Chief Development Officer

Interfaith Community Services INC•Escondido, CA

7d•$150,000 - $190,000•Onsite

About The Position

As North County's largest social services agency, Interfaith Community Services has been "helping people help themselves" since 1979. The organization provides a wide range of programs designed to empower hungry, homeless, and low-income community members to begin a pathway towards self-sufficiency. Each year, Interfaith Community Services impacts?more than?20,000 community members by providing basic needs and nutrition support, social services, shelters and housing, employment development, senior services, veterans programs and addiction recovery support. Together, in partnership with 250+ diverse faith communities, more than 1,700 recurrent volunteers, and a growing staff of over 275, Interfaith provides a safe-haven and pathway towards self-sufficiency for more than 20,000 community members annually. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a service-driven environment, we invite you to be part of our mission! In the Chief of Development role, you are a key member of the Executive Leadership Team responsible for advancing the mission and long-term sustainability of Interfaith Community Services through strategic philanthropy, community engagement, and revenue development. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the CDO leads the organization’s comprehensive development strategy and oversees the Development Department, including fundraising, marketing and external communications, volunteer services, and in-kind donations, faith center membership, and community partnerships. The CDO works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and community stakeholders to expand philanthropic investment, strengthen donor relationships, and increase visibility of the organization’s impact. This role is responsible for building and leading a high-performing team that supports diversified revenue streams and fosters a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Communications, and Public Administration, required
Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising or philanthropy, required
Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and managing diversified fundraising strategies
Experience leading development teams and overseeing multiple fundraising functions
Experience working closely with nonprofit boards and executive leadership
Familiarity with foundation and government funding environments
Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities and leading diverse teams

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree, preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and contribute to the organization’s strategic direction and growth.
Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising and philanthropy strategy aligned with Interfaith’s strategic plan.
Partner with the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors to advance fundraising priorities and strengthen board engagement in philanthropy.
Strengthen and foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization, ensuring fundraising and donor stewardship are integrated into the agency’s mission and programs.
Identify and successfully pursue revenue diversification in support of Interfaith programs and services
Provide strategic leadership for all fundraising initiatives, including major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, corporate partnerships, and special campaigns.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
Partner with the CEO and Board members to secure transformational gifts and long-term philanthropic partnerships.
Ensure effective donor engagement strategies and stewardship practices that strengthen donor loyalty and retention.
Provide support for foundation and government grant strategies to support program sustainability and growth.
Support the identification, development, and submission of competitive grant proposals.
Collaborate with program and finance teams to ensure grant compliance, reporting, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Oversee the organization’s communications and marketing strategy to elevate brand awareness and community engagement.
Ensure alignment between fundraising initiatives and organizational messaging.
Support storytelling efforts that highlight the strength and resilience of Interfaith’s clients and the communities we serve
Work in partnership with CEO and Board of Directors on focused advocacy to educate the community on the strengths of marginalized communities, advocating for policies and actions that help both individually and systemically
Strengthen partnerships with community organizations, faith communities, corporate partners, and civic leaders.
Represent the organization at community events, public speaking engagements, and fundraising initiatives.
Expand opportunities for community involvement through philanthropy, volunteerism, and strategic partnerships.
Provide strategic leadership for volunteer engagement initiatives that support organizational programs and strengthen community connection.
Ensure volunteer engagement aligns with the organization’s mission and broader development strategy.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing philanthropy team.
Oversee departmental planning, goal setting, and budget management.
Promote collaboration across departments to support fundraising success and mission impact.
Ensure the effective use of donor data systems, performance metrics, and fundraising best practices.
Maintain strong professional standards, confidentiality, and ethical fundraising practices.
Ensure compliance with applicable nonprofit regulations, funding requirements, and organizational policies.
Participate in leadership meetings, strategic initiatives, and cross-departmental collaboration.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and operational needs of the organization.