Chief Development Officer

SMYAL•Washington, DC

14d•$150,000 - $160,000•Hybrid

About The Position

SMYAL is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven leader to serve as Chief Development Officer (CDO). The CDO will lead the organization’s efforts to significantly expand philanthropic revenue over the next five years, with a focus on major gifts, corporate partnerships, institutional funding, and multi-year donor commitments that support SMYAL’s long-term growth and impact Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Directors, the CDO will develop and lead SMYAL’s fundraising strategy, strengthen relationships with donors and institutional partners, and identify new opportunities to grow and diversify revenue. The CDO will oversee major donor engagement, foundation partnerships, corporate sponsorships, annual fundraising initiatives, and events while partnering with staff and board members to build a strong culture of philanthropy that advances support for LGBTQ+ youth in the DC region.

Requirements

8–10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
Demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising and donor relationship management.
Proven ability in securing corporate partnerships and foundation funding.
Strong leadership and team management experience.
Demonstrates exceptional skill in building and sustaining meaningful relationships.
Experience working with nonprofit boards and volunteers.
Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising analytics.
Demonstrated cultural competency in working with individuals and groups from diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Superb communication skills and the proven ability to empower a diverse set of key stakeholders within the SMYAL community, including program participants, partners, and funders.
This position requires some evening and weekend availability.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with SMYAL’s strategic plan.
Lead efforts to grow and diversify philanthropic revenue, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, institutional funding, annual giving, and fundraising events.
Establish annual revenue goals and oversee forecasting, pipeline management, and performance tracking.
Identify new opportunities for funding and partnerships that support SMYAL’s long-term sustainability.
Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors and high-capacity prospects to secure 5-, 6-, and 7-figure gifts.
Strengthen relationships with corporate partners, foundations, and philanthropic institutions.
Develop strategies to expand multi-year and leadership-level giving.
Coach and prepare the CEO for high-net-worth donor cultivation and solicitation.
Provide strategic leadership for SMYAL’s annual fundraising campaigns and donor engagement initiatives.
Oversee the continued growth and success of SMYAL’s fundraising events and supporter engagement activities.
Ensure events and campaigns effectively cultivate new donors and deepen relationships with existing supporters.
Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to strengthen fundraising engagement and stewardship.
Support board members in cultivating and leveraging their networks to grow support for SMYAL.
Help foster a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.
Manage external development partners, including SMYAL’s grant writing consultant, fostering a collaborative and high-performing culture.
Oversee development systems, donor data, reporting, and fundraising analytics.
Ensure effective coordination between development, communications, and program teams to support fundraising goals.
Represent SMYAL in philanthropic and community settings.
Cultivate relationships with community leaders, corporate partners, and key stakeholders.
Strengthen SMYAL’s presence within the philanthropic and civic communities.
All other relevant duties as assigned.