Chief Development Officer (CDO) (El Paso)

Chief Development Officer (CDO)

About the Company

Mission-driven ocean conservation organization

Industry

Non-Profit Organization Management

Type

Non Profit

Founded

2007

Employees

11-50

Specialties

• coral restoration
• acroporid corals
• marine conservation
• public education
• research
• and education and outreach

About the Role

The Company is seeking a Chief Development Officer (CDO) to join its mission of global coral restoration and ocean conservation. The CDO will be a strategic partner to the CEO and Leadership Team, with a primary focus on protecting and growing the philanthropic revenue base. This role involves designing and executing multi-year fundraising strategies, managing a comprehensive fundraising portfolio, and aligning philanthropic efforts with the organization's scientific and ethical mission. The ideal candidate will be a relationship-focused leader, a confident strategist, and an inspiring connector, with a proven track record in major and principal gifts, foundation partnerships, and corporate sponsorships. They should be deeply values-driven, globally minded, and thrive in entrepreneurial, collaborative environments.

Key responsibilities for the CDO include developing clear revenue plans, implementing moves management systems, and collaborating cross-functionally to strengthen integration. The successful candidate will also be responsible for team leadership, donor engagement, and stewardship, as well as partnering with the Board to cultivate a culture of philanthropy. The role requires a leader with excellent communication and storytelling skills, the ability to translate complex science into compelling donor narratives, and a strong financial acumen. The CDO will be expected to lead with empathy, integrity, and optimism, and to travel approximately 30-40% of the time for donor engagement and related activities.

Hiring Manager Title

CEO

Travel Percent

Less than 10%

Functions