals.
4. Marketing: Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy to elevate the organization’s mission, showcase its programs, drive its fundraising initiatives, and ensure widespread recognition and support.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. United Community recognizes and values lived experience and community involvement just as highly as formal education. To ensure inclusivity, individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with non-traditional career paths, volunteer work, caregiving, or advocacy experience, are encouraged to apply—even without a formal degree.
2. A minimum of 5-6 years of progressively responsible experience in a nonprofit fundraising position, preferably at the Director level, with specific emphasis on major donors, annual giving, and grant-seeking, including at least 2 years as a manager.
3. Proven success in strengthening board fundraising.
4. Knowledge and experience in fundraising ethics, research, and cultivation practices, including proposal writing, gift processing, prospecting, cultivation (moves management) and reporting.
5. Proficiency in fundraising software applications, use of social media and internet tools. Also, skilled in the use of Microsoft’s Office Suite.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

Success for the Chief Development Officer position will be evaluated based on the following key performance indicators (KPIs):

1. Achievement of Fundraising Goals: Success in meeting or exceeding the fundraising targets outlined in the strategic fundraising plan.
2. Growth in Donor Base: Effectiveness in increasing the number and diversity of major donors and improving donor retention rates.
3. Impact of Marketing Strategies: The degree to which the implemented marketing and communication strategies have increased the organization’s visibility and support for its mission and programs.

CULTURE AND VALUE GOALS

As a member of the United Community team, every person has a role in fostering and maintaining a positive and inclusive organizational culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles. All employees are expected to contribute to creating a professional and respectful work environment where all employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. By promoting open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect among team members, you will help uphold our commitment to this mission, ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities to thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. Your dedication to upholding high ethical standards and promoting a culture of integrity will be instrumental in fostering a workplace where teamwork and personal growth are encouraged and celebrated.

OTHER DUTIES

Additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to support the advancement of our Vision, the realization of our Mission, and the adherence to our Organization's Values. While the essential job functions and qualifications are outlined, this list is not exhaustive and may be subject to change or expansion by the CEO.