Chief Development Officer

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Company: Columbus House

Location: New Haven, CT 06511

Description:

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

Under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Development Officer designs, implements and coordinates a comprehensive program of charitable gift development and community relations in order to maximize public awareness of, participation in and support of Columbus House programs and services. The Chief Development Officer oversees the operation of the development department consisting of: The Development Director, Communications Specialist, Volunteer Coordinator, Grant Specialist and the Development Associate along with Development Interns.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
  • Bachelor's Degree with 10+ years of progressively responsible, successful and broad ranging fundraising and non-profit community relations experience with individual giving and major gift development
  • Passion for Columbus House's mission and purpose and an ability to communicate this passion to others
  • Demonstrated experience managing a high-performing team in a multi-site structure to include professional development and mentorship
  • Goal oriented and has a strong sense of confidentiality. Possesses outstanding leadership, collaborative, management, problem-solving and communication skills. Has excellent planning and organizational abilities, and is comfortable working independently and collaboratively on multiple priorities
  • Computer literate with strong working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and various Donor Development software packages. Effectively utilizes the Development Department's database and its functions to support and facilitate the position responsibilities and ensures the maintenance of database integrity through a comprehensive understanding of its functionality and ongoing interaction with the Development Director and/or Development Associate (database administrator)
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze and compile complex data for planning and reporting purposes
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to represent the organization externally across a wide range of stakeholders and constituencies
  • Strong relationship builder with the ability to find common ground, build consensus and strengthen collaboration among diverse stakeholders
  • Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development
  • Strong community awareness and astuteness
  • Ability to successfully navigate in a fast-paced, outcomes-driven and entrepreneurial environment
  • Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness and empowerment
  • Valid drivers' license with a good driving history and daily access to an automobile

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES DESIRED
  • Master's degree in a related field
  • Member in good standing with AFP and should work towards earning the Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS WITH OR WITHOUT A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
  • Ability to move independently throughout the local community, state and country
  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to perform tasks commonly found in an office environment such as talking on the telephone, reading documentation both in hard copy and on computer, writing, computer data entry, filing, faxing, copying etc.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS WITH OR WITHOUT A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
  • Strong empathetic skills
  • Able to assess strengths, barriers, and needs to assist supervised staff

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Seeking the broad input of staff, board and volunteers, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) defines, documents and disseminates a compelling case for support, philanthropic vision and mission to guide the Development Department in its work. Internally and externally, s/he serves as an advocate on behalf of those experiencing homelessness and of the services offered by Columbus
  • Manages and directs department staff members and volunteers engaged in fundraising in the fulfillment of their fundraising responsibilities, community relations, prospect/donor cultivation and donor recognition. Ensures the establishment of and compliance with Columbus House policies and procedures; identifies training opportunities for staff; encourages ongoing professional development; and serves as coach and counsel to staff, volunteers and board members as appropriate
  • In collaboration with Development staff and volunteer committee members, the CDO facilitates the creation of, oversees/coordinates the implementation of and evaluates the results of, strategic and annual plans and goals designed to maximize public awareness of, participation in and support of Columbus House. Designs, implements and coordinates an ongoing donor-centered program of charitable gift development utilizing all available vehicles to all potential constituencies.
  • Secures strong volunteer engagement in the work of the department, including the creation and staffing of a Development Committee comprised of Board and community volunteers. The CDO presents written and verbal fundraising status reports to the Board Of Directors, seeks their comments and recommendations, and advises them and the Chief Executive Officer on all relevant issues
  • Leads the organization's Major Gifts, Corporate Sponsorship, Annual Fund, Special Events, Capital Campaigns, Endowment and Planned Giving initiatives. Documents, implements and evaluates action plans accordingly. The CDO personally and collaboratively researches, identifies, cultivates and solicits high level, "major" gift donor prospects. In addition, in collaboration with the Development team, the CDO provides stewardship over all donated funds ensuring their use is consistent with expressed or implied donor intent and is consistent with all applicable accounting standards
  • Relying on personal contacts and formal research, the CDO identifies new prospective donors and coordinates the Development Department's Moves Management program designed to secure gifts and to position donors for increased future giving
  • Identifies opportunities for Foundation grants from individuals, corporations and organizations, reviews the Columbus House case for support, and builds support through personal contact. Ensures grants are administered consistent with restrictions, requirements and established reporting mechanisms
  • Develops more effective and efficient processes in all areas of responsibility in furtherance of a culture of continuous improvement
  • Other related duties as assigned

  • KEY COMPETENCIES
  • Communication Proficiency both written and verbal
  • Public speaking
  • Problem Solving/Analysis with an outcome focus
  • Person-centered approach with the capacity to develop and lead a team
  • Data Analysis
  • Facility with budget development and adherence
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