Chief Development Officer

KC Pet Project•Kansas City, KS

29d•Onsite

About The Position

KC Pet Project is seeking an exceptional Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead its Development Department and fundraising initiatives. The CDO is a key leadership team member, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and supervising development staff. This role requires a passion for animals and people, with the ability to effectively articulate the organization's mission and goals. The CDO will play a critical role in securing financial gifts, grants, charitable gifts, and bequests from individuals, businesses, and corporations, as well as delivering high-impact fundraising events. The chosen candidate will lead donor identification, donor relations, stewardship activities, and recognition programs, guiding all aspects of the major gift cycle. Applicants should be committed to developing new and sustainable revenue streams, be calm under pressure, and possess strong communication skills to collaborate with staff for the benefit of animals and their human companions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or college.
Minimum ten years related experience in fundraising and donor solicitation.
Demonstrated success in major donor development and planned giving.
Excellent written communications skills and storytelling.
Experience in public speaking.
Three years of related experience in nonprofit event execution.
Knowledge of the philanthropic community of Kansas City preferred.
Exceptional level of customer service and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Creativity and willingness to try new approaches and receive constructive feedback.
Self-starter who works well both independently and as a member of a team.
Must be able to work in a crowded, often stressful, environment under a variety of conditions.
Confident but humble leader, to work with and inspire the KC Pet Project staff, volunteers and its Board(s) of Directors.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degrees preferred.
Knowledge of Donor Perfect and Classy databases a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the Development Department and fundraising initiatives.
Report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Supervise development staff.
Work with individuals, businesses, and corporations to secure financial gifts, grants, charitable gifts, and bequests.
Deliver high-impact, successful fundraising events.
Lead the team in identifying new donors, donor relations, stewardship activities, and recognition programs.
Guide all aspects of the major gift cycle.
Provide ongoing strategic and creative ideas toward the development of new and sustainable revenue streams.
Lead KCPP’s primary biannual fundraiser, Love Finds a Way.
Work closely with the internal development team, the marketing team, the CEO, and external event professionals for the main fundraiser.
Manage smaller internal events (open houses, tours, donor gatherings, board-sponsored gatherings) with the Marketing Department.