Chief Development Officer (CDO)

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will lead and implement comprehensive fundraising and development strategies for CSS. The CDO will oversee all development activities, including major gifts, institutional giving, annual fund, and planned giving. As a key member of the senior management team, the CDO will foster a culture of philanthropy, build strong donor relationships, elevate the organization’s profile, and guide the organization in achieving its financial and strategic goals to support its mission.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Fundraising and Communications Leadership
   • Develop and execute a strategic plan to diversify funding streams, with a focus on major gifts, foundations, and digital fundraising.
   • Oversee the organization’s communications strategy, ensuring alignment with fundraising and programmatic goals.
   • Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to set and achieve annual and multi-year fundraising and communications objectives.
   • Implement data-driven strategies to identify and cultivate donor prospects, including individuals and foundations.
   • Deepen an Annual Campaign with various levels of giving.
2. Major Gifts and Donor Relations
   • Cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals and major donors to increase donor engagement and long-term support.
   • Personally manage a portfolio of key donors and prospects, creating customized engagement plans and leading solicitations.
   • Partner with the CEO and Board members in soliciting gifts, including preparation of talking points, proposals, and follow-up communications.
3. Foundation and External Partnerships
   • Identify, solicit, and manage relationships with foundations aligned with the organization’s mission.
   • Oversee grant proposal writing, reporting, and ensure alignment with the organization’s funding priorities and compliance requirements.
   • Represent the organization in public forums and partnership meetings to strengthen and expand external networks.
4. Internal and External Communications
   • Collaborate with the CEO and Chief Marketing Officer to work on an integrated communications strategy that enhances the organization’s reputation, engages stakeholders, and amplifies fundraising initiatives.
   • Create compelling narratives and communication materials for various channels, including social media, newsletters, press releases, and donor reports.
   • Ensure consistent, impactful development messaging to internal stakeholders, strengthening alignment across departments.
5. Board and Leadership Collaboration
   • Engage and support Board members and other leadership volunteers in development activities, offering training and resources to enhance their effectiveness.
   • Act as a resource to Board members and senior leadership on development trends, donor motivations, best practices in philanthropy, and effective strategies.
6. Team Development and Management
   • Build and lead a high-performing development effort, offering mentorship and guidance to professionals, volunteers, and leadership.
   • Set clear goals, conduct regular performance evaluations, and provide opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

1. Education and Experience
   • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
   • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, with a proven track record in major gifts and leadership roles.
   • Experience within the Jewish community or security-focused nonprofits is preferred.
2. Skills and Competencies
   • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders in support of the organization’s mission.
   • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including experience with communication and creating persuasive presentations and proposals.
   • Strategic thinker with data-driven decision-making abilities.
   • Familiarity with donor databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) and digital fundraising platforms.
3. Personal Characteristics
   • Commitment to the safety, security, and empowerment of Jewish communities.
   • High level of integrity, accountability, and emotional intelligence.
   • A collaborative team player and an inspiring leader.

CSS offers its employees the ability to participate in the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, 401K with company match, FSA, paid federal and Jewish holidays (Yom Tov), PTO. Additional information is available upon request.

This role is based in the tri-state area with expectations of being at the White Plains office twice a week.

Salary range: $150,000-$170,000 annually

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to carreers@thecss.org with 'Chief Development Officer' subject line.

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