Title: Chief Development Officer
Department: Development
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Category: Full time/Exempt; Salary
Supervises: Development & MarComm Teams
Salary: $100,000 - $140,000
Schedule: 40+ hours per week, typically performed Monday through Friday. Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
About Us: Kansas City Pet Project is a mission-driven organization dedicated to building a more compassionate community for pets & people. We are a nonprofit organization that operates the Kansas City, MO animal shelter, caring for more than 16,000 pets a year.
About You: We are seeking a passionate and experienced Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our donor relations, fundraising initiatives and overall development strategy, thus ensuring the continued success of Kansas City Pet Project.
Position Summary: The CDO plays a key role in driving sustainability and growth for the organization by cultivating relationships with donors, community partners, foundations, and other stakeholders to secure critical funding, while also enhancing the organization’s public presence and engagement through effective marketing and communications strategies. The CDO will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and the broader leadership team to develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans that align with the organization’s mission, goals, and financial needs. The ideal candidate will have a passion for animal welfare, extensive experience in nonprofit development, and the ability to inspire and engage others in our mission.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Development - Lead, mentor, and develop the Development and MarComm teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals and provide a collaborative work environment
- Support the professional growth of team members through training and career development opportunities
- Work collaboratively with other departments (programs, finance, and operations) to ensure alignment of messaging and strategy
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership - Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, events, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving
- Lead the design and implementation of capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives
- Set ambitious fundraising goals and oversee efforts to meet or exceed them annually
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship - Build and maintain a portfolio of high-net-worth donors, prospects, and corporate partners
- Oversee donor stewardship initiatives, ensuring a consistent and meaningful donor experience
- Develop and implement strategies for donor engagement, retention, and growth
- Organize and manage donor recognition programs, ensuring transparency and accountability
Grant Development & Management - Identify and apply for funding opportunities from government agencies, private foundations, and corporations
- Oversee the preparation and submission of grant proposals, ensuring adherence to deadlines and required reporting
- Manage and track the progress of grants, ensuring compliance with funding agreements.
Board Engagement & Support - Partner with the Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising efforts, leveraging their networks and expertise to meet goals
- Provide regular updates to the Board regarding development activities, marketing initiatives, and progress toward goals
Financial Management & Reporting - Work closely with the finance team to develop accurate revenue projections and manage the development and marketing budgets
- Monitor and report on fundraising and marketing progress, expenses, and results to the Executive Director and Board
- Ensure that donor funds are used efficiently and effectively to support the organization’s mission
Marketing Strategy - Oversee the organization’s marketing and communications strategy to raise public awareness and promote the organization’s mission, programs, and impact
- Work closely with the marketing and communications team to design campaigns that support fundraising efforts and increase engagement with the community
- Ensure consistency of messaging across all communication channels, aligning with the organization’s core values and brand
- Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of marketing and communication strategies to improve outreach and engagement and overall development efforts
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree and relevant certifications in nonprofit management, business, marketing, or a related field preferred
- Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of experience in nonprofit development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role; ideally in the animal welfare or advocacy sector
- Experience in doing or leading marketing and communications teams strongly preferred
- Proven success in major gift fundraising, grant writing, and event planning within the nonprofit sector
- Strong track record of building and managing donor relationships, as well as media and public relations
Skills:
- Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal), with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences
- Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and project management skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and manage multiple priorities
- In-depth knowledge of fundraising best practices, tools, and trends
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of Donor Perfect and Classy databases a plus
- Knowledge of the philanthropic community of Kansas City preferred
Attributes:
- Deep passion for animal welfare
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances
- Strong leadership and teamwork skills
- Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence
Personal Attributes:
- Ability to work in office
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed
- Willingness to travel locally and occasionally to out-of-state conferences
- Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation
- Comfortable working with animals of various species and sizes
Working Conditions:
We ask you to assess your ability to effectively manage and navigate the emotional aspects of animal welfare before applying. Most functions will be performed at the KC Campus for Animal Care. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Must be able to sit for up to eight hours, with breaks. Must be able to perform computer work and data entry for up to eight hours per day.
Why Join Us? - Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to saving and improving animal lives
- Work alongside a passionate team of advocates, caregivers, and rescuers
- Make a tangible impact through compelling storytelling and advocacy
How to Apply:
Please visit http://kcpetproject.org/careers to apply online and submit cover letter and resume. You may be asked to submit samples of media interviews and campaigns to hiring personnel.
We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
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