Job Title: Chief Development Officer
Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Company: Youth Development Organization
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary Range: $185,000 - $255,000
About the Role:
Serving the Greater Santa Rosa community for over 75 years this nonprofit is a growing organization expanding it's resources and support to youth programs throughout the North Bay. The Chief Development Officer (CDO), reporting to the CEO, provides executive leadership for all fundraising, philanthropic, and marketing efforts to advance the organization’s mission. This role leads the strategy and execution of all contributed revenue, including annual, major, institutional, and capital giving, and ensures the organization builds strong, sustainable relationships with donors and community partners while strengthening overall brand visibility and engagement.
This role is accountable for achieving annual and campaign fundraising goals, including multi-million-dollar operating and capital targets. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CDO partners closely with the CEO, Board, and senior leaders to align fundraising strategy with organizational priorities and long-term growth.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Fundraising Strategy
- Develop and lead a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy to support both annual operations and long-term strategic initiatives
- Design and implement an annual development plan aligned with organizational goals and budget targets
- Establish clear fundraising goals across all revenue streams, including individual, corporate, foundation, and capital support
- Ensure a balanced and diversified funding portfolio to support sustainability and reduce reliance on any single revenue source
- Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to align philanthropic strategy with organizational priorities
Revenue Generation & Donor Engagement
- Lead fundraising efforts to meet or exceed annual and campaign goals
- Oversee strategies to grow and strengthen all philanthropic revenue streams, including:
- Individual giving (major gifts, annual fund, monthly giving, direct mail, digital campaigns)
- Foundation and corporate partnerships
- Capital campaigns
- Special events
- Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all levels
- Strengthen donor retention and long-term engagement through thoughtful stewardship strategies
Board & Volunteer Engagement
- Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen board engagement in fundraising and governance
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of Board members and advisory boards
- Staff and support key Board committees related to development and community engagement
- Equip Board members to effectively advocate for and support the organization through their networks
Marketing & Communications
- Provide executive oversight of marketing and communications to strengthen brand visibility, community engagement, and alignment with fundraising goals
- Ensure messaging is clear, compelling, and consistent across all platforms and audiences
- Lead the development and execution of integrated campaigns that elevate awareness of the organization’s mission, impact, and opportunities for engagement
- Oversee brand strategy, voice, and positioning to ensure alignment with organizational priorities
- Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and community partners to expand reach and visibility
Stakeholder Engagement & External Relations
- Serve as a key external ambassador for the organization, representing the mission with credibility and passion
- Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, funders, and strategic partners
- Identify and pursue new funding opportunities through research, data analysis, and community engagement
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and develop a high-performing Development team aligned with organizational goals
- Provide clear direction, coaching, and accountability across all fundraising and marketing functions
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented team culture
- Ensure team members are equipped to effectively engage in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Performance Management & Reporting
- Establish metrics and benchmarks to track fundraising performance and effectiveness
- Provide regular reports and insights on fundraising progress, financial performance, and pipeline development to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board
- Use data to inform strategy, improve outcomes, and drive continuous improvement
Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
- 10–12+ years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising or nonprofit development
- Demonstrated success in leading multi-million-dollar fundraising efforts, including closing major gifts
- Experience working closely with executive leadership and Boards of Directors
- Experience in a multi-site or complex nonprofit organization preferred
Skills & Qualifications
- Demonstrates high integrity and sound judgment
- Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
- Strong storytelling ability, with the ability to clearly and compellingly communicate mission and impact
- Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
- Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and implementation levels
- Commitment to the organization’s mission and core values
Technology & Systems
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor database systems
- Experience with digital fundraising and marketing platforms (e.g., email, social media, CRM tools)
- Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their resume through the "Apply for this Job" link below.
Contact Information: For more information about this position, please contact Nick Carney at ncarney@missionconnecttalent.com.