Chief Development Officer

Chief Development Officer

Center for American Progress

This range is provided by Center for American Progress. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$/yr - $/yr

Reports to: President and CEO

Department: Development

Position classification: Exempt, full time

Compensation range: $210,000–$260,000 per annum

Work site: On-site (Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

American Progress comprises two tax‑exempt mission‑driven organizations—the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund—and is dedicated to improving the lives of Americans through ideas and action. American Progress is creating an affirmative vision for America—a vision that policymakers, legislators, and thought leaders can use to shape the national debate and drive lasting change. The Chief Development Officer will work closely with the President and CEO to develop the fundraising strategy for American Progress.

They will work closely with the CEO on board engagement and manage a portfolio of six‑ and seven‑figure prospects while leading and overseeing the management of the Development department.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a development team of 12 fundraisers and support staff to help them reach the combined CAP and CAP Action goals of more than $60 million annually.
• Develop and execute an integrated fundraising strategy that increases CAP’s and CAP Action’s contributed support and diversifies the types of donors to both organizations.
• Carry a portfolio of six‑ and seven‑figure prospects.
• Support the President and CEO in soliciting high‑level donors and with board engagement.
• Partner with the Executive Vice President, Policy, and Executive Director, CAP Action, to ensure the fundraising success of various policy and advocacy department team leads.
• Partner with the Executive Vice President, Communications, and Executive Vice President, External Relations and Programs, to promote impact and create exceptional donor engagement opportunities.
• Ensure that fundraising strategies are clearly understood by senior leadership across the organization and that the development office is achieving its strategic goals at an optimum pace.
• Manage both general support and restricted funding development opportunities.
• Develop, attract, and lead a diverse, talented, and high‑performing team, including holding everyone accountable for quantifiable high‑quality, timely, and cost‑effective results.
• Serve as coach, mentor, and leader of the development staff.
• Serve as effective developer of solutions to business challenges as a member of American Progress’ executive team.
• Successfully balance a robust travel schedule for meeting with potential and current funders with day‑to‑day department oversight.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or equivalent experience is required.
• 10+ years of nonprofit leadership experience, managing a large, comprehensive, national fundraising program, or comparable work with a nonprofit advocacy or policy‑oriented organization is required.
• Demonstrated success leading a team, managing a seven‑figure portfolio of individual and/or foundation donors, and managing relationships with internal and external partners to create the conditions for success.
• Demonstrated work experience and donor contacts in mission‑aligned areas.
• The ability to succeed in a fast‑paced environment.
• A proven track record in fundraising from a variety of sources, including government agencies, private foundations, individuals, and the private sector.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial ability to develop alliances and coordinate shared interests of all parties.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills designed to meet the challenges of the organization.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with considerable experience in writing and presenting information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to use data and CRM systems to set fundraising strategy and priorities, measure outcomes, and drive superior performance.
• Knowledge of various progressive philanthropic and political…