Chief Development Officer

Description

 The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the CEO. This role requires a visionary, self-motivated, and strategic leader to design and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports Janus’s mission and long-term sustainability.
 

The CDO will lead all development efforts—including major gifts, grants, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships—with a deep understanding of and commitment to the life-changing work Janus provides. The primary focus is building capacity and securing major and planned gifts, while also participating in organizational visioning, long-range planning, and resource development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight and Administration

• Develop and execute a multi-year development strategy to grow philanthropic revenue.  • Ensure strong systems and processes for donor management, stewardship, and fundraising best practices.  • Prepare and manage the annual development budget.  • Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards and financial reporting requirements.  • Track and report development activities and outcomes to the CEO.  • Stay current on trends in philanthropy and fundraising innovation.  • Lead and evaluate development staff, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability.

Donor Engagement and Solicitations

• Cultivate and solicit major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.  • Lead strategy development for donor engagement and stewardship.  • Oversee planned giving initiatives and integrate them into major gift strategies.  • Maintain a comprehensive prospect management system to guide cultivation and solicitation.  • Lead capital campaigns and special fundraising initiatives.  • Implement a robust donor recognition and stewardship program.

Partnerships and Collaboration

• Partner with senior leadership and program directors to identify funding opportunities for program growth.  • Collaborate with the CEO to recruit and engage board and committee members in fundraising efforts.  • Support the Board Strategic Resource Committee in cultivating donor relationships and fundraising participation.

Campaigns, Events, and Communications

• Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns.  • Develop marketing and communications to ensure consistent messaging and outreach.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or CFRE certification preferred. • 7–10+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role. • Proven success in securing major gifts and managing capital campaigns. • Strong understanding of behavioral health, recovery, or social services. • Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills. • Proficiency with donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce). • Strong writing, organizational, and analytical skills. 

Preferred Attributes

• Deep empathy for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. • Experience working with nonprofit boards and volunteer leadership. • Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced, and evolving environment. • Familiarity with social media and digital fundraising strategies.