Chief Development Officer

Join to apply for the Chief Development Officer role at American Red Cross

By joining the American Red Cross you will touch millions of lives every year and experience the greatness of the human spirit at its best. Are you ready to be part of the world's largest humanitarian network?

Where your career is a force for good! Join us—Where your Career is a Force for Good!

As Regional Chief Development Officer, you will lead philanthropy at scale and shape humanitarian impact across Missouri, Arkansas, Southwest Illinois, and Eastern Kansas. You will set a bold vision and achieve results for a high‑performing development team responsible for over $14 million in annual giving, growing donors, and innovative corporate and individual partnerships. You will serve as a trusted partner to the Regional CEO and leadership team, a strategic advisor to boards and volunteer leaders, and a visible ambassador for the Red Cross across the region.

Design and lead annual and multi‑year development strategies that sustain and grow the region’s donor base while expanding new corporate, individual, and foundation relationships. Partner closely with the Regional CEO, Divisional Fundraising Vice President, Chapter Executive Directors, and Chapter Boards to align priorities with strategic impact and market opportunity.

Own all regional fundraising results within a portfolio‑based major gifts model. Set individual targets, manage stewardship of disciplined portfolios, provide forecasting and analysis, and drive prospect movement across the region. Ensure standards for identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major‑gift prospects at $5,000 and above.

Maintain accountability for achieving or exceeding the region’s annual fundraising goal (> $14 million) while managing departmental expense budgets. Monitor performance monthly and adjust strategies to sustain success.

Drive innovative corporate fundraising through dynamic annual and multi‑year plans. Oversee a team of three corporate major‑gift fundraisers, nurture key relationships, and pursue new revenue, especially during disaster response.

Manage the team with clarity and urgency, prioritizing donor relationships and sustaining morale to mobilize both restricted and unrestricted fundraising.

Serve as the fundraising subject matter expert and primary liaison with the Regional Board Philanthropy Committees, equipping board members and volunteer leaders as effective ambassadors and fundraisers.

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the regional development staff, fostering a collaborative, inclusive culture focused on growth and accountability.

Oversee donor management practices, record all activities in Salesforce, forecast gifts, and maintain compliance with reporting requirements.

Operate as a trusted senior leader, contributing to enterprise‑wide strategy and representing the region externally.

Regional Development Fundraising Target >$14 million.

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree highly desirable.

Experience: Minimum 10 years of fundraising leadership experience; track record of increasing philanthropic revenue; experience with broad‑based fundraising programs and major gifts. Corporate or B2B sales leadership experience may substitute.

Management

Experience:

Minimum 7 years of supervisory experience.

Skills & Abilities: Strong interpersonal skills with multiple constituencies; excellent verbal and written communication; proficiency with MS Office and fundraising databases (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce). Team player with customer‑service orientation.

Travel: Frequent travel within the region; occasional travel to…