Chief Development Officer

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Covenant House Missouri (CHMO) welcomes youth who are runaway, trafficked, at-risk, or experiencing homelessness with unconditional love, absolute respect and a place to call home. Beyond shelter and basic needs, we deliver transformative solutions to help young people ages 16 to 24 build productive, independent and sustainable lives.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) plays a critical role in driving the organization's growth and is responsible for leading growth strategies, fundraising, partnerships, and overall business development. The ideal leader in this role is a skilled and experienced fundraiser, strategic, and a mission-driven leader who ensures sustainable growth, deepens donor engagement, and maximizes the impact of an organization. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CDO is expected to align fundraising and development efforts with the organization's mission, vision, and long-term goals.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a full-time position. The CDO is responsible for all aspects of successful fundraising and development, inclusive of strategy and planning, crafting the case for support, annual events and campaigns, individual giving, corporate and foundation grants, online and digital fundraisers, legacy gifts, donor research and prospecting, engagement and stewardship, marketing and communications, technology and data management, and compliance and ethics. In partnership with the Chief Executive Officer, this position is responsible for leading growth strategies, fundraising, partnerships, and overall business development. The CDO serves as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Leadership and Revenue Generation

• Create Organizational Fundraising Strategy : Develop a detailed plan that outlines fundraising methods (events, capital campaigns, online campaigns, community appeals, major gift solicitation, stewardship, etc.), timelines, budget, resource allocation, and methods. This plan will guide the team's actions and help in managing resources efficiently.
• Set Clear Goals : Define specific, measurable financial targets including the amount to be raised, purpose, timeline, a methods in align with the organization's mission and needs. Focus fundraising efforts and gives a clear direction for fundraising.
• Building Relationships : Establish and cultivate long-term relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors through stewardship, appreciation, and regular communication, rather than just focusing on a one-time gift
• Engage Stakeholders : Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, government agencies, investors, the board, staff, the media, sponsors, and community partners. Ensure all internal and external stakeholders are aligned and engaged in the fundraising process.
• Ambassador : Represent the organization at industry conferences, networking events, and public forums. Prepare and facilitate presentations about CHMO to community groups, corporations, foundations, and civic organization.
• Identify Target Donors : Understand and segment potential donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and others. This also includes identifying the most likely contributors and determining strategies for approaching them.
• Donor Stewardship : Develop and implement creative and customized stewardship plans for support investments. Ensure donors feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. Recognize them appropriately and providing updates on how their donations are being used. Communicate impact and success stories to encourage continued support. Develop donor recognition and appreciation programs.
• Grant Management : Oversee research of grant opportunities, the writing of grant proposals, and reports to funders. Maintain compliance with grant requirements.
• Evaluating Success : Track and report fundraising income and expenses. Analyze data, what worked, and what did not work to improve future fundraising strategies. Ensure transparency and compliance with legal and ethical fundraising standards.
• Event Planning and Campaigns : Organize and oversee fundraising events, ensure that the logistics, marketing, and volunteer involvement for events is solidified, and host engaging and successful events and campaigns.
• Marketing and Outreach : Develop and share compelling messaging, storytelling, and promotional materials. Use multiple channels to share messaging including local media, CHMO website, emails, social media, direct mail, annual report, impact report, and newsletters.

Organizational Leadership

Talent Leadership, Management & Development

Performance Excellence, Monitoring, Impact Evaluation, & Accountability

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

This position directly supervises the Director of Development, Volunteer & Community Relationship Coordinator, Donor Database and Stewardship Specialist, Grant Management Specialist, and Marketing and Communications Specialist.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Regular internal contact with all CHMO staff, members of the Board of Directors, outside contact with vendors and suppliers, and regular contact with outside agencies.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

In addition to the above requirements, candidate must

Knowledge and Skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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