Chief Development Officer (CDO)

Valor Health Co.,Ltd. • Pasadena, CA

210d • $200,000 - $220,000

About The Position

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for driving all aspects of AbilityFirst's fundraising and external engagement efforts. This includes individual donors, foundations, and corporations. The CDO is responsible for developing and maintaining cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CDO reports to the CEO and works closely with the Board of Directors and senior staff to develop and execute a comprehensive development strategy aligned with the organization's mission and growth objectives. The ideal candidate is a proven fundraiser, strategic thinker, team player, effective communicator and superior writer, and skilled relationship-builder. They must be able to convey AbilityFirst's mission in compelling ways to prospects and key stakeholders. The CDO is a results-oriented self-starter with a proven track record of securing transformational gifts, building and expanding donor relationships, developing and leading successful fundraising campaigns, and elevating brand presence.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's Degree is required.
• A CFRE certification is preferred but not required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts and campaign planning, is required.
• A proven track record of securing 6- and 7-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations is required.
• Demonstrated success managing development teams and cross-functional collaboration is preferred.
• Exceptional strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills is preferred.
• Experience working directly with Boards and executive leadership is required.
• Proficiency with donor databases and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
• Deep commitment to AbilityFirst's mission and values.
• A valid California driver's license with a clean driving record is required.

Nice To Haves

• CFRE certification.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an annual fundraising campaign, defining revenue and activity goals along with metrics.
• Oversee individual gifts, planned giving, grants/foundations, special events, corporate sponsorships, and annual appeals.
• Design and implement new strategic fundraising campaigns and initiatives to diversify and grow fundraising revenues.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects (including individuals, foundations, and corporations).
• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and Board on fundraising priorities and initiatives.
• Partner with the CEO and Board members to cultivate and solicit high-level donors and prospects.
• Support and build a culture of philanthropy across the organization and the Board.
• Engage the Board in establishing special event/fundraising committees.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Team on building and fostering a welcoming, positive, and responsive work culture.
• Partner with the Executive Team on all aspects of business operations, serving as a respectful and dedicated thought partner to colleagues and helping the team move towards solutions.
• Collaborate on all strategic initiatives, frameworks, and plans and actively engage in the implementation of the organization's goals.
• Lead strategies for donor cultivation and retention, maintaining and expanding donor relationships.
• Ensure high-quality stewardship and recognition practices are consistently applied.
• Collaborate with Communications/Marketing to craft compelling donor-facing materials and messaging.
• Lead, mentor, and grow the Development team to ensure high performance and accountability.
• Oversee Marketing/Communications for special events and fundraising campaign collateral, including annual impact report.
• Create development budgets, revenue forecasting, and donor database/CRM (e.g., Salesforce).
• Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising practices and financial reporting standards.
• Increase visibility and community awareness of AbilityFirst through events, partnerships, and media.
• Represent the organization in public forums, sector events, and donor/community engagements.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Benefits

• Competitive benefit package through Kaiser.
• Dental and Vision Insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off and 10 Paid Holidays.
• Employee Discount Program.
• Reimbursement for Mileage and Cellphone (where applicable).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree