Chief Development Officer

The Omega Institute • Rhinebeck, NY

108d • $150,000 - $160,000

About The Position

The Chief Development Officer will be joining Omega at a time of significant organizational transition and business-model realignment, and will work with the Board, stakeholders, and consultants to drive the creation of a significant 50th anniversary comprehensive campaign to launch in 2027. Reporting directly to the President & CEO, the Chief Development Officer serves as a critical member of the Executive Leadership Team, playing a crucial role in charting our way ahead and enabling us to realize the goals of our strategic plan. The new leader will share responsibility for strategic and budgetary planning and acting as a liaison between the leadership team and staff, helping to ensure goals are understood and achieved. The Chief Development Officer is a visionary, self-motivated leader responsible for effectively communicating the organization’s philanthropic value proposition and developing strategies that will accelerate, grow and diversify the funding base of support. This role requires creativity, strategic thinking, a strong network in the donor space, experience in leading Development functions and securing major gifts, and an understanding of the integrated nature of personal, social, and cultural change. The successful candidate will possess deep ties to philanthropic communities and have a proven track record of securing major gifts, working on comprehensive campaigns, building an organizational culture of giving. They will also have experience in development strategic planning and successfully leading and managing a Development team to meet or exceed revenue goals. The Chief Development Officer will embody our collaborative and supportive culture and will have a passion for lifelong learning and spiritual exploration.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree in nonprofit management or a related field is preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising and development, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Experience creating strategic multi-year fundraising plans and building consensus among stakeholders to achieve fundraising goals
• Experience creating and leading successful comprehensive campaigns of major significance
• Demonstrated success in cultivating donor relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and family offices
• Experience in Planned Giving, including experience in non-cash assets
• Experience successfully managing and mentoring employees, with a commitment to creating a positive and inclusive work culture
• Experience managing and overseeing departmental budgets
• A deep fundraising network
• Experience in holistic studies, wellness, or mindfulness is desirable
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge

Nice To Haves

• Experience in holistic studies, wellness, or mindfulness is desirable

Responsibilities

• Create & Implement a Comprehensive Fundraising Strategy
• Build upon and develop ongoing stewardship plans that include identifying and cultivating relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors and prospects, emphasizing the organization’s mission and impact, and driving individual donor engagement and investment
• Work closely with the President & CEO and Board of Directors to identify and cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including potential donors, community leaders, and elected officials, to advance the organization’s mission and goals
• Drive the creation of a multi-year, comprehensive campaign budget aligned with the strategic plan and priorities, including goals, metrics, and timelines
• Develop and implement strategies to raise awareness of the organization’s mission, programs, and services to increase its visibility and support
• Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and other public forums to enhance the organization’s visibility and influence
• Ensure effective systems and efficient processes are in place to support fundraising and development operations, including gift processing, database management, and reporting
• Lead an integrated and growing development and membership program, providing critical guidance and motivation to staff
• Collaborate with other departments, including Marketing, Operations, and Programming, to ensure a cohesive fundraising strategy, meeting or exceeding financial goals of the department
• Review and refine strategies for identifying and cultivating major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to expand the organization’s donor base
• Develop and maintain relationships with major gift donors through personalized engagement and stewardship activities, such as one-on-one meetings, cultivation events, and recognition programs
• Identify and cultivate new donors, many of which may not be currently funding or known to Omega
• Work closely with the President & CEO and Board of Directors to solicit major gifts and to develop tailored proposals and gift agreements that align with donors’ interests and the organization’s priorities
• Refine and reimagine fundraising data systems that can benefit from advancements in cloud technology
• Ensure the timely and accurate acknowledgement of all gifts and donations and the proper stewardship of donor relationships
• Work with the President & CEO and Board of Directors to develop and maintain a robust donor pipeline to support the organization’s long-term fundraising goals
• Manage the Development and Nomination Committees of the Board of Directors, ensuring collaboration and alignment between the committees and the organization
• Participate as a member of the Executive Leadership Team in the overall planning, implementation and evaluation of organizational goals, including acting as bridge between strategy, goals and staff deliverables
• Working closely with the CFO and other officers, help develop Omega’s annual budget and direct Development budgets, contracts, and schedules to ensure financial sustainability and operational efficiency; build and manage Development team budget
• Lead, mentor, and manage the Development team, fostering collaboration and professional growth
• Work collaboratively across the organization to achieve our People & Culture goals, including our Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) goals
• In consultation with the President & CEO, work directly with the founders of the organization, board members and other organizational stakeholders regarding fundraising

Benefits

• Annual salary of $150,000 - $160,000
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement savings plan (403b)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, sick, and personal days
• Employee assistance program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support
• Flexible and hybrid work options (available for most positions)
• Complimentary meals in the Dining Hall during workdays
• Discounts in Omega’s Café, Bookstore, and Wellness Center
• Daily classes in yoga, meditation, and tai chi (open to Omega participants and staff)
• Special classes and community gatherings (exclusive to staff)
• One complimentary catalog workshop per year, plus discounts on any additional catalog workshops
• Amenities include Long Pond Lake (kayaking/boating), tennis, pickle ball, and basketball courts, hiking trails, gardens, and more

What This Job Offers

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