Chief Development Officer

Unbound Now • Fort Worth, TX

2d • Remote

About The Position

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership for all fundraising efforts, building a high-performing team and a culture where generosity is pursued with excellence, authenticity, and joy. This role partners closely with the CEO to advance donor relationships, align development with organizational vision, and integrate fundraising, marketing, and planned giving into a unified strategy. The CDO is both a strategist and a coach—someone who develops people as intentionally as they develop revenue.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience at organizations with a $10 million+ annual operating budget
• Demonstrated experience in securing new funders and major gifts
• Proven relationship management experience
• Supervisory experience
• Mature Christian faith, as evidenced by participation in a local Christian church.
• Three references (supervisor, professional, personal).
• Agree to and pass all required criminal background checks, including the DFPS criminal history check and the abuse and neglect registry check.
• Pass employment eligibility verification.
• Thorough commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Unbound Now.
• Abide by Unbound Now policies, including Unbound Now's Gift Acceptance Policy.
• Ability to think strategically.
• Ability to engage others (including staff, donors, and board members) in Unbound Now's mission.
• Strong motivational and leadership abilities.
• Persuasive and passionate communicator with strong writing and public speaking skills.
• Strong coalition-building skills with an ability to communicate and work effectively with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, and able to achieve consensus.
• Excellent administrative skills, detail-oriented, well-organized, and systems-oriented.
• Highly motivated self-starter with the ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Appreciation of the transformational giving approach, with commitment to building long-term relationships with donors.
• Knowledge of the field of human trafficking and the programs and operations of Unbound Now - training available.
• Competent in the use of technology, including knowledge of or willingness to learn Virtuous CRM.
• Strong work ethic.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to use personal vehicle for Unbound Now purposes, a valid driver's license, and car insurance.
• Pursue professional development as appropriate for this position.
• Demands include sitting for long periods at a computer, repetitive hand motions from frequent keyboarding
• Demands frequently require close visual attention
• Demands frequently require prolonged mental concentration
• Demands frequent video calls
• Ability to drive personal vehicles and maintain proper insurance coverage

Nice To Haves

• CFRE preferred

Responsibilities

• Design and lead a comprehensive, multi-channel fundraising strategy (major gifts, annual fund, events, campaigns, planned giving).
• Establish clear revenue goals, metrics, and accountability systems.
• Oversee donor pipeline development and ensure disciplined moves management across all portfolios.
• Evaluate and refine strategies based on performance data and donor insights.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-capacity development team.
• Create a culture of coaching, continuous learning, and professional growth.
• Train staff in donor engagement, relationship-building, and effective solicitation practices.
• Provide clear expectations, regular feedback, accountability, and encouragement.
• Serve as strategist and partner to the CEO for major donor and key relationship activity.
• Prepare and coach the CEO for donor meetings, presentations, and solicitations.
• Ensure the CEO’s time is leveraged effectively toward high-impact fundraising opportunities.
• Collaborate with board members to increase their confidence and participation in development efforts.
• Personally manage the CEO’s portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects.
• Develop tailored engagement strategies that align donor passions with organizational priorities.
• Foster long-term, trust-based relationships that lead to sustained and transformational giving.
• Ensure meaningful stewardship practices that communicate impact and deepen connection.
• Champion a philosophy of fundraising rooted in mission, impact, and the joy of generosity.
• Reinforce that development is not transactional, but relational and purpose-driven.
• Create rhythms, messaging, and team practices that celebrate wins, honor donors, and highlight impact stories.
• Model enthusiasm, gratitude, and authenticity in all interactions.
• Partner with marketing to ensure consistent messaging, branding, and storytelling across all donor touchpoints.
• Align fundraising campaigns with communication strategies to maximize engagement and reach.
• Ensure donor communications clearly articulate mission, impact, and opportunities for involvement.
• Collaborate on content development, including campaigns, reports, and digital engagement.
• Conduct prospecting activities to identify and prioritize high-potential relationships and opportunities.
• Facilitate CEO meetings and calls with major donors and prospects.
• Help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a relationship with Unbound Now, developing major gifts goal-setting, fundraising plans, and individual gift strategies for major donors, and directing activities in support of these goals and objectives.
• Oversee a planned giving program that encourages legacy gifts as well as asset gifts.
• Integrate planned giving into the overall donor strategy, particularly for major and long-standing supporters.
• Equip team members and donors with clear, accessible information about giving options.
• Integrate a planned giving presence on the website that is clear and easily accessible.

Benefits

• 100% Employer-Paid Health Insurance: We cover 100% of medical premiums for both the employee and their family.
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance: Fully covered for the employee at no cost.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a 3% salary match (eligible after 90 days; 1-year vesting).
• Dental & Vision: Comprehensive plans are available at the employee’s expense.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive