Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Posted Date: January 23, 2026

Department: Development

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Washington, DC Metro Area (Hybrid)

Position Level: Executive

Organizational Overview

Spark the Journey is a nonprofit organization that provides mentorship and a community of support for young adults to chart their own paths to achieving college and career success. Formerly known as Capital Partners for Education (CPE), Spark has been working with talented young adults in the Washington, DC metro region for over 30 years. Today, Spark the Journey is continuing Capital Partners for Education’s legacy and supports more than 500 mentees annually as they enter young adulthood. Spark the Journey’s unique mentorship approach fosters long-lasting relationships between mentors and mentees as young adults choose and pursue the education, career path, or personal goals they want to achieve—with a community of support behind them.

More information about Spark the Journey can be found at:

Position Summary

Spark the Journey seeks a dynamic and strategic Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead all fundraising and revenue-generation efforts in support of the organization’s mission to help young adults achieve college and career success through mentorship and community. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team, the CDO will drive philanthropic strategy, cultivate high-impact donor relationships, and build a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on fundraising, including major and principal gifts, institutional partnerships, and campaign leadership. To learn more position specific details, visit the CDO Full Hiring Package.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising strategy aligned with Spark the Journey’s mission and growth goals

Lead and mentor a high-performing development team and oversee fundraising operations, systems, and performance metrics

Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift donors and personally solicit significant gifts (including six- and seven-figure contributions)

Partner closely with the CEO and Board to engage trustees in fundraising and donor cultivation

Strengthen institutional funding through foundations, corporations, and financial institutions

Collaborate across departments to translate program priorities into compelling cases for support

Represent Spark the Journey externally with donors, partners, and stakeholders

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred

Minimum 10 years of senior-level fundraising or development leadership experience

Demonstrated success securing major gifts and leading complex fundraising initiatives or campaigns

Knowledge of the Washington D.C. philanthropic landscape

Proven ability to build, manage, and inspire high-performing teams

Strong strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills

Passion for Spark the Journey’s mission and commitment to equity and opportunity for young adults

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salary of $150,000 per annum; Spark the Journey offers a comprehensive benefits package and a collaborative, mission-driven work environment.

Medical, dental, and vision insurance with Flexible Spending Account options, effective the first day of the month following employment

403(b) retirement plan with employer matching of 3% after 6 months of employment

Life and disability insurance with premiums fully funded by Spark

15 days of paid vacation in each of the first two years; 20 days in subsequent years

Office closed on national and state holidays and between December 24-January 1

Flexible teleworking policies in response to employee needs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Spark the Journey is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization.