Chief Development Officer

Summary

The Chief Development Officer serves as a fundraising visionary, manages activities relating to the analysis, planning, execution, control, and evaluation of fundraising and selected public relations programs; provides leadership and works with and through the Board of Directors and appropriate committees for all fundraising programs, including communications and public relations programs that are designed to enhance and support the overall mission of the Company.

Essential Functions

Fundraising & Philanthropic Development:

- Evaluate and enhance the overall  development program to maximize  fundraising effectiveness.

- Develop and implement annual and long-range  fundraising strategies, goals, and  objectives.

- Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift  prospects.

- Secure support through annual giving, major  gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships,  and foundation grants.

- Personally engage in donor cultivation and  solicitation efforts in partnership with the  President/CEO, Board of Directors, and key  stakeholders.

- Lead capital campaigns for facility  improvements, acquisitions, and endowment  growth.

Community Engagement & Relationship Building:

- Expand and diversify support throughout  Los Angeles County and surrounding  communities.

- Build and maintain meaningful relationships  with donors, community partners,  corporations, foundations, and long-time  supporters.

- Collaborate with program leaders and  administrators to align fundraising initiatives  with organizational priorities.

- Present the organization’s mission, impact,  and funding needs to a wide range of  stakeholders.

Volunteer Leadership:

- Design and oversee volunteer engagement  strategies that support organizational goals.

- Recruit, train, motivate, and manage  volunteers to strengthen fundraising and  community outreach efforts.

- Expand and enhance the organization's  volunteer network and ambassador program.

- Provide support to the Board Development  Committee and volunteer leadership as  necessary.

Marketing, Communications & Public Relations:

- Direct media relations and promote the  organization through print, television, radio,  and digital channels.

- Oversee the development of key  communication materials, including  newsletters, annual reports, brochures, and  fundraising campaigns.

- Ensure all communications align with the  organization's mission, values, and strategic  objectives.

Grants & Resource Development:

- Lead the grant development and  management process from prospect  identification through reporting and  compliance.

- Build and maintain relationships with  funding organizations and philanthropic  foundations.

- Ensure grant funds are administered and  utilized in accordance with funding  requirements.

Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning:

- Serve as a key member of the executive  leadership team, helping advance the  organization's mission and growth  objectives.

- Develop innovative strategies to  strengthen philanthropic support and  organizational sustainability.

- Perform other leadership responsibilities  and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Job Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree required

- Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) preferred

- Excellent working knowledge of fund development practices in a non-profit, preferably including experience with social services or children's organizations

- Able to personally solicit individuals, corporations, and foundations

- Very strong oral and written communication skills, with ability to relate to the public, coupled with very strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others

- Working knowledge of how to develop long-term relationships with community organizations, representatives of companies, and others that might provide financial or other support

- Effective computer skills, including MS Word, Excel and fundraising software

- Financial skills sufficient to develop and monitor an annual budget

- Supervisory skills to manage a small staff and establish objectives and set performance standards

- Demonstrated skills in project management, event planning and organization

- Must fulfill all requirements of employment, including clearance of all required background records (e.g. Department of Justice, Child Abuse, California Community Care Licensing, County Sanction List, etc.), professional and physical examination, and drug testing

Physical Requirements

In the course of performing this in-person job, the incumbent must be able to lift at least 40 lbs. Frequent sitting, twisting, typing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Occasional walking, driving, standing, bending, grasping, pulling, pushing, and reaching.