Job Description:
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) reports to the Chief Executive Officer and leads the organization’s fundraising strategy and development operations. The CDO is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive development strategy that advances CIS of Ohio’s mission and ensures the organization meets its annual and long-term revenue goals. The CDO will lead efforts to grow philanthropic support and strengthen partnerships across Ohio.
This role oversees a team of development professionals and works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and community partners to cultivate and steward relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, and government partners. The CDO also serves as a member of the senior leadership team and contributes to organizational strategy and growth.
Key Responsibilities:
The Chief Development Officer will be responsible for planning, developing, executing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising plan for Communities In Schools that aligns to the organization’s mission and vision.
Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth
· Drive the growth of CIS of Ohio’s philanthropic revenue through strategic donor engagement and expanded funding partnerships.
· Responsible for achieving annual fundraising goals through a diversified revenue portfolio including major gifts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and events.
· Partner with the CEO, Board Members, and staff to develop and implement a strategic and diversified fundraising plan that meets current and future goals and growth.
· Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing development team and establish systems that support long-term fundraising growth.
· Establish short- and long-range goals for restricted and unrestricted funding sources and lead the development team in developing strategies to approach current and potential donors.
· Provide strategic oversight for foundation and government grant strategy, including proposal development and reporting.
· Implement a high-quality stewardship program that engages, recognizes, and thanks supporters, to strengthen their relationship with the organization.
· Provide strategic oversight for fundraising and stewardship events that increase visibility, strengthen donor relationships, and generate philanthropic support for Communities In Schools.
Major Gifts & Donor Engagement
· Manage and grow a portfolio of major donor prospects through strategic identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
· Develop innovative strategies to promote and increase individual giving.
· Work with development staff to increase participation in CIS giving circles with major individual donors.
External Relations
· Serve as a visible ambassador for CIS in the community by attending events and cultivating relationships with leaders across corporate, foundation, government, and education sectors.
· Oversee the development team in the overall execution of a communications and marketing strategy (including communications, public relations, promotional materials, website management, e-newsletters, and social media).
Financial Reporting
· Oversee reporting requirements, deadlines, processes, and procedures for capturing, maintaining, and reporting accurate revenue.
· Provide periodic revenue reports to the CEO, board, and senior leadership team.
· Oversee and manage revenue, department, and event budgets.
· Oversee the Bloomerang donor management system to ensure the accuracy and integrity of donor data and records.
· Work with the development team to ensure gifts are processed and acknowledged in a timely manner.
· Manage pledge collections to successfully meet or surpass quarterly revenue goals.
Corporate, Foundation & Government Partnerships
· Successfully steward current corporate and foundation donor relationships, through managing appropriate frequency of outreach, communication, and involvement.
· Manage the identification and cultivation of new corporate and foundation partnerships, as well as the grant proposal and reporting processes for these supporters.
· Manage a school sponsorship process that involves identifying, securing, and nurturing potential school sponsors, and connecting them to ongoing engagement opportunities.
Board Engagement & External Relations
· Partner with the CEO and Board leadership to strengthen a culture of philanthropy and support board members in their fundraising engagement, including donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
· Participate in board meetings and prepare monthly, quarterly and annual reports as requested by the CEO and board.
· Collaborate and support the Board Chair, Advancement Committee Chair, and direct Board Members in their outreach and fundraising goals on behalf of CIS.
· Work with the CEO and senior staff to lead Communities In Schools Advisory Board and staff the Advancement Committee as a member of the senior leadership team.
· Work with the Executive Director, Board Chair and Advancement Committee Chair to ensure 100% participation in the Board giving campaign.
Organizational Initiatives
· Help shape organizational strategy and play a leadership role in implementing operating plans as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
· Work collaboratively with other departments on a frequent basis and with Communities In Schools’ national headquarter staff, as appropriate.
· Attend national Communities In Schools events, training workshops, or conferences (virtual or in person), as appropriate.
· Assume other tasks as delegated by the CEO.
QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor’s degree required; CFRE preferred.
· Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in development, fundraising, or a related field.
· Team management/leadership experience with a focus on strong interpersonal, supervision, administration, and management skills.
· Proven ability to build and lead a diverse team to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
· Strong and proven track record of raising funds from diverse sources, including major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
· Experience asking for and securing major support in various markets with established relationships with local business and community leaders.
· Knowledge, understanding and relationships with various donor communities (i.e., Central Ohio, Northeast Ohio, Southwestern Ohio, etc.)
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and familiarity with donor management/tracking systems.
· Ability to deliver inspiring and succinct presentations and conduct productive meetings.
· Excellent organizational skills, sound judgement, and the ability to think critically and solve complex problems.
· Demonstrated commitment to accountability, measuring outcomes and a results-oriented culture
· Strategic planning and project management skills
· Solid, persuasive verbal and written communications skills.
· Passion for the CIS mission and a strong commitment to supporting youth and student success.
CORE COMPETENCIES
· Strategic thinker with the ability to manage short term and long-term plans and goals, with a record of achieving results.
· Proven track record of building and implementing systems and structures that support significant growth.
· Authentic leader with strong relationship-building skills
· Strategic, analytical approach combined with a strong work ethic, interpersonal professionalism and charisma
· Results-focused, highly organized self-starter who works effectively with others and independently
· Demonstrated ability to lead managers and directors.
· The ideal candidate will possess sound judgment, strong emotional intelligence, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbus, OH 43229
