Chief Development Officer

Anne Carlsen Center for Children•Bismarck, ND

28d

About The Position

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) provides strategic leadership and direction for all philanthropic initiatives at Anne Carlsen, including major gifts, planned giving, annual fund, and donor engagement strategies. This role oversees a multi-site development team responsible for cultivating, stewarding, and expanding a diverse portfolio of donors, prospective donors, and community partners. The CDO ensures a disciplined, mission-driven approach to identifying, soliciting, and securing philanthropic investments that support both immediate needs and long-term organizational sustainability. Working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, the CDO advances a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization, aligns development priorities with strategic goals, and strengthens statewide relationships to expand awareness, support, and impact.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor's degree in a related field
5 years of leadership experience in fundraising in a nonprofit (or similar) environment
Valid drivers license

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related field
Demonstrated experience leading a development or foundation team with measurable fundraising success
Proven track record of developing and implementing successful major gift and planned giving strategies
Experience with prospect research, portfolio management, and the effective use of donor management systems
Strong experience preparing, presenting, and closing donor proposals, including complex gift conversations and philanthropic planning

Responsibilities

Demonstrates ability to provide support and guidance to the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Team members and Board of Directors in the effective execution of development strategies and activities.
Demonstrates the ability to lead the development, presentation, and closing of donor proposals, ensuring alignment with donor interests, and adherence to organizational goals.
Demonstrates ability to oversee campaign strategy and execution, including operational planning, objectives, metrics, and cross-functional coordination.
Demonstrates ability to manage a personal portfolio of donors and prospects using a disciplined approach to cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
Demonstrates ability to build the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the development team in areas including prospect research, annual giving, major gifts, events, donor relations, community partnerships, grants, communication, and stewardship.
Demonstrates ability to provide consistent follow-up after donor meetings, events, and other activities to advance relationships and secure commitments.
Demonstrates the ability to identify, engage and prepare board members, Executive Management and program staff as needed to participate in solicitations and other development activities.
Demonstrates ability to serve as a collaborative team player, working closely with the CEO, CFO, and COO to establish fundraising priorities and align philanthropic strategy with organizational needs.
Demonstrates ability to participate in the creation, implementation, and monitoring of the budget based on the philanthropic plan, including annual fund strategy, goals, budgets, forecasts, and performance monitoring.
Demonstrates ability to oversee the maintenance and integrity of donor and financial records in accordance with general accounting standards, fundraising best practices, and any other regulatory requirements.
Demonstrates ability to partner closely with Finance to align fundraising projections, reporting, gift processing, and compliance requirements.
Demonstrates ability to increase visibility, reach, and community engagement in support of Anne Carlsen development activities.
Demonstrates ability to oversee and evaluate donor engagement and fundraising events, ensuring they reflect mission, support fundraising goals, and strengthen donor relationships.
Demonstrates ability to utilize data, analytics, and donor management systems to monitor outcomes, manage pipelines, and support informed decision-making
Demonstrates ability to uphold Anne Carlsen Center's ethical standards and demonstrate the behavioral and service expectations as defined in our policies and procedures.
Demonstrates ability to follow all Anne Carlsen policies and procedures.