House of Refuge is seeking a dedicated Chief Development Officer (CDO) to help set direction and ensure the longevity of our organization.  House of Refuge relies on private support to achieve its mission of helping homeless families by providing transitional housing and support services that assist residents towards self-sufficiency and stable housing.   The CDO position is full time and on-site.  The CDO will report to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will be responsible for leading and implementing the organization’s fundraising strategy, building and managing the development team, and driving advocacy and awareness of the organization’s mission, need, and deliverables to expand mission impact and organizational growth.  

Key Responsibilities:

1.    Create and Implement a Comprehensive Fundraising and Marketing Strategy

• Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising and marketing strategy that includes identifying and cultivating individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects
• Lead and manage all aspects of the fundraising program, including major gifts, planned giving, annual fund, special events, and grant writing.
• Develop and implement a marketing strategy to support fundraising efforts, including creating collateral materials, social media content, web site, newsletters, and other communications to promote the organization’s mission, programs and services.
• Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, and community leaders.

2.    Drive Awareness and Advocacy of the Organization Mission, Need, and Deliverables to Expand Mission Impact and Organizational Growth

• Develop and implement strategies to raise awareness of the organization’s mission, programs and services to increase its visibility and support.
• Represent the organization at community events and other public forums to enhance the organization’s visibility and influence.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including potential donors and community leaders to advance the organization’s mission and goals.

3.    Staff Management and Mentorship

• Build and manage a high performing development team that is aligned with the organization’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Provide leadership, guidance and mentorship to development staff to build their capacity to achieve fundraising goals and to support the organization’s mission and goals.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning within the development team and across the organization.
• Develop and implement performance metrics and evaluation tools to ensure the team’s performance meets or exceeds fundraising targets and other organizational goals.

4.      Building a Donor-Centered Strategy, Infrastructure and Team to Carry Out a Well-Crafted Donor-Centered Development Plan

• Develop and implement a donor-centered fundraising approach that builds strong relationships with donors, emphasizes the organization’s mission and impact, and encourages donor engagement and investment.
• Develop and maintain a donor recognition program that celebrates and acknowledges donors’ contributions to the organization.
• Ensures the timely and accurate acknowledgment of all gifts and donations and the proper stewardship of donor relationships.
• Works with the CEO and Board of Directors to develop and maintain a robust donor pipeline to support the organization’s long-term fundraising goals.
• Develop and maintain effective systems and processes to support fundraising and development operations, including gift processing, database management, and reporting.
• Develop and implement a fundraising plan that includes clear goals, metrics, and timelines for achieving fundraising targets.
• Build and manage a budget for the development team that is aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities and goals.

5.    Major Donor Cultivation and Engagement

• Develop and implement strategies for identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to expand the organization’s donor base.
• Develop and maintain relationships with major gift donors through personalized engagement and stewardship activities, such as one-on-one meetings, cultivation events, and recognition programs.
• Work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors to solicit major gifts and to develop tailored proposals and gift agreements that align with donors’ interests and the organization’s priorities.

6.    Executive Leadership Team Leadership, Planning and Strategy

• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, working collaboratively with the CEO and other senior leaders to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan and vision.
• Work with the CEO, staff and governing board to facilitate short- and long-term strategic plans.
• Lead the annual planning and budgeting process for the development dept., ensuring that goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Provide regular updates to the CEO on fundraising progress and challenges and make recommendations for course correction as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A demonstrated passion for the organization’s mission and fundraising, with a deep understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of the nonprofit sector.
• Proven experience leading a team and securing funding from a variety of sources including individuals, corporations, foundations, and grants with a track record of achieving fundraising goals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with prior experience in public speaking and external relations and the ability to represent the organization to a variety of stakeholders, including doors, volunteers, and partner organizations.
• Prior experience creating strategic multi-year fundraising plans and building consensus among stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated success in staff management and mentorship, with a commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth and development.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while maintaining a high level of attention to detail and accuracy and maintaining confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, understanding of database functions, and proficiency with DonorPerfect preferred.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and development including at least 3 years in a leadership role.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The CDO will work in a fast-paced nonprofit environment, collaborating with staff across departments and engaging with external stakeholders regularly.  This position requires the ability to work some evenings and weekends to meet with donors, volunteers and attend events.  Must agree to, and successfully pass, a criminal background check and drug test.

BENEFITS AND SALARY:

• Medical
• Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short- and long-term disability
• 401(k) with match
• 11 paid holidays
• Vacation and Sick time
• Starting Salary range - $75,000 - $90,000