Chief Development Officer

Summary

Join uAspire as their Chief Development Officer (CDO) and lead their fundraising efforts. As a key member of the Executive Team, you will oversee all fundraising and development activities, directly supervising two senior vice presidents. You will develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, cultivate relationships with major donors, and manage the Development department budget. Success in securing significant gifts and fostering a collaborative team environment is crucial. The role requires progressive senior-level leadership experience in fundraising, preferably within the educational, nonprofit, or philanthropic sectors. uAspire offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Requirements

• Progressive senior-level leadership experience with a proven track record of successfully leading, managing, and growing outcomes-based fundraising departments, preferably within the educational, nonprofit or philanthropic sectors
• Success in and passion for fundraising that is demonstrated in a commitment to maintaining current funders, a zest for cultivating new donors, an ability to generate new revenue streams, and a history of successfully taking organizations to the next level of sustained philanthropic support
• Commitment and experience to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging best practices and continuous learning. An enterprise-level orientation to effectively support the Advancement team while prioritizing the continued growth and direction of the organization
• Thrives in a lean, fast-paced, highly collaborative, and entrepreneurial environment; with the integrity, wisdom, persistence, and humor necessary to address the practicalities of a constantly evolving, dynamic organization
• A management style that combines respectful collaboration with disciplined productivity
• Exceptional oral and written communication, networking and public engagement skills, including the ability to adapt style and approach to diverse constituencies and needs
• Ability to build sustainable and productive partnerships with nonprofits, philanthropic partners, academic institutions, and city and state governments
• Ability to compel others to action as a key storyteller of our path to impact, priorities for growth and ongoing contributions to the communities and young people we serve
• Experience with advocacy, relevant public policy, and systems reform efforts

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO on fundraising strategy and organizational sustainability
• Relentlessly collaborate and partner with Executive Team colleagues to prioritize the organization’s collective goals and objectives
• Mobilize the Development team by sharing ambitious, inspiring, and compelling approaches to deepen and grow organizational impact and sustainability, while actively participating in frontline fundraising alongside team members
• Be accountable for the organization's fundraising performance, maintaining a personal portfolio of major donors while coaching team members to achieve their individual and collective goals
• Set a clear strategic direction and guide the Development team, setting expectations to ensure the team is driving forward organization-wide strategies and meeting or exceeding their goals
• Foster a collaborative and results-oriented culture within the Executive and Development teams that embraces teamwork, transparency, seamless communication, and mentorship rolling up your sleeves to work alongside team members while providing guidance and support for their growth
• Represent uAspire in external-facing work with donors, partners and other stakeholder communities and partner with the CEO and other organizational leaders to serve as a passionate advocate for uAspire's mission
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with uAspire’s strategic plan and mission, ensuring revenue growth across multiple channels
• Secure dollars, cultivate and steward critical relationships through a defined portfolio of board members, corporate partners, foundation and individual funders, and other strategic revenue partnerships, to reach organizational growth and sustainability goals
• Lead the building, implementation, and adoption of systems and practices that support intra- and inter-departmental collaboration, integration, communication, and relationship building to meet/exceed annual fundraising goals
• Partner closely with the Chief Impact Officer and Chief Knowledge Officer to strategically align impact models, services, and innovation opportunities with funding opportunities
• Instill a culture of philanthropy throughout uAspire, ensuring all staff members understand their role in the organization’s philanthropic success
• Effectively engage the Board of Directors via the Development Committee to provide ongoing support and engagement in the areas of growth, community partnerships and resource development
• Develop and manage the Development department budget, ensuring strategic investments and responsible fiscal controls and stewardship are maintained
• Monitor, analyze and report out fundraising data and key performance indicators to assess progress towards fundraising goals
• Build and sustain excellent relationships both within and external to uAspire
• Nurture a transparent and compassionate culture where staff feels able to bring their full selves to work, supported and cared for personally and professionally, and able to productively and openly engage in critical conversations
• Uphold and build on our ongoing work on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $200,000 - $215,000 annually
• Generous paid time off
• Medical, dental, and vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• HRA account
• 5% employer contribution to retirement planning
• Remote position with some travel required