Girl Scouts of Gateway Council
Chief Development Officer
Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, Jacksonville, Florida, United States, 32290
Benefits:401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceFlexible scheduleHealth insurancePaid time offParental leaveVision insurance
Title:
Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Classification/FLSA Status:
Full-Time, Exempt
Location:
Jacksonville, FL (Hybrid; must reside in or relocate to Jacksonville, FL)
Salary Range:
$135,000-$150,000
Position Summary:
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership and management of all fundraising and advocacy efforts at the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council (GSGC). Responsible for driving philanthropic revenue, the CDO leads the development team to raise a minimum of $1.5M annually through diverse initiatives. As part of the executive leadership team, the CDO works closely with the CEO and executive team, Board of Directors, and key staff to advance the council's mission and strategic goals and serves as a key executive leadership team member and active participant in making organizational strategic decisions to finance the organization's growth and development. The CDO manages a team of 3 full-time staff and 2 contract fundraising professionals across GSGC's 35-county region in North Florida.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
• Lead the development team to meet annual fundraising goals aligned with organizational priorities. Direct, design, organize and implement strategy to segment, prospect, cultivate, solicit, and grow leadership and major givers.
• Ensure all philanthropic programs and strategies work toward eliminating racial, ethnic, and socio-economic disparities for an educated, thriving, and equitable community.
• Collaborate with the CEO and executive leadership to develop and update the annual development plan.
• Be a catalyst for growth and change inspiring all to think entrepreneurially and welcoming new ideas.
• Integrate diverse perspectives with ease while leading the organization through an equitable lens.
• Manage the department's budget, setting fundraising targets based on previous performance in partnership with the CEO and finance team.
• Work with the CEO, other Executive Team members, and Board of Directors to shape long- and short-term fund development strategies.
• Coordinate with Programs, Marketing & Communications, and executive leadership to ensure cohesive efforts.
Team and Department Management:
• Supervise and support individual and annual fund managers, corporate and foundation relations managers, and development coordinators.
• Oversee HR-related functions for the development team, including time-off requests, team building, and performance management.
• Ensure strong communication with direct reports, providing regular feedback, performance reviews, and professional development opportunities.
Fundraising and Donor Engagement:
• Oversee all departmental fundraising goals, ensuring monthly tracking of pledged and received revenue.
• Cultivate and steward major donors alongside the CEO, individual fund managers, and designated board members.
• Develop the alumni engagement program with the Annual Fund Manager & Volunteer Experience Director including an annual ask strategy.
• Lead the Board of Directors giving campaign and work with the Board Executive Committee to identify high-net-worth individuals for board service.
• Manage sponsor relationships and work with event chairs/co-chairs alongside the CEO, Corporate & Foundations Relations Manager, and contracted events team.
Events and Grant Initiatives:
• Provide oversight to the Events Manager contractor, ensuring successful execution of fundraising events.
• Drive strategic grant initiatives to increase access to Girl Scouts, particularly in target markets.
Communication and Advocacy:
• Serve as the liaison between the Development team and the Board of Directors, CEO, and executive leadership.
• Represent GSGC in presentations, advocacy efforts, and external collaborations.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy within GSGC, delivering presentations to staff, volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders.
Other Responsibilities:
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Registration as a member of Girl Scouts of Gateway Council
Required Skills/Abilities:
• Actively support GSGC's and GSUSA's commitment to diversity; proven to foster an inclusive environment with the capability to work in a collaborative, service-focused environment.
• Promote the value of fundraising as an integral part of the Girl Scout program.
• Demonstrate high-level business acumen and a strong understanding of business practices.
• Ability to research individuals, corporations, and foundations that are interested in gift giving.
• Ability to effectively convey the organization's mission, vision, and programs to potential donors.
• Masterful corporate relations, consultative sales experience and strategic philanthropy knowledge, skills and abilities required.
• Exhibit integrity and build trust through effective communication.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize deadlines, work independently, and maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent presentation, public speaking, and writing skills.
• Experience developing and administering work plans, budgets, and program evaluation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other database systems.
• Ability to adapt quickly to address unexpected projects.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Communications, Management, Public Relations, or a related field. Master's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive and innovative experience overseeing fundraising and development is required.
• CFRE certification preferred.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and endowment funds. Demonstrated portfolio of fundraising success in cultivating up to seven-figure gifts.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Technologically proficient, with expertise in tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and webinar platforms.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of the Girl Scout movement; must be willing to register as a member of Girl Scouts of the USA.
• Valid Florida driver's license and the ability to travel extensively across the council's region.
• Availability for flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to pass a DCF Level 2 background check, MVR History Search and Nationwide Criminal History screening.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard, and travel to offsite meetings.
• Physical capacity to lift and move objects up to 30 pounds frequently and occasionally more than 30 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.
Core Competencies:
• Business and Sales Mindset
• Relational Intelligence
• Critical Thinking
• Financial Acumen
• Innovation and Learning
• Social Justice and Inclusion (DEI)
• Effective Communication
• Customer-Centric Focus
• Digital and Technical Proficiency
• Leadership and Stewardship
• Strong Interpersonal Relations
• Team Building
• Transparency
• Innovation
• Multitasker
• Customer Responsiveness
• Personal Integrity and Professional Conduct
• Self-Management
• Strong attention to detail
• Time Management
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Conflict Management
• Adaptability
• Oral & Written Communication
Philanthropic Competencies:
• Expertise in Fundraising and Strategic Giving Planning• Inclusive and Strategic Leader• Ambassador and Relationship Builder• Passion for the Mission• Project Evaluation and Management• Mentoring and Development
This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to provide a summary of the job and job segments. Any essential function or requirement of this job will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent or applicant be unable to perform the function due to a disability. Nothing in this job description restricts management's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $135,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Girl Scouts of Gateway Council serves approximately 14,000 members-nearly 10,000 girls in grades K-12 and 4,000 adults in North Florida. Our service area includes 35 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Nassau, Okaloosa, Putnam, Santa Rosa, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton and Washington. For information on how to join, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, visit or call 1 (877) 764-5237.
Title:
Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Classification/FLSA Status:
Full-Time, Exempt
Location:
Jacksonville, FL (Hybrid; must reside in or relocate to Jacksonville, FL)
Salary Range:
$135,000-$150,000
Position Summary:
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership and management of all fundraising and advocacy efforts at the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council (GSGC). Responsible for driving philanthropic revenue, the CDO leads the development team to raise a minimum of $1.5M annually through diverse initiatives. As part of the executive leadership team, the CDO works closely with the CEO and executive team, Board of Directors, and key staff to advance the council's mission and strategic goals and serves as a key executive leadership team member and active participant in making organizational strategic decisions to finance the organization's growth and development. The CDO manages a team of 3 full-time staff and 2 contract fundraising professionals across GSGC's 35-county region in North Florida.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership:
• Lead the development team to meet annual fundraising goals aligned with organizational priorities. Direct, design, organize and implement strategy to segment, prospect, cultivate, solicit, and grow leadership and major givers.
• Ensure all philanthropic programs and strategies work toward eliminating racial, ethnic, and socio-economic disparities for an educated, thriving, and equitable community.
• Collaborate with the CEO and executive leadership to develop and update the annual development plan.
• Be a catalyst for growth and change inspiring all to think entrepreneurially and welcoming new ideas.
• Integrate diverse perspectives with ease while leading the organization through an equitable lens.
• Manage the department's budget, setting fundraising targets based on previous performance in partnership with the CEO and finance team.
• Work with the CEO, other Executive Team members, and Board of Directors to shape long- and short-term fund development strategies.
• Coordinate with Programs, Marketing & Communications, and executive leadership to ensure cohesive efforts.
Team and Department Management:
• Supervise and support individual and annual fund managers, corporate and foundation relations managers, and development coordinators.
• Oversee HR-related functions for the development team, including time-off requests, team building, and performance management.
• Ensure strong communication with direct reports, providing regular feedback, performance reviews, and professional development opportunities.
Fundraising and Donor Engagement:
• Oversee all departmental fundraising goals, ensuring monthly tracking of pledged and received revenue.
• Cultivate and steward major donors alongside the CEO, individual fund managers, and designated board members.
• Develop the alumni engagement program with the Annual Fund Manager & Volunteer Experience Director including an annual ask strategy.
• Lead the Board of Directors giving campaign and work with the Board Executive Committee to identify high-net-worth individuals for board service.
• Manage sponsor relationships and work with event chairs/co-chairs alongside the CEO, Corporate & Foundations Relations Manager, and contracted events team.
Events and Grant Initiatives:
• Provide oversight to the Events Manager contractor, ensuring successful execution of fundraising events.
• Drive strategic grant initiatives to increase access to Girl Scouts, particularly in target markets.
Communication and Advocacy:
• Serve as the liaison between the Development team and the Board of Directors, CEO, and executive leadership.
• Represent GSGC in presentations, advocacy efforts, and external collaborations.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy within GSGC, delivering presentations to staff, volunteers, board members, and community stakeholders.
Other Responsibilities:
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Registration as a member of Girl Scouts of Gateway Council
Required Skills/Abilities:
• Actively support GSGC's and GSUSA's commitment to diversity; proven to foster an inclusive environment with the capability to work in a collaborative, service-focused environment.
• Promote the value of fundraising as an integral part of the Girl Scout program.
• Demonstrate high-level business acumen and a strong understanding of business practices.
• Ability to research individuals, corporations, and foundations that are interested in gift giving.
• Ability to effectively convey the organization's mission, vision, and programs to potential donors.
• Masterful corporate relations, consultative sales experience and strategic philanthropy knowledge, skills and abilities required.
• Exhibit integrity and build trust through effective communication.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize deadlines, work independently, and maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Excellent presentation, public speaking, and writing skills.
• Experience developing and administering work plans, budgets, and program evaluation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other database systems.
• Ability to adapt quickly to address unexpected projects.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Communications, Management, Public Relations, or a related field. Master's degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive and innovative experience overseeing fundraising and development is required.
• CFRE certification preferred.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, capital campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and endowment funds. Demonstrated portfolio of fundraising success in cultivating up to seven-figure gifts.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Technologically proficient, with expertise in tools such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and webinar platforms.
• Knowledge of and commitment to the principles of the Girl Scout movement; must be willing to register as a member of Girl Scouts of the USA.
• Valid Florida driver's license and the ability to travel extensively across the council's region.
• Availability for flexible hours, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to pass a DCF Level 2 background check, MVR History Search and Nationwide Criminal History screening.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard, and travel to offsite meetings.
• Physical capacity to lift and move objects up to 30 pounds frequently and occasionally more than 30 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities.
Core Competencies:
• Business and Sales Mindset
• Relational Intelligence
• Critical Thinking
• Financial Acumen
• Innovation and Learning
• Social Justice and Inclusion (DEI)
• Effective Communication
• Customer-Centric Focus
• Digital and Technical Proficiency
• Leadership and Stewardship
• Strong Interpersonal Relations
• Team Building
• Transparency
• Innovation
• Multitasker
• Customer Responsiveness
• Personal Integrity and Professional Conduct
• Self-Management
• Strong attention to detail
• Time Management
• Judgment and Decision Making
• Problem Solving
• Conflict Management
• Adaptability
• Oral & Written Communication
Philanthropic Competencies:
• Expertise in Fundraising and Strategic Giving Planning• Inclusive and Strategic Leader• Ambassador and Relationship Builder• Passion for the Mission• Project Evaluation and Management• Mentoring and Development
This position description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to provide a summary of the job and job segments. Any essential function or requirement of this job will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent or applicant be unable to perform the function due to a disability. Nothing in this job description restricts management's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job at any time.
Flexible work from home options available.
Compensation: $135,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Girl Scouts of Gateway Council serves approximately 14,000 members-nearly 10,000 girls in grades K-12 and 4,000 adults in North Florida. Our service area includes 35 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Nassau, Okaloosa, Putnam, Santa Rosa, St. Johns, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton and Washington. For information on how to join, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, visit or call 1 (877) 764-5237.