Chief Development Officer

Job Type

Full-time

Description

** Please include a personalized cover letter, with salary expectations, for consideration.**

Position: Chief Development Officer (CDO)

General Purpose

The Chief Development Officer (CDO), reporting to the CEO, provides executive leadership for all fundraising, philanthropic, and marketing efforts to advance the organization's mission. This role leads the strategy and execution of all contributed revenue, including annual, major, institutional, and capital giving, and ensures the organization builds strong, sustainable relationships with donors and community partners while strengthening overall brand visibility and engagement.

This role is accountable for achieving annual and campaign fundraising goals, including multi-million-dollar operating and capital targets, and for modeling how we show up at work through BGC3: Connect, Drive, and Adapt.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CDO partners closely with the CEO, Board, and senior leaders to align fundraising strategy with organizational priorities and long-term growth.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Strategy

• Develop and lead a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy to support both annual operations and long-term strategic initiatives
• Design and implement an annual development plan aligned with organizational goals and budget targets
• Establish clear fundraising goals across all revenue streams, including individual, corporate, foundation, and capital support
• Ensure a balanced and diversified funding portfolio to support sustainability and reduce reliance on any single revenue source
• Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to align philanthropic strategy with organizational priorities

• Lead fundraising efforts to meet or exceed annual and campaign goals
• Oversee strategies to grow and strengthen all philanthropic revenue streams, including:
• Individual giving (major gifts, annual fund, monthly giving, direct mail, digital campaigns)
• Foundation and corporate partnerships
• Capital campaigns
• Special events
• Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all levels
• Strengthen donor retention and long-term engagement through thoughtful stewardship strategies

• Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen board engagement in fundraising and governance
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of Board members and advisory boards
• Staff and support key Board committees related to development and community engagement
• Equip Board members to effectively advocate for and support the organization through their networks

• Provide executive oversight of marketing and communications to strengthen brand visibility, community engagement, and alignment with fundraising goals
• Ensure messaging is clear, compelling, and consistent across all platforms and audiences
• Lead the development and execution of integrated campaigns that elevate awareness of the organization's mission, impact, and opportunities for engagement
• Oversee brand strategy, voice, and positioning to ensure alignment with organizational priorities
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and community partners to expand reach and visibility

• Serve as a key external ambassador for the organization, representing the mission with credibility and passion
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, funders, and strategic partners
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities through research, data analysis, and community engagement

• Lead and develop a high-performing Development team aligned with organizational goals
• Provide clear direction, coaching, and accountability across all fundraising and marketing functions
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented team culture
• Model and reinforce BGC3 behaviors (Connect, Drive, Adapt) in leadership, decision-making, and team development
• Ensure team members are equipped to effectively engage in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

• Establish metrics and benchmarks to track fundraising performance and effectiveness
• Provide regular reports and insights on fundraising progress, financial performance, and pipeline development to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board
• Use data to inform strategy, improve outcomes, and drive continuous improvement

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• 10-12+ years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising or nonprofit development
• Demonstrated success in leading multi-million-dollar fundraising efforts, including closing major gifts
• Experience working closely with executive leadership and Boards of Directors
• Experience in a multi-site or complex nonprofit organization preferred

• Demonstrates high integrity and sound judgment
• Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
• Strong storytelling ability, with the ability to clearly and compellingly communicate mission and impact
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and implementation levels
• Consistently demonstrates BGC3 behaviors:
• Connect - Builds strong relationships and fosters trust with donors, partners, and team members
• Drive - Takes ownership of results, sets high expectations, and follows through on commitments
• Adapt - Navigates change with flexibility, learns continuously, and adjusts strategies as needed
• Commitment to the organization's mission and core values

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor database systems
• Experience with digital fundraising and marketing platforms (e.g., email, social media, CRM tools)
• Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies

• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance
• Ability to travel locally and attend events as needed
• Must currently reside, or be willing to relocate to our service area of Sonoma County.

• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
• May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods