Chief Development Officer

HUCKLEBERRY YOUTH PROGRAMS INC•San Francisco, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Huckleberry Youth Programs (HYP) seeks a visionary, equity-centered fundraising executive to lead and grow a comprehensive development and communications function in support of an approximate $10M+ annual operating budget. The Chief Development Officer serves as a key member of the executive leadership team and architect of a multi-year revenue strategy as we embark on our next strategic plan. This leader will build sustainable philanthropic infrastructure aligned to our organizational values, deepen donor engagement, strengthen board partnership in fundraising, and diversify revenue across individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources. The CDO will build authentic, trusted relationships with donors and partners and ensure an excellent donor experience, and will work cross-functionally across the organization to ensure development is aligned with all program delivery, marketing, events, and community engagement efforts. This role will manage development, marketing and communications and event staff members within the organization. This role balances strategic vision with operational rigor, inspiration and joy. It requires a leader who can set bold direction while remaining agile to a rapidly changing fundraising ecosystem, build organizational systems that scale, cultivate transformational gifts, and inspire a high-performing team working in solidarity with young people and their families to advance their personal growth and social equity.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in fundraising, especially in major donor cultivation and direct solicitation (including a proven track record of closing 6- and 7-figure gifts), as well as institutional and government funding
Demonstrated success securing major and transformational gifts across individual, institutional and government sources.
Experience building or significantly scaling a development function and team structures.
Proven ability to partner effectively with CEOs and Boards in fundraising.
Strong operational and CRM expertise; experience leveraging data to inform strategy.
Exceptional communication and storytelling skills.
Understanding and skillset in social media platforms and engagement.
Deep commitment to equity, ethical fundraising, and community-centered philanthropy.
Experience supervising and developing senior-level fundraising staff.
Strong knowledge of local, state and national donors, foundations, etc.; existing relationships with these donor entities preferred.
Must pass DOJ/FBI background check

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in a social justice environment highly preferred.
Existing relationships with local, state and national donors, foundations, etc. preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising and revenue diversification strategy aligned with organizational growth goals.
Serve as a core member of the Executive Team, shaping long-term strategy and ensuring sustainable resourcing.
Serve as the leader to build on existing organizational branding, marketing and communications plans alongside CEO, Executive Team and program staff.
Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to embed fundraising accountability and expand board engagement in philanthropy.
Clarify and elevate HYP’s case for support, ensuring compelling messaging that reflects impact, equity commitments, and community voice.
Ensure fundraising practices reflect diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and values-based philanthropy standards.
Partner with Senior Director of Development & Director of Institutional Giving on strategy for major gifts, mid-level giving, annual fund, institutional grants (foundation and government), corporate partnerships, marketing/communications and events.
Personally cultivate and manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors and prospects capable of six- and seven-figure contributions.
Design and execute innovative donor engagement strategies including site visits, curated experiences, and impact storytelling.
Strengthen foundation and government grant strategy in partnership with program leadership.
Expand grassroots and community-based fundraising initiatives.
Ensure consistent, compelling messaging that supports fundraising, membership, and community engagement goals.
Oversee CRM strategy, donor data integrity, forecasting, and analytics to drive decision-making.
Formalize systems for gift processing, stewardship, prospect research, and revenue reporting.
Establish annual and multi-year revenue projections and monitor progress toward goals.
Develop advancement policies, procedures, and performance metrics that professionalize and scale the function.
Ensure compliance, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all fundraising activities.
Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing development team.
Establish clear team and individual goals, growth plans, and professional development pathways.
Foster a collaborative, transparent, and mission-driven team culture.
Align development, communications, program, and finance teams to ensure cohesive strategy and execution.
Serve as an ambassador with funders, corporate partners, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Represent HYP at public events, including government budgetary meetings, donor gatherings, and strategic convenings.
Build and steward relationships across the local and regional philanthropic landscape.