POSITION: VP & Chief Development Officer
STATUS: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Development
REPORTS TO: President and CEO
SUPERVISES: Development Department
The Chief Development Officer plans, executes and evaluates fundraising activities to achieve growth of resources to support the mission, including annual and capital campaigns, major gifts, planned gifts and other contributions. The CDO ensures effective oversight, cultivation, acquisition, and stewardship of donors and grantors and advocates for the organization in philanthropic circles. The position works closely with the President & CEO and Board leadership to strategize and identify prospective donors. The CDO provides leadership, support, training and direction for the development team, modeling and ensuring the highest level of ethical conduct in accordance with AFP standards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Build and maintain successful relationships with the Board of Directors, colleagues, co-workers, community leaders, and prospective and current donors.
- Ensure effective and frequent interaction with donors, greeting donors before shows, hosting one-on-one encounters, and attending appropriate external functions.
- Educate and enhance community understanding of The Hall’s philanthropic mission, in order to generate increased appreciation and support for Ruth Eckerd Hall.
- Analyze, identify, and lead core development strategies that will enhance areas such as planned giving, major gifts, memberships, grants, sponsorships and other giving opportunities to meet fundraising objectives.
- Develop, propose and implement an annual operating plan and budget to successfully manage the development operations in accordance with its mission.
- In consultation with the President and CEO, set both development and individual goals for fundraising activities.
- Ensure departmental operational plans are aligned with the operational and strategic plans of Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.
- Oversee a donor information system that ensures accurate recording of gifts, prompts routine donor contact, tracks donor recognition activity and ensures the confidentiality and privacy of donors.
- Research and analyze donor profiles and giving patterns, making use of leading industry practices and tools to prospect and cultivate.
- Determine staffing requirements and hire, train and supervise staff.
- Work with the President and CEO to identify, recruit, orient, empower and engage Board Members and other volunteers in the planning, identification, cultivation and solicitation of donors.
- Provide accurate reporting on all aspects of development activities.
- Professionally represent Ruth Eckerd Hall at all times.
- Complete all other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree with CFRE or CFRM accreditation highly preferred. Additional professional fundraising training and/or advanced education in a related field may be substituted for accreditation. Seven to ten years of professional experience in a not-for-profit fundraising environment, including at least three years in a senior position directly overseeing staff. Prior success in a leadership role demonstrating campaign implementation and major gift acquisition.
Demonstrated Skills or Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of tactics required to build and manage a broad-based prospect pool.
- Skilled in moves management.
- Demonstrated success in developing and leading high performance teams to accomplish goals.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent customer service standards.
- Excellent computer skills using Microsoft Office Products required, Tessitura experience preferred.
- Ability and desire to work in a cross-functional team environment, building strong relationships with colleagues and employees.
- Ability to multi-task and meet simultaneous deadlines.
- Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate people, tasks and projects for efficiency.
- Ability to handle confidential conversation, correspondence and records.
- Ability to relate to a diverse group of people including staff, board members, educators, students, community leaders and residents.
- Ability to exercise a degree of judgment in setting up records, maintaining accurate figures and establishing order of importance.
- Ability to anticipate problems or to identify them before significant impact on service delivery, expenses or revenues.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to operate a computer terminal.
- Ability to drive.
Other:
- Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
- Successful completion of a background check and drug screen.
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.