Chief Development Officer

Monterey Bay Aquarium•Monterey, CA

About The Position

The Monterey Bay Aquarium seeks an experienced fundraising executive to lead its development, donor engagement, and membership efforts. Reporting to the CEO and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Development Officer will define a development vision and build the infrastructure for a comprehensive program that strengthens philanthropy, supports the Aquarium’s strategic plan and next campaign, attracts new funding sources, engages donors and members, develops staff, and advances the Aquarium’s visibility and reputation. The CDO will lead preparations for the Aquarium’s next comprehensive campaign while sustaining annual operating support. Working with the CEO, Board of Trustees, senior leaders, volunteers, and other constituents, the CDO will shape campaign priorities, identify compelling funding opportunities, expand and deepen support from individuals, foundations, and corporations, and use the membership program as a pathway to long-term philanthropic engagement. The CDO will personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a select portfolio of major and principal gift donors and advise the CEO on donor cultivation and transformational gift solicitation. The CDO will manage and mentor a 40-person development team, including three direct reports: the Vice President of Gift Planning, Vice President of Member and Donor Relations, and Director of Major Gifts. The role calls for a strategic, disciplined, collaborative leader who can turn priorities into action, establish effective systems and measurable goals, and foster a culture of excellence, transparency, communication, and professional growth. The CDO will contribute to organization-wide strategy and cross-functional decision-making as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Requirements

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience developing and implementing a successful, comprehensive development program in a fast-paced environment.
In-depth knowledge of development best practices and demonstrated ability to conceptualize, manage, and close a comprehensive campaign.
Experience growing an existing program to produce a transformative increase in philanthropic revenue.
Success improving a development program and its staff through objectives and performance standards.
Strong strategic planning and analytical skills, with experience developing and implementing an organization-wide development plan.
Personal experience cultivating major and principal gifts, including donor strategies, solicitation approaches, and stewardship.
Fundraising experience across major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and membership programs, with results across these areas.
Credibility, maturity, and sound judgment when engaging senior leaders, board members, volunteers, high-net-worth individuals, and business leaders in fundraising.
Deep understanding of resource management and evidence of strategic decisions in allocating and tracking resources.
Strong organizational development skills and experience building and managing effective teams.
Ability to inspire and motivate staff in line with strategic priorities, performance indicators, and expectations.
Experience leading and managing a comparably sized team, with success in hiring, team development, and staff retention.
History of implementing data-informed approaches and combining strategic and tactical thinking to produce results.
Strong personal integrity and work ethic, and a sense of humor and perspective.
Bachelor’s degree preferred; comparable directly relevant experience and a proven record of achievement may be considered instead.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree (or comparable directly relevant experience in lieu of formal education).

Responsibilities

Lead a strategic, cohesive development program that broadens fundraising, outreach, and membership activities and increases philanthropic revenue year over year.
Prepare the Aquarium for future fundraising initiatives by ensuring staff and infrastructure are effectively deployed.
Identify funding opportunities based on organizational priorities and match them with current and prospective donors.
Use strategic-plan and campaign messaging to engage and inspire the Aquarium community.
Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a select portfolio of major and principal gift donors.
Lead frontline fundraising by example and ensure timely donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Develop a forward-looking operating model informed by metrics, data, benchmarking, and best practices.
Advise and support the CEO as a spokesperson and fundraiser, including donor cultivation and transformational gift solicitations.
Guide the Board of Trustees, senior leaders, volunteers, and other constituents in development-related activities.
Serve as an active member of the Executive Leadership Team and contribute to organization-wide strategic planning and policy discussions.
Build collaborative relationships with senior peers and promote shared goals across the organization.
Lead, support, and mentor the 40-person development team, including three direct reports.
Set clear direction, priorities, and measurable goals for development personnel.
Promote a culture of excellence, collaboration, transparency, communication, professional growth, and performance.
Oversee development staff hiring, training, job descriptions, and performance reviews.
Manage development resources, including time, effort, budget, and funding, and make strategic allocation decisions.