Overview
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) will provide expert, authoritative advice to the President and Board of Directors of the Navy Museum Development Foundation (NMDF) on all aspects of fundraising, make substantial recommendations for policy changes, and lead major fundraising initiatives to support the design and construction of a New National Museum of the U.S. Navy (NMUSN) campus in southeast Washington, DC. The CDO will build a development team and manage all aspects of the NMUSN campaign, particularly as they relate to major and principal gift donors. The CDO will serve as an inspiring fundraiser and brand champion for the NMUSN Campus and the catalyst to strengthen NMDF’s culture of philanthropy.
Reporting to the NMDF President, the ideal candidate will have a track record in fundraising, exceptional relationship-building skills, and a strong attraction to our mission. The position requires routine travel and the ability to attend evening and weekend functions in DC, and work from our office location on the Washington Navy Yard.
The CDO must have a passion for, and deep interest in the missions and history of the U.S. Navy and, thereby, exhibitions and programs of the NMUSN Campus. The position requires a deep appreciation for building the national reach of the new museum campus and the esteemed place it will occupy in the hearts of those who served and are serving in the U.S. Navy. The CDO’s ability to inspire and engage others as a senior representative of this powerful brand is critical to NMDF’s mission.
This position requires extensive professional experience in fundraising, including direct involvement in capital campaigns. The CDO is the principal development leader for the foundation, its fundraising work, and maintains strong relationships with key individual and family donors, corporations, and foundations.
Responsibilities
- Will build and grow a new development team over time (as funding permits). Hire, train, retain, and develop this team of professionals by providing coaching and support to empower, learn, and develop as expert fundraising professionals. Must motivate and manage this growing development team, initially supervising two Major Gift Officers capable of managing a significant portfolio of current and prospective donors while leaning into all fundraising tasks and inspire willingness to cross-train to get the job done.
- Construct strategies and execute campaign plans that will increase support of major giving, planned giving, corporate, congressional, government, and community support.
- Personally manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors at the highest level of giving capacity, including both individual and institutional sources, moving them through the stages of discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Take a hands-on approach to standing up and operating Customer Relations Software and other key fundraising data bases and systems.
- Work closely with Naval History and Heritage Command to develop a marketing strategy to communicate the NMUSN’s value proposition, impact, and brand to increase public and stakeholder awareness.
- Serve as an ambassador to communities served by the U.S. Navy and the new museum, playing a visible role in advancing new and existing relationships that lead to increased engagement.
- Develop a donor program and execute a deliberate donor recognition program to steward donor relationships to ensure long-term donor loyalty. Work closely with Naval History and Heritage Command to seek approval of designated donor recognition such as naming opportunities.
- Provide support to the President and the board in fundraising activities, including development of materials, relationship management, and ongoing donor cultivation efforts.
- Build a strong team culture grounded in ethical conduct, transparency, inclusivity, and belonging as well as dedication to fueling the Foundation’s mission.
Qualifications
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in progressively responsible development leadership positions, which includes work in all functional areas (individual giving, institutional giving, annual giving, planned giving, stewardship, Board relations, etc.) and participation in a major capital campaign (planning, implementation, management, and successful conclusion), preferably within a major cultural institution, nonprofit organization, military museum campaign, educational institution, or other environment of similar complexity.
- A minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience demonstrating a strong record of recruiting and developing exceptional people and fostering a positive work environment that imbues ownership and accountability.
- A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree and strong academic credentials that will be credible to donors and other stakeholders are preferred.
- A proven and inspirational frontline major gifts fundraiser with a long track record of success in securing six and seven-figure gifts and greater. Demonstrated strength in prospect discovery and in building effective strategies to compel new major donor targets to invest in the museum campus’ programs and mission. Experience in translating annual giving strategies that groom the next generation of leadership and major gift donors.
- Particular strength in developing the case for support and strategic, complex, and innovative fundraising plans, and executing those plans to achieve goals and objectives. Experience working directly with the most senior levels of an organization is very important, as is the ability to effectively strategize and engage various groups and constituents.
- Demonstrated ability in planning and executing integrated, strategic communications in support of achieving fundraising goals. Experience identifying and coaching project spokespeople. A functional understanding of how to effectively leverage various communication mediums and distribution channels for optimal exposure and impact.
- Experience identifying, nurturing, and working with Board members and other foundation and museum campus supporters, and an appreciation for their role in building an effective fundraising network.
- The ability to enter (personally as necessary), extract, and analyze data to make effective, efficient decisions about donor strategy and process. A working knowledge of modern data management practices and techniques, including database information systems, data modeling, and analysis. Familiarity with technology and other innovations that can streamline the development process and contribute to the integration of advancement functions.
- Ability and enthusiasm to travel as necessary.
Terms
- Full-time, in-office, Washington Navy Yard, DC
- Salary range of $175,000-$225,000, commensurate with experience
- Benefits include health and dental premiums and a 401k program