Chief Development Officer

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois•Oswego, IL

10d•$85,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) position is a senior leadership role responsible for securing funding through major donors, in partnership with the philanthropy team for grant opportunities, Girl Scout Alumni, and other resources within the Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois council. This role involves oversight of planning, developing, and leading the fund development efforts of the council. The CDO will work to expand the council's revenue base through adult-generated fundraising and public support, aiming to achieve philanthropy goals established by the Board of Directors. This position requires collaboration with the senior leadership team and the volunteer Fund Development Committee. The role emphasizes fostering a culture of philanthropy and leading development staff across various giving programs, including individual, family, corporate, and foundation giving, grant writing, special events, member relations, capital giving, and planned giving.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, relevant course of study, or equivalent experience.
Senior level fundraising skills demonstrated over 8-10 years with success shown in the non-profit sector.
Minimum of 5 years of proven success in leading a team which has increased public support.

Nice To Haves

Graduate degree preferred.
CFRE preferred.

Responsibilities

Serves as the philanthropy representative for GSNI in making direct solicitations of donors, and other relevant philanthropy activities, with a primary emphasis in major gifts.
Fosters a culture of philanthropy and leads the development staff which oversees individual, family, corporate, and foundation giving, grant writing, special events, member relations, capital giving, and planned giving programs.
Develops a balanced funding mix of donor sources and solicitation programs tailored to the needs of GSNI that will attract, retain and motivate donors while significantly expand the organization’s donor base and level of giving.
Ensures that the director and other philanthropy staff have the tools necessary to oversee the research, evaluation and submission of grant opportunities based on the criteria of available resources and strategic alignment with council goals and potential for success.
Contributes to the council’s planning process; specifically in the development and administration of annual plans of work, budget, individual performance appraisals, and annual organizational review for Fund Development efforts.
Actively participates in the development of environments that foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and access through words, actions, and attitude.