Chief Development Officer-Systemwide

Cottage Health • Goleta, CA

1d

About The Position

Cottage Health seeks a Chief Development Officer- Systemwide. The Chief Development Officer- Systemwide oversees all systemwide fundraising functions and initiatives for principal, foundation, and planned giving. Works closely with the Cottage Health Foundation leadership team, the Executive Management Group of Cottage Health, Cottage Health’s Foundation Board, and the Cottage Health Foundation Cabinet. Works at both the strategic and operational levels and will be expected to lead by example, working with a small portfolio of principal donors to achieve significant personal fundraising goals. The team will be expected to generate significant fundraising, often with goals of $25 million or more each year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, Public Administration, or Health Administration.
• Equivalent combination of education and extensive development experience (major/principal gifts, planned giving, and/or foundation relations) may be accepted.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Blackbaud NXT or similar CRM
• 20+ years of related professional experience
• 10+ years of direct fundraising experience
• 7+ years in a leadership role

Nice To Haves

• JD or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as MBA, MHA, MPA or an MA/MS in a relevant field
• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive)
• FAHP (Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy)
• Specialized planned giving coursework or certification (e.g., through PPP or CAP® programs)

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic oversight and direction for all systemwide fundraising functions and initiatives across Cottage Health, ensuring alignment with organizational and Foundation priorities.
• Builds, leads, and develops a high-performing fundraising team, including direct management of the Directors of Principal Gifts, Planned Giving, and Foundations, and an Executive Assistant.
• Manages a small portfolio of principal and/or planned gift donors, leading by example to achieve significant personal fundraising results and modeling best-in-class donor engagement.
• Oversees goal setting, forecasting, pipeline management, and performance metrics to ensure the team achieves $25M+ in annual fundraising results once fully staffed.
• Works closely with the Vice President for Advancement, Executive Management Group, Foundation Board, and Foundation Cabinet to advance top-tier cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Ensures effective systems, processes, and coordination across principal gifts, planned giving, foundation relations, and advancement operations.
• Serves as a senior ambassador for Cottage Health and the Foundation, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and community partners.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees