Chief Development Officer

Overview

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for designing, leading, and executing a comprehensive fundraising and marketing strategy that fuels the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama (BGCWA). The CDO leads all aspects of fundraising including major gifts, corporate and foundation relations, grants, special events, and community partnerships—with the goal of generating $2M+ annually.

Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy & Vision

- Develop and implement a long-range, donor-centered fundraising strategy.
- Build infrastructure, systems, and processes for development operations.
- Partner with the CEO and Board to set annual revenue goals.
- Ensure brand alignment across all development, marketing, and communications activities.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

- Build and manage a major gifts portfolio.
- Lead corporate, foundation, and government fundraising strategies.
- Oversee annual campaigns and donor retention.
- Lead signature events

Relationship Building & External Engagement

- Cultivate long-term relationships with donors, community leaders, and partners.
- Serve as an ambassador for BGCWA at community events.
- Build collaborative community partnerships.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

- Train and support Board members in fundraising.
- Recruit and steward fundraising volunteers.

Team Leadership & Operational Excellence

- Lead and mentor the development team.
- Manage departmental budgets and donor systems.

Qualifications

- Minimum 5–8 years progressive fundraising experience.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Bachelor’s degree required.

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.