Chief Development Officer

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) at Future Plans is a key member of the organization’s Executive Leadership Team, responsible for envisioning and executing a comprehensive development strategy.

The CDO will have the crucial responsibility of building and leading a fully staffed development team to achieve Future Plans’ fundraising goals.

This role will encompass identifying and securing revenue from grants (federal, state, and private), corporate and foundation partnerships, individual and major donors, and fundraising events.

The CDO will serve as the driving force behind Future Plans’ financial growth and sustainability, working collaboratively across the organization to fulfill its mission.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy that diversifies Future Plans’ revenue streams (e.g., individual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate/foundation grants, sponsorships, and special events). Collaborate with the CEO and the board to align fundraising goals with Future Plans’ strategic objectives.

Serve on the Executive Leadership Team to provide insight and guidance on organizational decision-making and long-term financial planning.

Team Building & Management Assess current development staffing needs and structure; design and implement a plan to expand the development department beyond current staff.

Recruit, train, and supervise additional development staff.

Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that encourages professional growth and innovation within the development team Fundraising & Donor Relations Oversee strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, with a focus on developing a sustainable major gifts program.

Create and manage a robust donor prospect pipeline, ensuring continuous engagement and solicitation opportunities.

Lead fundraising campaigns and events, including the design and execution of a signature annual event.

Grants & Corporate Partnerships Direct the grants manager and grants writer in identifying, applying for, and reporting on government, foundation, and corporate grants.

Develop a comprehensive corporate sponsorship strategy, establishing multi-year partnerships with corporate donors and foundations.

Maintain and strengthen relationships with current funders, ensuring they remain engaged and committed to Future Plans’ mission.

Board Engagement & Development Collaborate with the CEO to identify, recruit, and onboard new board members who can contribute to Future Plans’ fundraising goals.

Leverage board members’ networks and expertise to expand the organization’s donor base and drive fundraising initiatives.

Provide training and support to board members to effectively participate in donor engagement and solicitation.

Marketing & Communications Collaboration Work closely with the marketing team to develop targeted campaigns and materials that effectively communicate Future Plans’ impact to donors and potential funders.

Ensure brand consistency and effective storytelling across all donor-facing channels (digital, print, and events). Integrate social media and digital fundraising platforms into broader donor engagement strategies.

Operational & Reporting Responsibilities Establish systems for tracking and analyzing donor data, solicitation activities, and fundraising outcomes, ensuring accurate records and reporting.

Develop and oversee the department’s annual budget, including revenue projections and expense management.

Ensure compliance with all relevant fundraising laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines.

Additional Duties Lead or participate in cross-functional initiatives that advance Future Plans’ mission, such as new program launches or community partnerships.

Stay informed of trends and innovations in philanthropy, nonprofit management, and donor engagement, adopting best practices to continually enhance Future Plans’ fundraising efforts.

Perform other tasks as assigned by the CEO, aligned with organizational needs and strategic direction.

Qualifications & Skills Education Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field; advanced degree or CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) strongly preferred.

Experience 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, or related leadership roles within the nonprofit/philanthropic sector.

Proven record of expanding and diversifying revenue streams, including success with major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants.

Demonstrated experience building and managing high-performing development teams.

Leadership & Management Exceptional capacity to lead, inspire, and manage a growing team, promoting professional development and accountability.

Experience collaborating with a Board of Directors on fundraising initiatives.

Technical Skills Proficiency with donor management software, grants management tools, and CRM systems.

Understanding of digital marketing, social media, and emerging trends in online fundraising.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills Outstanding verbal and written communication skills; adept at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

Strong relationship-building and negotiation skills, capable of effectively engaging donors, partners, and internal stakeholders at all levels.

Personal Attributes Entrepreneurial and innovative mindset, continually seeking ways to optimize fundraising strategies.

High level of integrity, professional ethics, and commitment to Future Plans’ mission and values.