Chief Development Officer

Overview

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a senior leadership position responsible for leading and executing the Boys & Girls Club of Lake County's (BGCLC) comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the organization’s mission and strategic goals. This role is instrumental in developing sustainable revenue streams, overseeing major gift campaigns, and corporate partnerships, while working closely with the CEO, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors to ensure alignment with BGCLC’s vision. The CDO is also responsible for maintaining a transparent relationship with donors and overseeing the growth of the development team.

Responsibilities

LEADERSHIP & STRATEGY: 

• Lead the development and execution of a multi-year fundraising strategy to support BGCLC’s strategic priorities and long-term financial goals. 

• Collaborate with the CEO, senior leadership, and the Board of Directors to ensure fundraising efforts align with organizational priorities. 

• Provide guidance and expertise to the Board on best practices for donor engagement and major gift cultivation. 

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with community leaders, corporations, foundations, and key stakeholders to create collaborative funding opportunities. 

• Lead and mentor a team of fundraising professionals, providing coaching, support, and development opportunities. 

• Foster a high-performance culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the development team. 

 

FUNDRAISING:  

• Design and implement innovative fundraising initiatives, including major donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and creative revenue-generation strategies. 

• Identify, cultivate, and secure six-figure+ gifts from high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporations. 

• Manage campaign strategy, communications, and execution to meet fundraising goals. 

• Ensure transparent donor stewardship by regularly updating them on the impact of their gifts. 

• Oversee the identification, submission, and management of grants from foundations, corporations, and government entities. 

• Partner with the finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with donor restrictions. 

• Lead the planning and execution of major fundraising events such as donor galas and community outreach events. 

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the CEO to support BGCLC’s evolving needs and strategic objectives. 

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Directly supervises the Senior Development Manager and the Development Consultant. 

Qualifications

 

• At least 5-10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with a proven track record of managing a fundraising team. 

• Significant experience managing high-profile fundraising campaigns. 

• Strong understanding of donor management systems (CRM) and data-driven fundraising strategies. 

• Expertise in major gift solicitation, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and donor stewardship. 

• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse stakeholders. 

• Experience working with a Board of Directors and senior leadership to align fundraising goals with organizational strategy. 

• Knowledge of relevant fundraising regulations and best practices in the nonprofit sector. 

• Bachelor’s degree required. CFRE preferred. 

• A relevant combination of education and experience will be considered.