Chief Development Officer

Position Summary

The Chief Development Officer is responsible for leading strategic fundraising and marketing efforts to advance the mission of reStart Inc. This role is integral to increasing the organization’s visibility, securing philanthropic support, and cultivating relationships with stakeholders, donors, partners, and the broader community.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet the financial goals of the organization.
• Manage and expand the donor pipeline, including individuals, foundations, corporate partners, and government agencies.
• Oversee annual campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, and special events (e.g., galas, auctions, and fundraising drives).
• Collaborate with the CEO, Board Development Committee, and Grants Manager to create and prioritize donor prospect lists.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and foundations.
• Implement a donor stewardship plan to ensure continued engagement and long-term commitment.
• Lead efforts in donor recognition, impact reporting, and targeted outreach campaigns.

Grants & Corporate Partnerships

• Oversee the grants team in developing compelling proposals, applications, LOIs, and reports for government, corporate, private foundations, and donor-advised funds.
• Identify, research, and apply for government and private grants to support reStart’s programs.
• Strengthen relationships with corporate sponsors and seek strategic partnerships that align with reStart’s mission.
• Work collaboratively with program staff to align funding proposals with organizational needs.

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee the development of compelling donor communications, annual reports, and fundraising appeals.
• Oversee the creation of marketing materials, including digital content, newsletters, brochures, and annual reports.
• Oversee the management of the organization’s website, social media platforms, and email campaigns.
• Ensure consistent, clear, and compelling messaging across all communication channels.
• Track and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and adjust strategies as needed.
• Represent reStart at community events, networking functions, and public speaking engagements.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

• Partner with the CEO and Board of Directors to align fundraising and marketing strategies with organizational goals.
• Monitor and report on fundraising and marketing progress, ensuring objectives are met.
• Lead and mentor the development team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration and success.
• Stay informed on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in fundraising and marketing.
• Work closely with the CEO, Board, Campaign Council, and Consultant to support capital campaign execution.

Volunteer & In-Kind Engagement Management

• Develop opportunities for volunteer engagement aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Work with the marketing team to recognize volunteer contributions through written appreciation, social media, newsletters, and events.
• Cultivate in-kind donation relationships with vendors and individuals, securing goods and services such as food, hygiene products, pest control, and mechanical services.
• Convert vendor partnerships into sponsorships and cost-saving opportunities for reStart Inc.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of ten years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or marketing with a proven track record of success.
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit fundraising strategies, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
• Experience in digital marketing, social media, content creation, and online engagement strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage and inspire various stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, project management, and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency in fundraising software and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Bloomerang) and digital marketing tools.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Experience working with a nonprofit board of directors.
• Expertise in public relations, media relations, and brand management.
• Knowledge of website and social media marketing.
• Understanding of donor stewardship and relationship-building strategies.
• Event planning and management experience.
• Familiarity with capital campaign structures and execution.
• Ability to track communications across multiple stakeholders and projects, including annual giving, special events, grants, board engagement, and capital campaigns.

Requirements

• Position is onsite.
• Reliable transportation to attend meetings with stakeholders, funders, and vendors at various locations.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for event setup and marketing materials.

Core Attributes

• Commitment to reStart Inc.’s mission, vision, and values.
• Solution-focused approach with strong problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability and collaboration in a team-oriented environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to set and achieve goals.