1- Chief Development Officer

Overview

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all fundraising, resource development, marketing, public relations, and advancement activities of the Boys & Girls Club of Evansville. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CDO partners closely with the CEO/Executive Director, Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and community stakeholders to secure philanthropic and financial resources necessary to sustain and grow Club programs and services. The CDO is accountable for developing and executing a comprehensive, multi-year development strategy that includes major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate and foundation support, grants, sponsorships, special events, marketing, communications, and donor stewardship. This role blends high-level strategy with hands-on leadership and execution, fostering a strong culture of philanthropy and ensuring alignment with Boys & Girls Clubs of America standards and best practices.

Responsibilities

Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organizational strategy, planning, and decision-making.
• Provide leadership and direction to the CEO/Executive Director and Board of Directors regarding all development, fundraising, and advancement activities.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy, collaboration, accountability, and donor-centered thinking throughout the organization.
• Identify challenges and opportunities related to revenue generation and recommend strategic, actionable solutions.
• Ensure compliance with Boys & Girls Clubs of America performance standards, ethical fundraising practices, and internal policies and controls.

Comprehensive Resource Development & Fundraising

• Design, implement, and manage a comprehensive development plan incorporating:
• Annual, mid-level, and major gifts
• Planned giving (including bequests, DAFs, CRTs, CLTs, and other vehicles)
• Corporate and foundation grants
• Sponsorships and workplace giving
• Special events and campaigns
• Accountable for achieving or exceeding annual and multi-year fundraising revenue goals.
• Maintain a personal portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Prepare proposals, correspondence, stewardship reports, and donor communications.
• Accurately forecast fundraising revenue and expenses and monitor performance against goals.
• Continuously evaluate fundraising results and refine strategies to improve outcomes.

Major Gifts & Planned Giving

• Direct the identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and planned gift prospects.
• Prepare donor profiles, background reports, and customized proposals aligned with donor interests.
• Conduct face-to-face donor solicitations involving the CEO/Executive Director, Board members, and key volunteers as appropriate.
• Negotiate planned giving agreements in coordination with donors and professional advisors; ensure compliance with legal and organizational standards.
• Train staff, Board members, and volunteers in major and planned giving solicitation techniques.
• Stay current with laws, regulations, and best practices related to charitable and planned giving.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Partner with the CEO/Executive Director to engage, train, and support the Board of Directors in fundraising activities.
• Encourage and support Board and committee participation in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop Board member individual giving plans and leverage Board networks and community influence.
• Recruit, train, and support volunteers involved in fundraising, events, and donor engagement.

Marketing, Communications & Public Relations

• Develop and implement integrated marketing and public relations strategies to increase awareness, participation, and philanthropic support.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of marketing materials, including newsletters, press releases, digital content, and promotional collateral.
• Maintain strong relationships with media, community leaders, donors, alumni, families, and partners.
• Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and visibility of Club programs and development activities.
• Evaluate marketing effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed.

Special Events & Sponsorships

• Provide leadership and oversight for all fundraising and cultivation events.
• Work with staff, volunteers, and vendors to plan, implement, and evaluate special events.
• Identify and secure corporate sponsors, in-kind donations, and underwriting support.
• Track event expenses and revenues; evaluate return on investment and recommend improvements.

Resource & Systems Management

• Oversee donor database/CRM management, ensuring accurate recordkeeping, reporting, and data integrity.
• Establish and maintain systems for tracking fundraising income, expenses, donor recognition, and acknowledgments.
• Prepare income status reports, variance reports, and dashboards for leadership and the Board.
• Participate in the development and monitoring of the Club’s annual budget related to development activities.

Staff Leadership & Management

• Recruit, develop, coach, and retain a high-performing Development, Marketing, and Communications team.
• Supervise development staff and external consultants, ensuring clarity of roles, goals, and accountability.
• Set performance objectives, monitor progress, and evaluate staff effectiveness.
• Promote collaboration, communication, and professional growth across teams.

RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal:
Maintain close, ongoing communication with the CEO/Executive Director, Board of Directors, leadership team, staff, and volunteers to coordinate fundraising, marketing, and organizational priorities.

External:
Maintain strong relationships with donors, prospects, corporate and foundation leaders, professional advisors, community organizations, media, and civic leaders to advance fundraising and visibility goals.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and/or CFRE
• Minimum 10 years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, including major gifts, grants, corporate/foundation support, and events.
• At least 5 years of experience leading and managing staff and volunteers.
• Proven track record of cultivating and closing major and planned gifts, including six-figure gifts.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, donor relations, marketing, and public relations.
• Experience with CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to change.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality, and emotional intelligence.
• Passion for and commitment to the mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Evansville.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Reliable transportation required, must have satisfactory driving record, valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to sit, stand, and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to attend meetings and events outside of normal business hours as needed.
• Ability to work in a professional environment and positively represent organization under various levels of stress.
• Ability to work on multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Ability to work at rapid pace with frequent interruptions where changes of deadlines may occur.
• Visual acuity for accurate reading, typing, filing and use of a computer screen.
• Ability to perform gross/fine motor activities required for daily office work.
• Hearing need for purposes of business-related communications, etc.
• Must be able to pass any and all required background screens and drug screens at any time of employment.