Chief Development Officer

The Position

The Chief Development Officer is classified as an exempt position, reporting to the Executive Director. The Chief Development Officer is responsible for developing, implementing and supervising a sustainable fundraising and communications program that ensures Lindsay’s future financial stability. The Chief Development Officer plans, manages, evaluates, cultivates, acquires and stewards support with an emphasis on major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and governmental agencies.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other responsibilities, qualifications, physical and non-physical demands, and conditions may be added at Lindsay Wildlife Experience’ sole discretion.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Build strong community relationships and ensure the department goals and objectives are achieved.
  • Oversee all aspects and functions of fundraising, stewardship, and communications. Establish and oversee policies, systems and procedures, recommend goals, prepare and administer the development department budget; hire, lead, evaluate and manage Development staff.
  • Ensure that goals and objectives are met in all fundraising areas, including, but not limited to: individual gifts (annual fund, major gift, planned giving) foundation and corporate grants, donations and fundraising events.
  • Work in collaboration with leadership volunteers (board members, volunteer leaders) and staff. Create and leverage cross functional teams within the organization to cultivate a culture of philanthropy. Coordinate development activities with other facets of the organization.
  • Lead and actively participate in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of top-level gifts by major donor volunteers, Development staff and the Executive Director.
  • Supervise staff in a manner that enhances and maximizes individual skills and builds a team rapport in the pursuit of institutional goals.
  • Work closely with the Board Development Committee in their oversight of all development efforts and specific fundraising initiatives. As appropriate, organize special fundraising task forces from among the volunteer groups.
  • Be an active participant in senior staff planning for the activities and direction of the organization, especially where this relates to the organization’s fiscal needs.
  • Keep informed on current information about philanthropy, especially tax law and other IRS rulings which affect charitable giving.

MARGINAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in recruiting volunteers for the organization‘s development program, particularly board members and well-established volunteers within Lindsay’s community.
  • In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Manager, plan and execute a comprehensive membership program.
  • Occasionally monitor the museum floor to make contact with all employees and volunteers.
  • Prior knowledge of the Organization’s tools.
  • Supporting coworkers in their job functions.

Qualifications

  • Minimum seven years of senior development experience including supervision of professional and support staff.
  • Fundraising experience in areas including: board giving, appeals, individual gifts (annual fund, major gifts, planned giving) corporate support, foundation and corporate grants, membership, donations and fundraising events.
  • Demonstrated results in major gift solicitation, and the ability to work comfortably with individuals who have the capacity of making significant (five- and six-figure) gifts.
  • Excellent communications, interpersonal and teamwork skills.
  • Possess demonstrated success at motivating and developing staff and volunteers.
  • Established connections in the greater Bay Area with ability to draw on existing relationships, where appropriate.
  • Experience working with government funding agencies.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred. Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) membership with CFRE certification preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Medium strength demands include exerting 20-50 pounds occasionally, 10- 25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly. Requires handling, using vision and hearing, and talking.
  • Frequently requires standing, fine dexterity, walking, lifting, sitting, reaching, pushing/pulling, balancing, and twisting. Occasionally requires carrying, kneeling, foot controls, bending, and crouching. Rarely requires climbing.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Frequently requires time pressures, frequent change of tasks, irregular schedule/extra hours, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, tedious or exacting work, and noisy/distracting environment. Rarely requires emergency situations.

OVERALL WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.
  • Primarily office environment, as well as public exhibit hall programming, and infrequent outdoor event and/or outreach sites.

Hours, Benefits & Compensation

Exempt, full time.
Medical and dental benefits. Vacation, sick days and holidays.
Salary $85,000-$110,000

It is the policy of Lindsay Wildlife Experience to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizen status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristic or status that is protected by federal, state or local law.

Apply

Send cover letter, resume and three references to: [email protected] Please put “Chief Development Officer” in the subject line.

Automatic applications from websites, such as Indeed, will not be considered. References will not be checked without permission.

*Submit all materials in PDF format with your first initial and last name in the document name

Example: JSmith_Resume.pdf

Position Availability

Open until filled.