Chief Development Officer
Job Classification: Regular/Full time
Department: Development
Location: This position is based in White Plains, NY and will require some local travel for donor meetings, events, and conferences
Position Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
My Sisters’ Place (MSP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Westchester County, New York, has grown from a grassroots task force and drop-in center, formalized in 1978, to a cutting-edge leader and resource in the fields of domestic violence and human trafficking. MSP strives to end domestic violence and human trafficking through comprehensive services, advocacy, and community education and works to create a world in which every individual has the basic human right to be free from gender-based violence and to engage in relationships that embrace the principles of respect, equality, and safety.
Position Overview:
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of My Sisters’ Place fundraising, strategic partnerships, and development activities. The CDO will play a critical role in advancing the organization's mission and vision through the cultivation of donor relationships, the development of new fundraising strategies, and the management of a comprehensive development program. This individual will be a key member of the executive team, working closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and senior leadership to ensure financial sustainability and growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Planning:
- Work closely with the Executive Team to ensure integrated approaches to resource development and strategic directions.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive development strategy to support the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term financial goals.
- Collaborate with the CEO, Director of Development and the full Development Team to establish department goals, priorities, and annual revenue targets.
- Identify and implement innovative approaches to fundraising and donor engagement to maintain and grow a diverse donor base.
- Align development efforts with the broader strategic plan of the organization.
- Provide and update media policies and train as needed.
Fundraising and Donor Relations:
- Lead the organization’s major gift and planned giving programs, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring alignment with their philanthropic interests and the organization’s needs. Partner with the CEO and Board in building donor connections.
- Ensure a robust stewardship program to recognize and engage donors in meaningful ways.
- Collaborate with the Director of Development on fundraising and donor cultivation events, as well as annual giving campaigns, including stewardship of event leadership, corporate and individual donor solicitations, and event program strategy
- Supervise and work closely with the Senior Director of Grants and Foundations to analyze public and private funding opportunities and collaborate cross departments to identify program needs and strengths.
Board and Leadership Engagement:
- Provide strategic guidance and support to the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive team.
- Partner with Board members to identify new prospects, secure major gifts, and expand the organization’s donor network. Engage and maintain the Board Development committee activity; support the establishment and growth of the Honorary Board and Young Professional Group.
- Prepare and present regular fundraising reports to the CEO, Board, and other key stakeholders.
Team Management and Development:
- Lead, manage, and mentor the development team, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and professional development opportunities to succeed.
- Oversee the hiring, training, and performance management of development staff and volunteers.
- Foster a collaborative, goal-oriented environment where team members are empowered to meet fundraising targets.
- Integrate strategies amongst team members to maximize external outreach and opportunities and to encourage volunteerism with individuals, community groups and corporations
- Oversee communications including materials development, website updates and internal and external outreach through e-news, blogs, social media posts. Promote staff expertise and agency accomplishments and integrate both information and resources to the general community at large and to current and/or potential clients. Build and maintain media contacts.
Financial Management and Reporting:
- Develop and manage the fundraising budget, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently to achieve fundraising objectives.
- Provide regular reports and insights to the CEO, Board and finance team regarding fundraising performance, trends, and strategic recommendations.
- Participate in organizational annual budget preparation; provide insights/data to support future funding projections and sustainability.
- Oversee development department best practices around donor gift administration and participate in annual audit as needed.
Community and External Relations:
- Partner with and support the CEO in external affairs including donor stewardship and federal, state and county relationships.
- Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization, cultivating relationships with community leaders, media, and influencers.
- Represent the organization at events, conferences, and donor meetings to raise the profile of the organization.
- Strengthen the organization’s brand and public image through effective communication and external relations.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business, or related field preferred.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in fundraising, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role, preferably in a nonprofit organization.
- Proven track record of securing major gifts, building relationships with donors, and leading successful fundraising campaigns.
- Strong experience in developing and managing a comprehensive development program, including annual giving, major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving and private grant prospecting.
Skills & Abilities:
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff and volunteers.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage high-net-worth individuals, board members, and other diverse stakeholders.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute long-term plans that align with organizational goals.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential information.
- Proficient in fundraising software (e.g., Salesforce, DonorPerfect, or Blackbaud) and other CRM systems.
Personal Attributes:
- Passionate about the organization’s mission and committed to advancing its goals.
- Strong problem-solving skills with a results-driven mindset.
- Adaptable and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals.
- A strong ethical foundation, with a deep respect for donor relationships and stewardship.
Salary: $145,000-$155,000
Application Instructions: NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to Chris Cole ccole@mspny.org.
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MSP values you, your growth and your contributions. My Sisters’ Place believes that an effective, broad-based movement for social transformation must be rooted in anti-oppression principles as we work towards a more just and equitable society. People of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ Community are encouraged to apply. MSP values you, your growth and your contributions. MSP policy prohibits discrimination due to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and national origin in employment and delivery of services.