Chief Development Officer

Job Description: Child Advocates is a well-established Indianapolis based non-profit whose mission is to champion children and families throughout Indiana by advocating for justice, seeking access to opportunity, and fostering well-being for children. The Chief Development Officer (CDO) role is pivotal to ensuring our critical programs continue to reach vulnerable children. The CDO will lead our comprehensive fundraising strategy, cultivate essential donor relationships, and secure resources to sustain our vital services. We are seeking a mission-driven relationship-builder, collaborator, and strategic planner, with strong communication skills. We provide a flexible, collaborative, and people-focused culture that values teamwork and individual contributions. Our teams are comprised of many talented and experienced professionals who have dedicated their careers to the service of children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other life traumas. We provide an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment for our employees and the children and families we serve. We foster work-life balance through a generous time off package including vacation time, holidays, and a free week off near year-end. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package. We operate remotely and ensure regular in-person engagement among leadership and program teams. Primary Responsibilities: Understand the mission of Child Advocates and be able to effectively communicate it to diverse donor audiences Lead the Development Department in fundraising activities, including annual giving, events, corporate partnerships, major and planned giving, and grants Create and lead the organization’s fundraising plan that focuses on diversifying and growing funding sources Oversee the identification, research, cultivation, communication, solicitation, acknowledgment and stewardship of donors at all levels Actively engage the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors in the fundraising process Support the Chair of the Board of Directors’ Development Committee in understanding fundraising plan and actively engaging the committee in supporting efforts outlined in the plan Lead and direct special campaigns relating to capital and program initiatives in support of the organization’s Strategic/Feasibility Plan Work closely with Chief Communications Officer to support annual Communications Plan and collaborate on key initiatives such as Annual Report, agency newsletters, campaigns and annual events Work closely with the CFO to reconcile donor database activity with financial records regularly and to prepare budgets for grant and funding proposals and reports Serve as the lead resource in creating a culture where philanthropy is valued organization-wide and cross-train other departments on their role in philanthropy Serve as an active member of the organization’s leadership team Manage Development Staff members to achieve their individual goals in alignment with department goals Support execution of annual agency events, Inspire and Ignite and Trivia Night Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree and demonstrated experience in fundraising including major/planned giving, annual giving, and grants Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant senior level experience in fundraising CFRE or other professional designation preferred Experience in leadership and team building Demonstrated success in meeting annual fundraising goals Superior communication (oral and written), organizational, and time management skills Familiarity with the strategic use of events to engage donors Significant experience cultivating and soliciting face-to-face major and/or planned gifts Experience leading, managing, and collaborating with staff and ability to work harmoniously with diverse groups of individuals Knowledge and skill in computer use and donor management tools Strength of character, honesty, integrity, sense of humor, and flexibility are necessary and important Strong knowledge of management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership, and coordination of people and resources Valid driver’s license and insurance required to travel to and from donor visits. Child Advocates, Inc. is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Child Advocates, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

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