Chief Development Officer

KANSAS HUMANE SOCIETY OF WICHITA INC•Wichita, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a senior executive leader responsible for strategically managing all fundraising, marketing, and community engagement efforts to advance the mission of The Kansas Humane Society. Serving on the executive leadership team, this role drives organizational growth by integrating development and marketing strategies to increase revenue, visibility, and community impact. The CDO oversees multiple departments, including Development, Marketing & Communications, and Youth Education and leads a comprehensive, data-informed approach to philanthropy, brand awareness, and stakeholder engagement. This position is critical to ensuring the organization’s financial sustainability and community presence. By aligning fundraising excellence with strategic marketing, the CDO strengthens donor relationships, expands revenue streams, and amplifies the organization’s mission to serve animals and the community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience is required.
At least 3 years’ experience in development or related field and a proven record of accomplishment of success.
Proven team management and leadership skills.
Proven success in scaling philanthropic revenue and building comprehensive fundraising programs.
Demonstrated expertise in major gifts, donor relations, grant writing, and capital campaigns.
Strong background in marketing, communications, and digital engagement strategies.
Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.
Experience managing multiple departments and cross-functional teams.
Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
Ability to use data and analytics to drive decision-making and optimize outcomes.
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Must be well organized, detail oriented, self-motivated, and disciplined.
Must possess the ability to work with people of all socio-economic statuses / backgrounds and adjust one’s personal approach accordingly.
Must be computer literate in a Windows environment and work well within a multiple team environments.
Ability to speak effectively and communicate clearly.
Able to hear average conversations.
The employee is regularly required to type, stand, sit, kneel, and squat.
The employee is regularly required to use hands to type.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Employees may also walk or sit for long periods of time.
Ability to make decisions independently, must have respect for the human / animal bond.
Ability to deal with a variety of variables under only limited standardization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents.
Ability to communicate clearly.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Donor Database/CRM software preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a member of the executive leadership team, contributing to organizational vision, strategy, and decision-making.
Develop and implement a comprehensive, long-term development and marketing strategy aligned with organizational goals.
Integrate fundraising and marketing initiatives into the overall strategic plan to ensure sustainable growth and mission impact.
Represent the organization professionally within the community, building strong external partnerships and visibility.
Design, execute, and oversee a comprehensive fundraising program, including: Major and planned gifts, Annual and monthly giving programs, Corporate sponsorships, Foundation and grant funding, Special events and campaigns, Direct mail and digital fundraising.
Lead capital campaigns and major gift initiatives, including personal cultivation and stewardship of high-value donors.
Oversee donor relations strategy, ensuring meaningful engagement, recognition, and retention.
Manage and optimize the fundraising database and reporting systems.
Monitor and evaluate fundraising performance using key metrics and analytics.
Develop and implement integrated marketing and communications strategies to promote programs, services, and mission impact.
Oversee branding, public relations, digital presence, and content strategy.
Drive community engagement and awareness through campaigns, storytelling, and outreach initiatives.
Align marketing efforts with fundraising goals to maximize donor acquisition and retention.
Provide leadership and oversight for Development, Marketing & Communications, and Youth Education teams.
Supervise key staff, which may include: Donor Services Director, Community Engagement Director, Director of Marketing and Communications, Youth Education Director.
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture with clear goals, accountability, and professional development.
Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and ongoing staff development.
Partner with executive leadership to develop annual revenue projections and departmental budgets.
Monitor revenue and expenses against budget, ensuring financial accountability and goal attainment.
Oversee financial tracking, reporting, and reconciliation processes related to fundraising activities.
Collaborate with staff, Board of Directors, donors, and community partners to achieve organizational goals.
Support and engage board members in fundraising and ambassador roles.
Ensure excellent donor stewardship through timely communication and responsiveness.
Act as a trusted leader and resource across the organization.

Benefits

Opportunity for two pay increases per year!
Generous paid time off
10 paid holidays per year
Paid time when closed for Inclement Weather
Comprehensive low deductible health, pharmacy and dental plans
Vision insurance plan
SIMPLE IRA Retirement Plan with a generous company match
Pre-tax spending accounts for health care and childcare expenses
Discounted YMCA membership
Discounts on adoptions, retail store items, basic veterinary services and medicine, and pet food
Employee Assistance Program