Senior Development Officer

JOB OVERVIEW

The Senior Development Officer (SDO) is a key member of the Development function and department, responsible for managing a portfolio of mid-to major-level donors, advancing strategic fundraising initiatives, and supporting organizational revenue goals. The SDO plays a central role in executing day-to-day development operations while helping to translate organizational priorities into actionable fundraising strategies. A distinguishing feature of this role is direct responsibility for managing and advancing the CEO's development activities, including donor engagement strategy, meeting coordination, and high-level donor communications. The position ensures that executive engagement is strategic, coordinated, and aligned with revenue goals. This role requires a high level of organization, strategic thinking, and attention to detail, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced nonprofit environment. The SDO will work closely with internal staff and external stakeholders to ensure a cohesive, relationship-driven approach to fundraising that supports long-term organizational sustainability. This role reports to the Chief Financial and Operations Officer and the CEO.

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven fundraising professional who combines strong relationship management skills with strategic insight and operational excellence. They bring a proven track record of cultivating and stewarding mid- to major-level donors, along with the ability to support and enhance executive-level fundraising efforts. They are proactive, highly organized, and solutions-oriented, with a strong ability to anticipate needs and manage complex priorities-particularly in supporting CEO engagement with donors. The ideal candidate demonstrates sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive donor relationships and communications. This individual is both collaborative and self-directed, comfortable working across teams while also taking ownership of key initiatives. They possess strong written and verbal communication skills, coupled with an ability to translate organizational priorities into compelling donor strategies and experiences. Experience in nonprofit development is required, including familiarity with donor databases/CRM systems, pipeline management, and fundraising best practices. A commitment to continuous improvement, combined with a collegial and adaptable approach, will be critical to success in this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Portfolio Management & Revenue Generation

• Manage and grow a portfolio of mid-level and select major gift donors; develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies

• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new individual and family prospects capable of making significant gifts

• Conduct donor meetings independently and partner with the CEO and Executive Leadership on high-priority solicitations

• Drive revenue growth by moving donors through the pipeline and increasing giving levels over time

• Monitor and report on donor activity, pipeline movement, and revenue performance

• Own a defined individual giving revenue target (e.g., mid-level and major gifts)

• Be accountable for portfolio performance and CEO-assisted solicitations CEO Development Strategy & Support

• Partner directly with the CEO to develop and implement a strategic engagement plan for priority donors and stakeholders

• Serve as the strategic advisor and primary manager of the CEO's fundraising engagement, optimizing the CEO's time and involvement to maximize philanthropic outcomes

• Prioritize, recommend and manage the CEO's development-related calendar, including donor meetings, events, and cultivation opportunities

• Responsibility for mapping top-tier donor strategy tied to CEO involvement

• Prepare briefing materials, donor profiles, and talking points in advance of CEO engagements

• Draft and coordinate high-level donor correspondence on behalf of the CEO (emails, proposals, acknowledgments, reports)

• Ensure consistent, timely follow-up and stewardship after CEO interactions

• Serve as a liaison between the CEO and development-related priorities, ensuring coordination and accountability

Development Strategy & Execution

• In partnership with the CEO and Executive Leadership, co-lead the development and execution of the organization's fundraising strategy across individual, corporate, and foundation giving

• Contribute to revenue planning, tracking progress toward goals, and recommending adjustments to strategies

• Greater responsibility for setting revenue targets, segment strategies, and pipeline design

• Develop and manage select partnerships, including planning, execution, reporting, and stewardship

• Support new fundraising initiatives (e.g., campaigns, planned giving, peer-to-peer efforts)

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Informal Leadership

• Work closely with Communications Team to align donor messaging, proposals, and materials

• Collaborate across departments to align fundraising opportunities with programmatic priorities

• Support engagement of board members, advisory groups, and volunteer leadership

• Provide day-to-day guidance and coordination for development activities, helping ensure alignment and execution across the function

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Communications, or related field

• 6-8+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with demonstrated success managing donor portfolios and securing significant gifts and leadership/ownership of major initiatives

• Experience operating in a lean or evolving development structure preferred

• Proven ability to partner effectively with executive leadership, including preparing senior leaders for donor engagement

• "Exercises independent judgment in donor strategy, engagement planning, and prioritization of development activities"

• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate plans into execution

• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Virtuous, Bloomerang)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level correspondence

• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information

• Strong organizational, project management, and prioritization skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collegial and collaborative approach

• Ability to work in fast-paced and growing environment in a shared office space

WORKING CONDITIONS

• General office environment, depending on health and safety precautions.

• Hybrid work environment with regular in-person meetings and donor engagement

• Physical demands include lifting and moving equipment and supplies up to 25 pounds, visual acuity in reviewing detailed computer records, physical requirements related to sports activities and periodic travel.

• Occasional weekend, late afternoon, and evening hours.

The above description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to limit the scope of potential work assignments.

BENEFITS AND SALARY

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, paid holidays, floating holidays, winter holiday office closure. The salary range is $100,000 - $115,000.

TO APPLY

Please send resume including cover letter and the names, phone numbers and email addresses of three professional references by e-mail to officemanager@la84.org. Please use as subject heading "Senior Development Officer" and your last name. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.