Chief Development Officer

JFS of St. Louis – Chief Development Officer 

Full-time, Exempt

Salary range: $70,000 - $85,000 or commensurate with experience

Eligible for full-time benefits including Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

DESCRIPTION

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) develops and implements a comprehensive development program to advance JFS’s mission and goals. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and working closely with the Board of Directors, the CDO leads the advancement team to assess, re-design as needed, and implement a comprehensive, results-oriented development plan that includes annual fundraising, major and planned giving, campaigns, grants, and special events. The CDO will work with the CEO to forward the fundraising vision at JFS—overseeing and adapting goals, strategies, benchmarks, and timetables—to identify new donors and deepen relationships with families and individual, corporate, and foundation leaders.

JOB DUTIES

Fundraising

• Direct the integrated functioning of a comprehensive advancement program, implement short- and long-term development plans, regularly re-assess JFS’s fundraising potential and adapt plans as needed
• Promote and guide the adoption of best practices and innovative approaches to individual major giving, corporate and foundation grants, planned giving initiatives, annual appeals and events
• Establish and monitor key metrics to make forecasts and evaluate ongoing performance, ensuring the department will meet and exceed annual fundraising goals
• Manage existing portfolio of donors and prospects
• Secure major gifts at the $5k to $100k level with the goal of raising $2m annually
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the CEO, board and other staff with their solicitations (e.g. provide portfolio development support, strategic counsel, and help with donor communications)
• Acknowledge major donors through public and private recognition
• Articulate and promote a strong case for support that grows the donor base and giving levels
• Attend JFS and community events and activities, and foster pride and excitement in fundraising efforts

Department Leadership

• Build, motivate, lead, and retain an advancement staff that currently includes three members; aligning structure with fundraising and organizational strategy
• Establish annual goals, provide regular performance reviews and recognition, and support ongoing professional development opportunities
• Manage a thorough and wide-ranging prospect research program that maximizes opportunities to engage new donor communities
• Manage a best-in-class moves management and donor stewardship program designed to strengthen relationships with donors
• Evaluate and manage policies and procedures for gift processing and donor acknowledgement, Raiser’s Edge database management, and financial reporting
• Manage department budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and return on investment

Board and Staff Engagement

• Create and sustain a culture of philanthropy that ensures an optimal fit between the advancement program and JFS’s services and anticipates opportunities to expand program services
• Work collaboratively with the Communications Director to position advancement opportunities and integrate messages in news articles, publications, grant submissions, reports, and collateral materials
• Serve as the advancement department’s liaison to JFS’s Board of Directors; engaging members in the fundraising process, overseeing ongoing training, and supporting and managing philanthropic activities
• Develop a plan to leverage the Board president, senior leaders, and staff in the identification, qualification, and cultivation of strategic, high-value prospects, ensuring that all participants understand their roles and are fully briefed for meetings with prospects and donors

SKILLS REQUIRED

Background

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in a comprehensive non-profit fundraising program, including at least 2 years in a position with staff management responsibilities
• Prior nonprofit experience is a plus

Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated ability to set and monitor the strategic direction of a complex advancement program and to ensure its alignment with organizational goals
• Experience establishing strong relationships with executive leaders and volunteer boards/committees and of leveraging them effectively in the fundraising process
• Track record of personally securing 5- and 6-figure gifts from all constituencies, including individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Working knowledge of advancement best practices, emerging trends, and tools and technologies to support a variety of initiatives, including prospect research and digital campaigns
• Ability to effectively utilize database systems within a data-driven and evidence-based organization; experience with Raiser’s Edge software is preferred
• Evidence of excellent leadership skills and knowledge of how to motivate and mentor a fundraising team to increase performance levels
• Familiarity with the philanthropic and Jewish communities of St. Louis is useful.
• Bachelor’s degree is required; advanced degree is preferred
• CFRE Certification is preferred.

Personal Characteristics and Work Style

• Commitment to excellence consistent with JFS’s best-in-class approach to program development and implementation
• Sincere passion for and understanding of JFS’s mission; ability to be a compelling ambassador for the organization’s values
• Collaborative and engaging communication style in working with people of many backgrounds, including leaders, staff, volunteers, and donors
• Ability to multitask and balance multiple priorities in a complex and multi-faceted development program
• Unfailing discretion in dealing with sensitive material about both families and donors

ADDITIONAL INFO

For 150 years, JFS has provided children, adults and seniors in the St. Louis region with the supports they need to lead vibrant, healthy lives. Through a comprehensive range of services, JFS helps seniors remain independent and connected to the community, reduces hunger, and empowers children to thrive. JFS serves people in need, inclusive of all ages, races, religions, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and abilities. Each year, JFS supports the emotional and physical well-being of more than 50,000 children, families, and seniors in the St. Louis community.