Chief Development Officer

• Strategic Planning and Vision: Ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans that align with the organizations goals and mission. The CDO must foresee growth opportunities and anticipate challenges.
• Fundraising Expertise: Proficiency in fundraising techniques including grant writing capital campaigns donor relations and crowdfunding. Understanding the nuances of different funding sources and how to appeal to each is critical.
• Leadership and Management: Strong leadership skills to inspire and manage the development team setting clear goals and ensuring accountability. The ability to mentor staff and foster a collaborative productive work environment is essential.
• Communication and Persuasion: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to articulate the organizations mission vision and needs compellingly. This includes grant proposals presentations and negotiations.
• Relationship Building and Networking: The capacity to cultivate and maintain relationships with donors partners board members and other stakeholders. Networking skills are crucial for expanding the organizations reach and securing support.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding financial strategies and budget management within the development context. This includes planning forecasting and efficiently allocating resources to maximize impact.
• Analytical and Decision-Making Skills: Ability to analyze data trends and market insights to inform strategic decisions. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of fundraising campaigns and adjusting strategies accordingly.
• Adaptability and Resilience: The fundraising environment can be highly variable and competitive. A CDO must be adaptable able to pivot strategies in response to changing circumstances and resilient in the face of setbacks.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with development software databases and tools for donor management campaign tracking and reporting. Understanding digital marketing strategies and social media can also be beneficial.
• Ethical Integrity and Transparency: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all dealings and maintaining transparency with donors stakeholders and the public. Trust is a cornerstone of successful development efforts.
• Cultural Competency: Engaging with and respecting diverse communities and perspectives. This is especially important in global organizations or those serving varied populations.
• The Chief Development Officer will also lead KCPPs primary biannual fundraiser Love Finds a Way and works closely with the internal development team the marketing team the CEO as well as with the outside event professional team assembled for this important event. Likewise the CDO will manage smaller internal events (open houses tours donor gatherings board-sponsored gatherings) with the Marketing Department as requested.

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or college with advanced degrees preferred
• Minimum ten years related experience in fundraising and donor solicitation with demonstrated success in the areas of major donor development and planned giving
• Excellent written communications skills and storytelling; experience in public speaking
• Provide three letters of referral that support your development prowess. Referrals will be contacted.
• Three years of related experience in nonprofit event execution
• Knowledge of the philanthropic community of Kansas City preferred
• Exceptional level of customer service and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; knowledge of Donor Perfect and Classy databases a plus
• Creativity and willingness to try new approaches and receive constructive feedback
• Self-starter who works well both independently and as a member of a team.
• Must be able to work in a crowded often stressful environment under a variety of conditions
• Confident but humble leader to work with and inspire the KC Pet Project staff volunteers and its Board(s) of Directors Kansas City Pet Project board and KC Campus for Animal Care board

1. Cover letter introducing yourself containing full contact information Legal Name Full Address Primary email address mobile phone # home or other phone #
2. Resume that includes past employers dates supervisor names and professional accomplishments
3. Provide the contact information of up to three references who can speak to your work ethic and quality and three letters of recommendation.

Required Experience:

Chief