The Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs have a unique employment opportunity for a Chief Development Officer at our campus in Smithtown, NY. Our organizations are distinctive in the assistance dog industry providing both guide and multiple types of service dogs.
Working from the organization’s campus in Smithtown (Long Island, NY) the Chief Development Officer (CDO) reports to the President and CEO. The Chief Development Officer will lead a high performing national development program of 10 fundraisers. The team raises in excess of $20M annually with support coming from individuals, corporate sponsors and government grants. Individuals comprise a majority of the organization’s donors.
The CDO will serve as a member of the Leadership team for the Organization, overseeing all aspects of fundraising initiatives. The CDO will be responsible for managing the development team and, due to the organizations’ unique model, be responsible for raising major donor revenue for both Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs.
In partnership with the President and CEO, Chief of Staff, and board of directors, the CDO will design, lead and implement a sustainable development strategy encompassing multiple channels to increase philanthropic revenue from a diverse portfolio of national supporters in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. The CDO will be responsible for overseeing and executing a Major Capital Campaign.
The ideal candidate will possess a high degree of initiative, strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, the willingness to evaluate and take calculated risks, the ability to measure performance and demonstrate an overall drive to build lasting sustainable success for the Organizations and the ability to thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced and entrepreneurial organization.
In addition to its annual fundraising goals, the Organization has recently completed a feasibility study and will soon embark upon a capital campaign. The bricks and mortar campaign will support further development of its facilities on campus that will better serve its clients. The CDO will work closely with the President and CEO and the campaign consultants on ensuring the success of the campaign.
The Organization’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned both entities a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop, manage and deliver a clearly defined fundraising strategy. Determine short and long-term key performance indicators.
• Manage and grow a diversified portfolio of major individual and foundation funders while establishing a balanced mix of donor sources and fundraising programs.
• Develop new, cohesive and integrated annual revenue streams in strategic markets.
• Develop and implement strategies to engage and mobilize supporters to advocate for the organization’s mission and impact on the community.
• Prepare the organization for a capital/major gifts campaign and onboard and train staff in alignment and preparation for a capital campaign.
• Guide the vision, planning and execution of annual fundraising events. Grow existing events and spearhead new opportunities.
• Oversee the development and implementation of new fundraising initiatives based on sound business intelligence and data, including predictive analytics.
• Design and oversee the standardization of metrics used to measure individual performance against goals.
• Develop systems and structures that increase retention and advancement of donors acquired as well as strategies to increase acquisition of new donors, including identifying and partnering with corporations to expand the corporate puppy with a purpose program.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to increase the return on investment or donor experience associated
• Partner with the CEO and other key staff members to leverage fundraising activities, with a special focus on major donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Motivate, coach and manage the Development team to support team members’ goal attainment and ongoing professional development.
• Fosters a culture of philanthropy and ensures that fund development aligns with the organization’s core values and mission.
• Serve as a member of Leadership Team, participating in setting organizational priorities and organizational culture.
• Serve as a brand steward, advocating, evangelizing and enhancing the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs awareness and reputation.
• The ideal candidate will be well-versed in technology, social media and content, and research methods to stay aligned with evolving marketing and donor metrics.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
• A desire to help people with disabilities and support the mission and vision of the Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs.
• At least 10 years of professional fundraising experience demonstrating the progression of fundraising performance in nonprofit development and supervisory roles. Demonstrated success in raising $10M+ annually.
• Experience building, managing and mentoring a development team inclusive of regionally based fundraisers and staff toward increased measurable levels of success.
• Proven track record of creating and executing effective fundraising strategies for diverse revenue streams, with success in soliciting and closing 6 and 7-figure gifts from individuals, foundations and corporations.
• Track record of building long-term, productive relationships with donors and philanthropic institutions.
• Demonstrated ability for handling multiple, complex fundraising initiatives simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to drive innovation, change and growth, and be a detail-oriented implementer who can mobilize small teams to translate strategy into results.
• Superb relationship management, interpersonal, and communication (written and oral) skills.
• Strong understanding of technology and information systems, managing a large database.
• Bachelor’s degree required, CFRE or Master’s degree in a relevant field of study preferred
• The ability to participate in evening and weekend events
• The ability to travel as needed (domestically)
The expected salary range for the position is between $135,000-$165,000 per year. The salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.
For more information, to refer a candidate, or to apply in confidence, please contact:
David Hinsley Cheng, Managing Partner
Jennifer Thorne, Search Consultant
DHC Search
info@DHCSearch.com
www.DHCSearch.com
(203) 307-0120