Chief Development Officer - Higher Ed. jobs in Connecticut

Job Description

Title: Chief Development Officer

Reports To: CEO

Employee Classification: Full-time, exempt

Position Summary

Embark on a transformative journey as an entrepreneurial leader at Horizons National, a rapidly growing nonprofit network committed to advancing educational equity. We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Development Officer to propel our organization to new heights. This dynamic role involves crafting innovative development strategies, fostering collaborative partnerships, and overseeing a talented team to enhance our impact and serve more children and families. The position is hybrid, based in the U.S., working frequently (1-2 times per month) in Westport, CT. Candidates must reside within commuting distance to Westport, CT.

Key Responsibilities: As the CDO, you will collaborate closely with the Horizons National Board, staff, and affiliates nationwide. Your role encompasses:

Responsibilities

% of Time (approx.)

Development Strategy Leadership: Spearhead the formulation and execution of strategies to diversify funding sources, set vision and goals for development, and manage a portfolio of programs, partnerships, and relationships. Develop strategies for major gifts and fundraising collaboration with affiliates. (40%)

Team Management: Grow a team that supports annual fundraising of at least $5M, covering individual giving, corporate partnerships, and events, including the annual Horizons Giving Day. Inspire team cohesion, and an open and creative team culture that is not siloed within the organization. (30%)

Results-Driven Operations: Optimize internal processes, including Salesforce CRM, to foster a data-driven, results-oriented culture within the team, emphasizing clear goals and transparent accountability. (10%)

Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, and fellow members of the Management Team on resource development for HN and the Horizons Network. Communicate effectively and publicly to raise awareness and attract resources. (10%)

Strategic Planning: Be a leading voice in the execution of the current, and development of future, strategic plans; creating development objectives to support the organizational vision. (5%)

Financial Oversight: Work in partnership with the Sr. VP of Finance and Operations to oversee the fundraising budget, actively managing revenue risk and potential to ensure alignment with operational budget objectives and plan goals and communicate effectively to the board. (5%)

Qualifications

Describe the minimum qualifications required to successfully perform the job. These are the qualifications that are necessary for someone to be considered for the position, and may include education, years of experience, specialized knowledge, skills and other important personal characteristics.

To thrive in this role, you will have these qualities:

Passion for education equity and a commitment to the mission of Horizons National.

Curiosity that drives you to keep current on fundraising trends and best practices.

Enthusiasm for engaging in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging.

An approach that values innovation, continuous improvement, and life-long learning.

Excitement about working collaboratively across organizational and Network-wide teams to achieve common goals.

An eagerness to contribute on an individual level balanced by a commitment to humility that drives you to recognize and celebrate the contributions of others.

A genuine sense of humor and a strong sense of self.

This kind of experience:

At least fifteen years of demonstrated success in meeting or exceeding fundraising goals, and recent success with raising at least $5M annually and/or a capital campaign of $20M.

Experience in fundraising within a federated nonprofit organization without a strong alumni base.

Track record of consistently expanding the donor base by identifying new revenue sources, including foundations, major gifts, and corporate partnerships with a high rate of convergence.

Demonstrated ability to cultivate donors and build strong relationships over time as evidenced by a high rate of donor retention.

At least 10 years’ experience working with and inspiring a Board of Directors.

Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

And these capabilities:

Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking communication skills.

Proficiency with and enthusiasm for Salesforce or similar CRM reporting and tracking tools.

Flexible and adaptable working style, proactive and reliable.

Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Self-discipline in a remote work environment- to be focused, self-driven, and able to communicate across different channels.

Proven ability to lead a team of professionals, board members, and consultants.

Compensation and Benefits

• $175K-$200K Annually, with potential for incentive compensation
• Generous Paid Time Off with Paid Holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
• 401k with Company Contribution
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability and Personal Leave
• Telecommuting Opportunities and Flexible Work Schedules
• Professional Development
• Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Application Process

• Interested applicants are required to attach a cover letter, a resume and answer the questions via the link below:
• https://www.cognitoforms.com/HorizonsNational1/ChiefDevelopmentOfficer
• No phone calls please.
• Cover letters should address why you are the best candidate for this position.
• Selected applicants will be contacted to set up an interview.
• Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis and may include phone or video, with one or more Horizons National staff and board members.

Join us in shaping the future of educational equity at Horizons National.

Horizons National is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This commitment applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training. Hiring decisions are made based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.