Chief Development Officer

Boys And Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin•Santa Rosa, CA

21h•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Development Officer (CDO), reporting to the CEO, provides executive leadership for all fundraising, philanthropic, and marketing efforts to advance the organization’s mission. This role leads the strategy and execution of all contributed revenue, including annual, major, institutional, and capital giving, and ensures the organization builds strong, sustainable relationships with donors and community partners while strengthening overall brand visibility and engagement. This role is accountable for achieving annual and campaign fundraising goals, including multi-million-dollar operating and capital targets, and for modeling how we show up at work through BGC3: Connect, Drive, and Adapt. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the CDO partners closely with the CEO, Board, and senior leaders to align fundraising strategy with organizational priorities and long-term growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
10–12+ years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising or nonprofit development
Demonstrated success in leading multi-million-dollar fundraising efforts, including closing major gifts
Experience working closely with executive leadership and Boards of Directors
Experience in a multi-site or complex nonprofit organization preferred
Demonstrates high integrity and sound judgment
Exceptional relationship-building and communication skills
Strong storytelling ability, with the ability to clearly and compellingly communicate mission and impact
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans
Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
Strong organizational and project management skills
Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and implementation levels
Consistently demonstrates BGC3 behaviors: Connect – Builds strong relationships and fosters trust with donors, partners, and team members; Drive – Takes ownership of results, sets high expectations, and follows through on commitments; Adapt – Navigates change with flexibility, learns continuously, and adjusts strategies as needed
Commitment to the organization’s mission and core values
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor database systems
Experience with digital fundraising and marketing platforms (e.g., email, social media, CRM tools)
Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance
Ability to travel locally and attend events as needed
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation
May occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment for extended periods

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Experience in a multi-site or complex nonprofit organization preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and lead a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy to support both annual operations and long-term strategic initiatives
Design and implement an annual development plan aligned with organizational goals and budget targets
Establish clear fundraising goals across all revenue streams, including individual, corporate, foundation, and capital support
Ensure a balanced and diversified funding portfolio to support sustainability and reduce reliance on any single revenue source
Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to align philanthropic strategy with organizational priorities
Lead fundraising efforts to meet or exceed annual and campaign goals
Oversee strategies to grow and strengthen all philanthropic revenue streams, including: Individual giving (major gifts, annual fund, monthly giving, direct mail, digital campaigns), Foundation and corporate partnerships, Capital campaigns, Special events
Personally manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all levels
Strengthen donor retention and long-term engagement through thoughtful stewardship strategies
Partner with the CEO and Board to strengthen board engagement in fundraising and governance
Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of Board members and advisory boards
Staff and support key Board committees related to development and community engagement
Equip Board members to effectively advocate for and support the organization through their networks
Provide executive oversight of marketing and communications to strengthen brand visibility, community engagement, and alignment with fundraising goals
Ensure messaging is clear, compelling, and consistent across all platforms and audiences
Lead the development and execution of integrated campaigns that elevate awareness of the organization’s mission, impact, and opportunities for engagement
Oversee brand strategy, voice, and positioning to ensure alignment with organizational priorities
Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and community partners to expand reach and visibility
Serve as a key external ambassador for the organization, representing the mission with credibility and passion
Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, funders, and strategic partners
Identify and pursue new funding opportunities through research, data analysis, and community engagement
Lead and develop a high-performing Development team aligned with organizational goals
Provide clear direction, coaching, and accountability across all fundraising and marketing functions
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented team culture
Model and reinforce BGC3 behaviors (Connect, Drive, Adapt) in leadership, decision-making, and team development
Ensure team members are equipped to effectively engage in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Establish metrics and benchmarks to track fundraising performance and effectiveness
Provide regular reports and insights on fundraising progress, financial performance, and pipeline development to the CEO, Executive Team, and Board
Use data to inform strategy, improve outcomes, and drive continuous improvement