Chief Development Officer

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : 112,500

Job Summary :

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for the vision, strategy, and high-level execution of Ascendigos fundraising and donor engagement efforts. The CDO leads fundraising initiatives across major gifts, donor cultivation, annual giving, grants, planned giving, and special events, while also guiding marketing and communications strategies that strengthen Ascendigos visibility and philanthropic brand.

The CDO will cultivate strong relationships with major donors, board members, foundation partners, and the wider community. Working in close collaboration with the CEO, board, and development team, the CDO ensures that Ascendigo achieves and exceeds its revenue goals while building a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Key Responsibilities :

Fundraising & Donor Cultivation

Lead and execute a comprehensive development strategy that achieves annual and long-term fundraising goals.

Serve as the primary strategist for major gifts, donor cultivation, stewardship, and planned giving, personally managing a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic partners.

Develop and oversee implementation of an annual development plan and budget aligned with organizational priorities.

Provide executive oversight of grant research, writing, and reporting to foundations, corporations, and government entities.

Oversee annual giving programs, including direct mail, digital campaigns, and peer-to-peer fundraising.

Successfully execute signature fundraising events, ensuring high return on investment and strong donor engagement.

Partner with the CEO, board & development committee members to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors and institutional partners.

Foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization, engaging staff, board, and volunteers in development efforts.

Ensure donor stewardship practices build long-term, mission-aligned relationships with Ascendigo supporters.

Marketing & Communication

Provide strategic leadership for all marketing and communication initiatives that support fundraising, brand awareness, and community engagement.

Guide the development of materials, campaigns, and messaging that clearly communicate Ascendigos mission and impact.

Oversee digital presence, media relations, and storytelling to engage current donors and attract new supporters.

Leadership & Team Development :

• Provide strategic leadership for all marketing and communication initiatives that support fundraising, brand awareness, and community engagement.
• Empower, inspire, and mentor the development team to achieve excellence and growth.
• Recruit, train, and retain top talent in the development and communications function.
• Collaborate with executive peers on organizational strategy, serving as a thought partner to the CEO and board.
• Model and reinforce Ascendigos values and culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. across the organization.

Qualifications :

Minimum of 10 years experience in nonprofit fundraising, including 5+ years in a senior leadership role.

Proven track record of securing major gifts and building long-term donor relationships.

Demonstrated success in fundraising campaign strategy, including capital or comprehensive campaigns.

Experience with grants, special events, planned giving, direct mail, and digital fundraising.

Strong leadership, management, and team-building experience.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.

Knowledge of donor databases / CRM systems, plus Microsoft Office suite.

Bachelors degree in a related field required; masters degree preferred.

Experience in the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or healthcare sector preferred.

Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor events and cultivation activities.

Must meet legal, background check, and driving requirements per Ascendigo policies.

Occasional evenings and weekends are required to accommodate meetings, on-call shifts, and special events.

In addition,

Must be 21 or over and have legal working status.

Must maintain a valid drivers license and excellent driving record.

Must have a clean background check with no felonies or flags.

Must be able to lift and move heavy objects (up to 25 pounds)

Personal Characteristics : should be committed and passionate about the Ascendigo mission of a holistic, active, community-based, independent, and person-centered life. He / she should believe in the dignity and potential of our clients. We also have a commitment to a culture of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. which stands for :

R-Recognize the inherent worth of your coworkers.

E- Eliminate derogatory words and phrases.

S- Speak with people- not at them- or about them.

P-Protect the culture of your organization- report and support!

E- Empathize- consider what it is like in others situations.

C-Consider your impact on others before speaking and apologize when you make a mistake.

T- Treat everyone with integrity, dignity, and respect.